Assistant Head of School

JOB SPECIFICATION: 

POSITION: Administration, Founding Assistant Head of School                       

DEPARTMENT: School Administration                

LOCATION: Great Hearts Lake Charles 

REPORTS TO: Executive Director and Head of School 

EEO CLASSIFICATION: First/Mid-Level Officials and Managers 

FLSA STATUS: Exempt 

*Year Zero Start Date: Fall 2026 

Position Summary 

The Assistant Head of School is a 12-month position. He/she assists the Head of School in the performance of various leadership responsibilities and acts as an essential liaison for families, students, faculty and staff regarding student performance and conduct, as well as academic and instructional areas.  The Assistant Head of School reports directly to the Head of School and acts as the leading administrator of the academy in the absence of the Head of School unless otherwise directed. 

The founding Assistant Head of School supports the Founding Head of School to: 

• Meet ambitious goals for student achievement 

• Build a unified, high-performing faculty culture to hire, retain and develop staff 

• Actively engage families and the community 

The ideal candidate will understand the distinctions and benefits of a liberal arts education, possess a strong understanding of academic rigor and effective instruction, be a thoughtful partner to the Head of School in strategic planning as well as a guide for faculty and staff. This candidate will maintain a deep partnership and connection with the Head of School and Great Hearts teams. The below duties expect clear coordination with other interested parties. 

Year Zero Duties & Responsibilities 

• Actively promoting school enrollment and community support through attending community events, networking with community leaders, providing tours at another academy, communicating with those on the interest list, and meeting with families. 

• Supporting the selection and procurement of curricula for all subjects as aligned with Great Hearts and including intervention program(s). 

• Supporting the hiring of mission-fit faculty and staff. 

• Supporting the creation of a  clear and proactive plan for assessing students in reading and math, and for closing academic gaps. 

• Providing input on the school schedule that provides time for interventions, time for grade level teams to meet and collaborate, and meets legislative requirements. 

• Aligning and guiding all Great Hearts policies as outlined in the Standard Schools Policy Guide, Employee Handbook, and Family Handbook. 

Ongoing Duties & Responsibilities 

• Applies the standard policies and administrative regulations of a Great Hearts academy and those established by any local Board of Directors and Head of School, in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations. 

• Models and upholds the Supports the philosophy, policies, procedures, and other pertinent data of the school as published in the academy's current Family Handbook and Faculty Handbook. 

• Works with Head of School to provide for the safe and orderly environment of the school by establishing and maintaining standards of conduct. 

• Observes, coaches, and evaluates teachers as assigned by the Head of School. 

• Assists Head of School in planning and execution of teacher training, teacher in-service days, and faculty meetings as they pertain to instructional activities and development. 

• Acts as an essential liaison for families, students, faculty, and staff regarding escalated academic and disciplinary matters. 

• Coordinates with relevant Great Hearts Lead Office Staff regarding academic, disciplinary, and instructional matters as needed. 

• Maintains role as key stakeholder in the long- and short-range planning for the school. 

• Oversees the planning for key school events and makes decisions necessary to support them. 

• Develops and coordinates key schedules and processes, such as school schedules, student placements, substitution assignments, and meeting cycles. 

• Assists in recruiting, tracking, and interviewing candidates, and offers hiring recommendations to the Head of School as requested. 

• Implements school policies and procedures, including the Academy Emergency Operations Plan, for ensuring the safety and security of students on campus. 

• Oversees student culture and discipline, as requested by the Head of School. 

• Teaches or substitutes when necessary. 

• Serves on the school Leadership Team, supporting all leadership team tasks as assigned by Head of School. 

• Participates in periodic Great Hearts professional development activities with other Heads of School and the faculty of other academies at the discretion of the Head of School. 

Qualifications 

Education: Bachelor’s degree at minimum. 

Experience: At least 2 years of prior teaching experience or equivalent experience in the field required. At least 2 years of experience in a liberal arts institution or knowledge in the delivery of a Great Books core curriculum are strongly preferred. 

Competencies & Strengths 

• Possesses an affinity for and knowledge of the classical liberal arts model 

• Skilled in instructional coaching and development of teachers and staff 

• Maintains excellent time management and interpersonal skills 

• Ability to navigate multiple systems and manage day-to-day operations with ease 

• Maintains a passionate commitment, a servant’s heart, and a team player approach 

Additional Requirements: 

Type of fingerprint clearance: Must pass state specific fingerprint clearance.

Physical functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately. 

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  

US Work Authorization is required.