The Head of the Upper School is directly responsible for the effective functioning of the division which is comprised of grades 9-12. He or she serves as a member of the Leadership Team that is composed of three division heads, Assistant Head of Middle School, the Director of Finance, the Director of Community Relations and School Safety, the Assistant Head and the Head of School. The Head of Upper School reports to the Head of School.

Following the Academic Dean’s leadership on curricular development, the Head of the Upper School helps in its implementation. He or she should be conversant with trends and research in the education of girls in this age group. It is important that the head of the division understand diverse learning styles and adolescent developmental issues. Technological proficiency and literacy is integral to the Hewitt curriculum.

The development and implementation of clear and consistent guidelines for student behavior is a priority in this division. It will be important to delineate expectations and consequences for the students in a firm but fair manner. The head of the division will need to work effectively with many facets of the child, counseling and leading on the complex social issues which arise in this age group. He or she works with the counseling staff as well. The Upper School Head oversees all student life issues, including the creation of clubs, assemblies, and special events. The advisor system in the Upper School is an important aspect of the program and the Head must be able to work effectively with the advisors, as well as with students and their parents. While the Head of the Upper School does not oversee scheduling, he or she is involved as overall and more specific issues arise, working with the scheduling director and his team.

The Upper School Head works closely with parents in various ways. He or she serves as the conduit and arbiter for information and problem-solving. It is important to be approachable, empathetic, and also firm in relationships and communication with parents. He or she will serve as the spokesperson for the faculty, the curriculum, and the entire Upper School program and activities. The planning of Parents’ Night and other parent education programs in conjunction with the Parents’ Association is an integral aspect of this work. It is essential that the Upper School Head be an excellent communicator, recognizing the need to keep parents informed. Responsiveness to the needs of parents is a very important part of the Hewitt philosophy. Above all the Head of Upper School should keep the needs and best interests of the child at the forefront.

Admissions, although primarily handled by the admissions staff, is also a part of this position. Working with the Director of Middle and Upper School admissions, the Head of Upper School will interview candidates, review testing and grades, and serve on the admissions committee for this division. The Head of the Upper School oversees the applying out process for all upper school girls, which involves coordinating and processing school records and recommendations. The Upper School Head works closely with the Director of College Counseling as well.

As a leader, the Head of the Upper School should be a good listener who is able to synthesize information and to make wise decisions. He or she will serve as an advocate for faculty and students. The ability to build consensus and to create good relationships with all constituencies is very important. Organization, the ability to compromise, and evidence of sound judgment have all been repeatedly mentioned as highly desirable traits. It is important that he or she keeps the Head of School fully informed.

The Head of the Upper School will work with the Academic Dean and department heads in the recruitment, hiring and evaluation of faculty. He or she will be responsible for the effective implementation of the grading system, reports to parents, Friday Comments, testing, and all other academic tasks. Regular meetings with faculty, advisors, and department chairs are standard procedure. The Head of Upper School will also visit classes regularly and be a visible presence in the classroom area. Oversight of budget for the division is significant, and communication with the Director of Finance is essential. Working with faculty and counseling staff, he or she will oversee nonacademic programs, including life skills, international trips, assembly programs, and matters of health and safety. Good record keeping is essential as well. The Upper School Head is also responsible for his or her own professional development as well as the encouragement of professional development among the faculty.

On the personal level, the Head should be a passionate educator and leader who loves working with young women of this age. An ability to communicate in an articulate and honest manner will be an asset. He or she must value integrity and honesty and model behavior which will command respect and affection. A sense of humor and an ability to remain strong and calm in the storm is highly desirable.

In summary, the Upper School Head is involved integrally in all aspects of the school including curriculum, faculty relations, student activities, finance, strategic planning, admissions and public relations and development. The ability to work effectively on multiple tasks is essential to this position. Energy, innovation and creativity are key factors for success. The Hewitt School is a warm and welcoming environment, and the Upper School Head is responsible for setting this tone and atmosphere in that division.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and a list of references to:
Marjorie Messinger
The Hewitt School
45 East 75th Street
New York, NY 10021