Head of School

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Jun 14
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Head of School

Position Title: Head of School

Date Posted: June 2023

Position Overview:

As it enters its 35th year of providing an exceptional, transformative education with proven results, Cornerstone is seeking a warm and engaging, dynamic and inspirational Head of School to advance its mission, operations, and profile to the next level of excellence. To achieve this, the Head of School must understand, embrace, and harness Cornerstone’s rich identities as an independent, urban Christian school. The successful candidate will cultivate, steward, and motivate an ever-expanding group of financial supporters and will lead the implementation of the school’s new strategic plan by working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, the administration, and faculty. This is a unique opportunity for an impassioned educator and leader who yearns to make a true difference in the lives of children in an urban setting.

Cornerstone Christian Academy, while currently undergoing significant transition, enjoys great support from its faculty, families, students, and alumni. Working with the Principal, the Head of School is responsible for the academic leadership and accomplishment of stated goal of academic excellence, while reporting directly to the Board of Trustees. The next Head of School will benefit from the current Interim leadership of Dick Ollinger, who formerly served as the successful President of the school from 2001-2020. As well, the next Head of School will oversee all aspects of Cornerstone: the development and fundraising, the budget and longer-term financial management and planning, the safety and wellbeing of all members of the school community, communication within the school community and in the broader educational and geographic community, and ensure the delivery of the school’s exceptional academic experience. As the school celebrates its 35th anniversary, the new Head of School will work with the Board and its committees to plan for either a new school location or reconfiguration of the existing school campus to secure the Cornerstone experience for generations to come in Southwest Philadelphia.

At this crucial stage in its history, Cornerstone is seeking a new Head of School who will have the following responsibilities, qualities, and experiences. Specifically, they will:

  • Provide strategic, visionary, and inspirational leadership to drive the continued success and growth of the school.
  • Be a visible and inspiring presence for the students, their parents, the faculty and staff, and the entire school community.
  • Maintain the existing strengths of the academic program while ensuring relevance and openness to innovation.
  • Support the faculty and staff to ensure that they are motivated and experience joy and meaning in their work.
  • Lead and be the voice for the public face of the school via a well-developed communications strategy.
  • Hire, lead, and maintain a highly motivated administrative leadership team in their work by fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration.
  • Partner with the Principal to strengthen the school’s curriculum and programs to meet the educational, emotional, and spiritual needs of its students.
  • Collaborate with the Development Office and Board of Trustees to strategically raise funds necessary for the long-term viability of the school.
  • Implement clear and transparent budgeting/reporting strategies to manage the school’s revenues and expenses.
  • Work effectively with the Board of Trustees to enhance the governance structure, optimize Board members’ expertise, and implement the Strategic Plan.
  • Represent and promote the school in the Kingsessing community in order to advance admissions and development/advancement goals.
  • Ensure the safety, health, and wellness of all students while under the care of the school, ensuring the building safety program meets all local/state requirements.

Specific qualities and characteristics for the Head of School include:

  • Highly relational servant leader.
  • Confident, competent, and transparent leader, with a commitment to academic excellence.
  • An experienced educator with a deep knowledge of best practices and current pedagogy.
  • Possess a strong ability to listen and communicate with high energy and enthusiasm.
  • Ability to hold a vision while also being attentive to detail.
  • Understands (or is willing to learn about) the educational and political landscape of Philadelphia.
  • Strong financial acumen, with a proven understanding of—and ability to create and meet—a budget.
  • Strong fundraiser/friend-raiser who is relatable, approachable, and will serve as a public champion for the school.
  • Desire to celebrate and serve the Christian mission of the school while leading from their own Christian faith.

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Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Cornerstone’s Consultant Partners, Burke Zalosh and Brandon Jacobs of Carney Sandoe, in confidence. Candidates will ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents: Cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;  current résumé; List of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to: burke.zalosh@carneysandoe.com and brandon.jacobs@carneysandoe.com.