The Potomac School in McLean, Virginia, seeks an experienced administrator to serve as the Assistant Head of School for Academics, effective July 2023. Potomac enjoys an extraordinary reputation as one of the top independent K-12 day schools in the nation; the School enrolls 1,068 students on a spectacular 90-acre campus just minutes from Washington, D.C. Since its founding near Washington’s Dupont Circle in 1904, Potomac School’s educational philosophy has defined the learning process as an exploratory endeavor driven by students’ natural curiosity and interests. From kindergarten through 12th grade, Potomac faculty seek to develop engaged learners who possess both the intellectual abilities and the character traits needed to thrive in a rapidly changing and demanding society.

The Assistant Head of School for Academics will provide oversight and leadership of Potomac’s academic program, assist with faculty hiring, and help implement strategic priorities and school initiatives. As a member of Potomac’s senior leadership team, they will work closely with the Head of School, Associate Head of School, and four Division Heads. The Assistant Head of School for Academics will be a bright, energetic leader with strong classroom experience who is independent-minded as well as team-oriented. They will strive to ensure alignment of the K-12 curricula by working collaboratively with faculty and fellow administrators. Additionally, they will provide leadership for the K-12 Academic Council, life skills curriculum, Fellows program, faculty growth and development, learning support specialists, and the divisional Academic Deans and Department Chairs. The Assistant Head of School for Academics will be an effective and organized manager, a compelling public speaker with a strong intellect, as well as a fair-minded, transparent, and engaged leader who values interpersonal relationships and genuinely enjoys working with faculty, students, and their parents.

Qualifications and Qualities:

The Assistant Head of School for Academics will play a central role in directing changes to the K12 curriculum, bringing greater cohesion to its academic programs, and complementing the existing signature programs that the school has developed. The school seeks candidates who enjoy collaborating with faculty to explore new curriculum and programs while remaining committed to its core culture and values. The individual selected for this role will be a leader who possesses a deep understanding of independent school communities; has experience leading curriculum review and growth; will maintain consistent, efficient, and timely management of school initiatives; and supports a healthy balance among academics, the arts, athletics, co-curricular activities, and other opportunities.

Personal Qualities:

• Advocates and models the school’s core values: courage, integrity, respect, humility, and perseverance
• Focuses on building relationships and community
• Visible, warm, and engaged leader
• Committed to fostering diversity
• Thoughtful, reflective, and intentional
• Forward-thinking
• Displays self-confidence and self-mastery
• Good listener who values collaboration and is willing to step up and make difficult decisions

Professional Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrates “versatile leadership”— the ability to communicate and lead effectively in diverse situations with various constituents, from large assemblies to one-on-one meetings
• Proven academic leader with solid classroom experience, committed to excellent teaching and ongoing faculty professional development
• Values the strengths of a traditional liberal arts program yet is open to creating new programs, adapting existing curriculum, and exploring innovative methods of instruction to address emerging needs and opportunities
• Demonstrates strong organizational and management skills
• Experienced supervisor who hires for mission and effectively manages and motivates personnel

In striving to fulfill its mission, The Potomac School seeks many different voices, viewpoints, and backgrounds. We recognize that differences are a source of strength, and we know that everyone is enriched when each person's contributions and perspectives are valued.