Director, Learning and Innovation

Odgers Berndtson Group; Victoria; Hybrid; CAD 160,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

St. Michaels University School (SMUS) in Victoria, BC, seeks a Director of Learning and Innovation to shape a cohesive, future-focused vision of teaching across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.

Reporting to the Head of School, this role leads a culture of curiosity, collaboration and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has extensive independent-school leadership experience, a deep understanding of curriculum innovation and experiential learning, and the ability to translate ideas into

Qualifications

• Experience as a leader in independent schools is preferred.
• Strong understanding of curriculum innovation and pedagogy.

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching and learning across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools to advance an innovative, future-focused vision.
• Cultivate partnerships locally and internationally to connect students and faculty with authentic learning experiences.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional excellence across the School.

Job description

St. Michaels University School (SMUS) is a leading independent day and boarding school located in Victoria, British Columbia, serving more than 1,000 students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 across two campuses. Founded in 1906, SMUS has a long tradition of academic excellence and is guided by its mission to seek “the excellence in all of us, with passion and compassion” while preparing students for life. Home to a vibrant boarding community representing more than 25 countries, SMUS combines rigorous academics, including Canada's longest-running Advanced Placement program, with exceptional opportunities in athletics, the arts, leadership, outdoor education, service, engineering, technology, and design. As SMUS advances its Floreat 2030 Strategic Plan, it continues to strengthen a future-focused educational experience centred on innovation, belonging, sustainability, and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Reporting to the Head of School and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director, Learning and Innovation is a newly created position and a whole-school leader responsible for advancing an innovative, coherent, and future-focused vision of teaching and learning across the School. Working collaboratively with leaders across the Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools, the Director will identify emerging opportunities in teaching and learning, cultivate meaningful local, national, and international partnerships, and help connect students and faculty with authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom. They will play a central role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and professional excellence while ensuring that new ideas and approaches remain grounded in the School's mission, values, and commitment to academic excellence.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished educational leader with significant experience, ideally gained in an independent school setting. They will demonstrate an advanced understanding of curriculum innovation and best practices in pedagogy, assessment, and experiential learning, together with the skills to build alignment and coherence across the educational pathway. A strategic and systems-oriented thinker, the successful candidate will be future-focused, intellectually curious, and adept at translating emerging trends and innovative ideas into meaningful opportunities for students and faculty. They will be a collaborative and relationship-oriented leader who leads through influence, consultation, and shared ownership, while fostering high-performing teams and a culture of trust, accountability, and wellbeing.

The salary range for the position is $160,000 to $195,000 plus a suite of competitive benefits. The Director is expected to assume the position in the summer of 2027. Please direct inquiries and accommodation requests to Julia Robarts and Cora Hui at Odgers at [e-mail].