Head of School

St. Clement's School; Airdrie; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a Head of School to lead and inspire a vibrant community dedicated to faith-based education. This role involves strategic leadership, overseeing day-to-day operations, and ensuring alignment with the school's mission. The ideal candidate will foster a positive and nurturing environment, enhance academic quality, and engage with the community to support student growth and welfare. If you have a passion for education and a commitment to Christian values, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on students and staff alike.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to Christ and leadership in a congregation.
• Proven leadership experience in Christian organizations.
• Experience in student recruitment and marketing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of ACA's Mission and Vision.
• Manage the budget and secure necessary funding.
• Ensure a safe and caring learning environment for students.

Skills

Leadership in Christian organizations

Interpersonal skills

Conflict management

Communication skills

Financial planning

Strategic planning

Relationship-building

Education

Master's degree in education or related fields

Post-secondary Bible training

Valid Alberta Professional Teaching Certificate

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Head of School (HoS) serves as the chief executive of Airdrie Christian Academy (ACA) and works in close partnership with ACA's Board of Directors to ensure the school's success. The HoS is responsible for leading the implementation of ACA's Mission and Vision, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance academic quality while overseeing the school's day-to-day operations. Key responsibilities include ensuring alignment with ACA's Mission and Vision, leading and evaluating staff, managing the budget set by the Board, securing necessary funding, and cultivating a strong, faith-driven Christian school culture that inspires ACA community members to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. FAITH LEADERSHIP

• Models involvement in the Christian community.
• Follows a lifestyle in harmony with Biblical teachings and principles.
• Nurtures the faith development and discipleship of staff and students.
• Oversees the development and implementation of strategies to integrate discipleship, spiritual growth, and Bible curriculum into ACA's education process.
• Ensures staff development programs increase staff capacity to fulfill ACA's Vision and Mission.

2. STUDENT LEARNING

• Provides leadership in all education-related matters at ACA.
• Ensures students meet or exceed standards set by Alberta's Minister of Education.
• Creates learning environments that develop knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for work, post-secondary, lifelong learning, and citizenship from a Christian worldview.
• Leads efforts to improve educational opportunities for all students.
• Implements education policies established by the Minister and the Board.

3. STUDENT WELFARE

• Ensures a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environment for students.
• Addresses the social, physical, intellectual, cultural, spiritual, and emotional needs of students.
• Maintains safe facilities for students.
• Acts as or designates the attendance officer for ACA.

4. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Manages ACA's finances in accordance with funding terms and recognized accounting procedures.
• Prepares and oversees the annual budget within approved parameters.
• Provides the Board with financial reports quarterly and annually, including audit findings.
• Prepares the annual capital budget for Board approval.
• Oversees fundraising and stewardship of donor relationships to support financial stability.

5. PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

• Attracts and retains qualified, mission-focused staff.
• Holds overall authority for personnel matters, with exceptions per legislation or policy.
• Supervises staff and implements evaluation processes.
• Facilitates professional development to promote excellence.
• Ensures a supportive, respectful, and safe working environment for staff.

6. POLICY/ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

• Supports policy development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Develops and updates an Administrative Procedures Manual aligned with policies and legislation.
• Implements appropriate admissions procedures.

7. HEAD OF SCHOOL / BOARD RELATIONS

• Maintains a positive, professional relationship with the Board.
• Respects and facilitates Board roles and responsibilities.
• Attends Board meetings, provides reports, and offers counsel on relevant matters.
• Keeps the Board informed on sensitive issues timely.
• Demonstrates respect, integrity, and support to the Board, staff, and community.

8. STRATEGIC PLANNING AND REPORTING

• Leads strategic planning, including development of the Three-Year Education Plan, goals, budgets, and facility plans.
• Involves the Board in planning processes and reports results annually.
• Implements approved plans and reports on outcomes.

9. ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and Board mandates.
• Reports to the Minister as required.
• Identifies and manages risks, involving the Board when necessary.

10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Builds trust with parents, alumni, and donors.
• Develops relationships with local churches.
• Ensures transparent and positive communication internally and externally.
• Represents ACA publicly and acts under FOIP responsibilities.
• Keeps the Board informed with accountability reports.

11. LEADERSHIP PRACTICES

• Practices leadership consistent with biblical principles, gaining support and positive regard from staff and community.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Drive student enrollment growth of 3-5% over five years.
• Expand the donor base and develop new fundraising opportunities for financial stability.
• Develop a five-year strategic plan encompassing educational improvements, staffing, facilities, and capital projects.
• Manage the annual budget effectively.
• Lead and manage Education, Business, Alternative Programs, and Facilities departments.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrate personal commitment to Christ and active leadership in a local congregation.
• Understand core doctrines of the Christian Faith.
• Support and live by the school's Mission Statement, Statement of Faith, and Moral Conduct Policy.
• Proven leadership experience in Christian organizations.
• Ability to foster a Christ-centered, positive, safe, and caring school culture.
• Strong interpersonal, conflict management, and communication skills.
• Relationship-building skills with students, staff, and parents.
• Management, organizational, strategic planning, and visionary leadership skills.
• Experience in student recruitment and marketing.
• Financial planning and budget management experience.
• Experience with Alberta Education curriculum is an asset.
• Valid Alberta Professional Teaching Certificate is an asset.
• Post-secondary Bible training and a Master's degree in education or related fields are assets.
• Entrepreneurial drive with a track record of opportunity capitalization.
• Minimum three years as a successful principal and five years teaching experience preferred.

Compensation: TBD based on skills and qualifications.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Canada.

Applicants must submit a current Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.

Preference for local candidates.