Assistant Head of School

0702 Great Hearts Lake Charles; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Great Hearts Lake Charles is seeking a Founding Assistant Head of School to lead with the Head of School, engage families and the community, and help shape a rigorous liberal arts program. The role requires coordinating curricula, hiring mission-fit staff, and driving student achievement while maintaining strong partnerships with families and Great Hearts leadership.

The position reports to the Executive Director and Head of School, with duties spanning enrollment, instruction, culture, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree at minimum.
• At least 2 years of teaching experience or equivalent in the field.
• At least 2 years in a liberal arts institution or knowledge of a Great Books curriculum preferred.

Responsibilities

• Actively promoting enrollment and community support through events and outreach.
• Supporting curriculum selection aligned with Great Hearts and intervention programs.
• Assisting hiring of mission-fit faculty and staff.
• Developing a proactive plan to assess reading and math and close gaps.
• Planning schedules that allocate intervention time and collaboration.
• Coordinating with policies and family manuals across the school.
• Observing, coaching, and evaluating teachers as assigned.
• Participating in teacher training and faculty meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Instructional coaching

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Specification

POSITION: Administration, Founding Assistant Head of School DEPARTMENT: School Administration LOCATION: Great Hearts Lake Charles REPORTS TO: Executive Director and Head of School EEO CLASSIFICATION: First/Mid-Level Officials and Managers FLSA STATUS: Exempt *Year Zero Start Date: Fall 2026

Position Summary

The Assistant Head of School is a 12-month position. He/she assists the Head of School in the performance of various leadership responsibilities and acts as an essential liaison for families, students, faculty and staff regarding student performance and conduct, as well as academic and instructional areas. The Assistant Head of School reports directly to the Head of School and acts as the leading administrator of the academy in the absence of the Head of School unless otherwise directed. The founding Assistant Head of School supports the Founding Head of School to: Meet ambitious goals for student achievement Build a unified, high-performing faculty culture to hire, retain and develop staff Actively engage families and the community The ideal candidate will understand the distinctions and benefits of a liberal arts education, possess a strong understanding of academic rigor and effective instruction, be a thoughtful partner to the Head of School in strategic planning as well as a guide for faculty and staff. This candidate will maintain a deep partnership and connection with the Head of School and Great Hearts teams. The below duties expect clear coordination with other interested parties.

Year Zero Duties & Responsibilities

• Actively promoting school enrollment and community support through attending community events, networking with community leaders, providing tours at another academy, communicating with those on the interest list, and meeting with families.
• Supporting the selection and procurement of curricula for all subjects as aligned with Great Hearts and including intervention program(s).
• Supporting the hiring of mission-fit faculty and staff.
• Supporting the creation of a clear and proactive plan for assessing students in reading and math, and for closing academic gaps.
• Providing input on the school schedule that provides time for interventions, time for grade level teams to meet and collaborate, and meets legislative requirements.
• Aligning and guiding all Great Hearts policies as outlined in the Standard Schools Policy Guide, Employee Handbook, and Family Handbook.

Ongoing Duties & Responsibilities

• Applies the standard policies and administrative regulations of a Great Hearts academy and those established by any local Board of Directors and Head of School, in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Models and upholds the Supports the philosophy, policies, procedures, and other pertinent data of the school as published in the academy's current Family Handbook and Faculty Handbook.
• Works with Head of School to provide for the safe and orderly environment of the school by establishing and maintaining standards of conduct.
• Observes, coaches, and evaluates teachers as assigned by the Head of School.
• Assists Head of School in planning and execution of teacher training, teacher in-service days, and faculty meetings as they pertain to instructional activities and development.
• Acts as an essential liaison for families, students, faculty, and staff regarding escalated academic and disciplinary matters.
• Coordinates with relevant Great Heights Lead Office Staff regarding academic, disciplinary, and instructional matters as needed.
• Maintains role as key stakeholder in the long- and short-range planning for the school.
• Oversees the planning for key school events and makes decisions necessary to support them.
• Develops and coordinates key schedules and processes, such as school schedules, student placements, substitution assignments, and meeting cycles.
• Assists in recruiting, tracking, and interviewing candidates, and offers hiring recommendations to the Head of School as requested.
• Implements school policies and procedures, including the Academy Emergency Operations Plan, for ensuring the safety and security of students on campus.
• Oversees student culture and discipline, as requested by the Head of School.
• Teaches or substitutes when necessary.
• Serves on the school Leadership Team, supporting all leadership team tasks as assigned by Head of School.
• Participates in periodic Great Hearts professional development activities with other Heads of School and the faculty of other academies at the discretion of the Head of School.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree at minimum.
• Experience: At least 2 years of prior teaching experience or equivalent experience in the field required.
• At least 2 years of experience in a liberal arts institution or knowledge in the delivery of a Great Books core curriculum are strongly preferred.

Competencies & Strengths

• Possesses an affinity for and knowledge of the classical liberal arts model.
• Skilled in instructional coaching and development of teachers and staff.
• Maintains excellent time management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to navigate multiple systems and manage day-to-day operations with ease.
• Maintains a passionate commitment, a servant's heart, and a team player approach.

Additional Requirements

• Type of fingerprint clearance: Must pass state specific fingerprint clearance.
• Physical functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.
• This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
• US Work Authorization is required. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.
• Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.
• This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
• Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Our purpose is to cultivate the minds and hearts of students through the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
• Great Hearts Academies leads the way in classical, liberal arts education.
• We are a growing network of charter schools and private Christian schools, expanding in existing and new regions across Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas.
• Whether you are seeking teaching, leadership, or campus support opportunities, we have established a mission-driven culture and emphasis on learning and growing, professionally and personally.
• At Great Hearts, we provide a calling to shape the future through an education that fosters human flourishing and academic excellence.
• We celebrate diversity and welcome individuals from all backgrounds inside and outside education who bring unique perspectives and ideas to enrich our community.
• Through meaningful conversations and collaboration, we foster a strong, supportive cohort of educators.
• At Great Hearts, your passion and expertise will thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment.
• Learn how you can grow both in mind and heart as an employee of Great Hearts.