Head of Upper School

DovetailED Talent Sourcing; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School in Austin, TX seeks an experienced Head of Upper School to lead the 9–12 program, oversee the academic curriculum, faculty development, student life, and the Upper School campus operations.

This full-time, in-person role reports to the Head of School and participates in the senior administrative team; the ideal candidate will advance Catholic identity, ISAS/TAPPS readiness, budget and staffing oversight, and a culture of academic excellence and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, educational leadership, or a relevant academic discipline.
• Minimum of five years of teaching experience at the secondary level.
• Minimum of three years of academic or administrative leadership experience (e.g., division head, dean, department chair).
• Experience in curriculum design and instructional leadership for secondary programs, including honors/advanced/college-prep.
• Experience managing budgets, staffing, and program operations preferred.
• Knowledge of adolescent development and Catholic school needs; ISAS/TAPPS familiarity is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Upper School (grades 9–12) and supervise the US Academic Deans and key campus programs.
• Oversee academic program, student life, and campus operations; ensure alignment with mission and Catholic identity.
• Collaborate with Lower/Middle School leaders, Athletics, Advancement, Enrollment, and Finance to support a cohesive school community.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Faculty development

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in education or related field

Doctoral degree preferred

Job description

Head of Upper School Opportunity Statement

About the School

St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is an outstanding co-educational Independent Catholic school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in Austin, Texas. The Lower School comprises PreK 3-4th grades, the Middle School houses grades 5-8, and the Upper School contains grades 9-12. We are distinguished by our Catholic tradition, a

welcoming and diverse community, excellent academic programs, and a variety of

extracurricular activities.

Teachers and staff at St. Michael’s Prep further serve as role models

that inspire students to think critically, reflect, explore, and apply their faith concretely to

their lives. We are one community with three divisions, united in our commitment

to put students first as we educate them in mind, body, and spirit.

Position Summary

SMP seeks an experienced and mission driven Head of Upper School to lead our Upper School (Grades 9–12) beginning July 1, 2027. The Head of Upper School is the senior administrator of the division, holding primary responsibility for the academic program, the formation and supervision of faculty, the daily life and culture of the student body, and the operational health of the Upper School campus. This is a full-time, exempt (salaried), in-person, 12-month (year-round) position based at the Upper School campus, reporting to the Head of School and serving as a member of the school’s senior administrative team alongside the Heads of Lower School and Middle School and the school’s directors of Athletics, Advancement, Enrollment Management, Finance and Human Resources, Auxiliary Programs, and Operations. Direct reports include the US Academic Deans, the US Dean of Student Life, the Director of Academic and College Counseling, US Student Support, the US Director of Campus Ministry, Upper School faculty, and the Administrative Assistant to the Head of Upper School. The Head of Upper School therefore oversees, indirectly, the college counseling team, the US Registrar, the US Attendance Coordinator, and the Campus Ministry Associate and Culture Liaison.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, educational leadership, or a relevant academic discipline required; doctoral degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of teaching experience at the secondary level.
• Minimum of three years of academic or administrative leadership experience, such as division head, assistant division head, dean, or department chair.
• Demonstrated success in faculty supervision, evaluation, and professional development.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design and instructional leadership at the secondary level, including experience with honors, advanced, or college-preparatory programming.
• Prior experience managing budgets, staffing, and program operations preferred.
• Deep knowledge of adolescent development and of the academic, social, and spiritual demands of the Upper School years.
• Independent school and/or Catholic school experience preferred; familiarity with ISAS accreditation and TAPPS athletics preferred.
• Familiarity with school laws and regulations related to student records, mandated reporting, and confidentiality.
• Collaborative leadership style consistent with SMP’s mission and values, with the courage to make and communicate difficult decisions.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to engage warmly and effectively with students, families, faculty, and trustees.
• Ability to work with a diversity of constituents, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Awareness, appreciation, and comfort supporting a diverse student body, including racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity, with knowledge of best practices for inclusive support consistent with Catholic teaching on the dignity of the human person.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive matters confidentially.
• Willingness and ability to support and advance the mission and Catholic identity of St. Michael’s Prep.
• Prior experience with student information and learning management platforms preferred.
• Ability to satisfy a criminal background check and to complete Diocese of Austin EIM compliance.