Head of School

Willows Academy is a liberal-arts college preparatory school for girls in grades 6-12, guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church. Founded in 1974 under the spiritual guidance of Opus Dei and St. Josemaria's teachings, the school understands parents as the first educators. While strong partnerships with parents are paramount, rigorous academics and strong formation in character and teachings of the Catholic faith are essential pillars of the school. The motto “Living Truth in Charity” is to be emulated by faculty, staff, and students.

Unique Benefits of Working at Willows Academy:

Culture: Willows Academy provides young women the opportunity to love God and serve others through the values of joy, integrity, excellence and generosity.

Curriculum: Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, we focus on providing an integrated educational approach uniting a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with faith, character and personal formation. We provide a personalized experience with one-on-one monthly mentoring, small class sizes, and vibrant student life programs in athletics, performing arts, clubs, and co-curriculars.

Community: Our highly-qualified, all-female faculty is a key ingredient in our vibrant community. They serve as both educators and positive role models, creating an environment of community and collaboration that inspires and challenges girls to be their best.

Benefits: We offer a benefits package, which includes health insurance and a 401K plan.

Head of School Position Overview:

The Head of School is the steward of the mission and vision of Willows Academy and partners with the board of directors to maintain a strategic vision which will lead to the long-term flourishing of the school and magnify God’s glory and His Kingdom. The Head of School’s ultimate responsibility is to ensure fidelity and excellence in the formation of students. This is a profoundly rewarding and challenging leadership role. It requires strategic planning alongside daily duties, systems thinking paired with relational warmth, leading and forming the faculty and staff, caring for and loving the students, educating, welcoming, and partnering with parents as primary educators of their children, overseeing the implementation of an authentically Catholic curriculum and ensuring the financial health of Willows Academy.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• A deep understanding of and commitment to the curriculum and pedagogy of an authentically Catholic academy, and the intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church.
• Commitment to leading the school’s faculty and staff with diligence and humility.
• Manifest love for students and commitment to shepherding their growth in imitating Christ, loving God & His Church, including the execution of consistent and wise discipline.
• Proven success in a senior administrative role in a Catholic school.
• Passion for and expertise in identifying, developing, and supporting excellent faculty.
• Expertise, excellence, and authority as a classroom teacher (e.g. an authoritative teacher of teachers).
• Ability to lead in all situations with composure, gravitas, humility, and prudence.
• A robust, mission-aligned vision for the development of faculty and student culture.
• Proven ability to set, communicate, and lead a team to achieve strategic goals.
• Proven administrative acumen, including the creation of operational systems, effective decision-making, and financial management skills such as budgeting and resource allocation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for engaging all members of the community in the full range of contexts from public address to private crucial conversations.
• Ability to lead during crises or emergencies with composure and effective decision-making.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

Strongly Preferred:

• Advanced Degree in relevant area of study.

Responsibilities:

• Work in partnership with the Board of Directors to refine and manifest the school’s mission and strategic future; articulates that mission to all constituencies, including parents, faculty, staff and students; as well as alumnae and the broader community.
• Ensure that every element of the school life reflects the principles set down by the mission of the school and the dignity of each individual.
• Review, execute, and administer the policies of the School, as set by the Board of Directors. Supervise faculty to ensure that school policies are followed.
• Serve as a liaison to the Board of Directors, keeping them informed on the educational aspects of the school’s operation; represent the Board to parents, faculty, staff, students and all constituencies.
• Work in collaboration with the Assistant Head of School, and the Director of Advancement and the Chief Financial Officer to make leadership decisions that enact the mission and strategic future of the school.
• Develop and maintain the school’s culture and quality of life, safe environment practices and policies.
• Oversee the disciplinary program of the school, serves as the final court of appeal for disciplinary action related to any student or employee.
• Communicate effectively and partner with cooperating parents in achieving the mission of the school.
• Provide leadership in shaping and overseeing the school’s academic, formational, and extracurricular programs. Assesses the effectiveness of the various operations and programs of the school, and reports thereof to the Board of Directors.
• Attract, selects, hires, develops, evaluates, and retains properly qualified faculty and staff.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to Grace Liffrig:

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Why are you interested in leading a Catholic school?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Education administration: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Des Plaines, IL: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person