Science Department Head

SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION

St. Paul’s is a completely residential, co-educational, Episcopal, secondary school in Concord, NH, welcoming to all faiths. St. Paul’s seeks applications from candidates who embrace teaching adolescents in and outside of the classroom. A successful candidate will offer teaching expertise, a commitment to intellectual curiosity and innovation, an appetite for the fully residential living experience, and a demonstrated gift for engaging a diverse student body and strengthening the St. Paul’s School inclusive community. In addition to teaching and administrative responsibilities, faculty at St. Paul’s School are responsible for a variety of activities typical to the boarding school environment, including advising, dormitory association and supervision, coaching, committee work and other duties.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The St. Paul's School science department strives to inspire students to pursue scientific literacy through an inquiry mindset. The department values curiosity along with creativity as central parts of the learning process. The core sequence moves from Physics First to Chemistry, then to Biology, aiming to cultivate an appreciation for the scientific process. In addition to these core sciences as well as various elective courses, the Applied Science and Engineering Program and the astronomy program distinguish our student experience from any other. The department head position offers an opportunity to lead a dynamic group of teachers and contribute to our students' continued growth and success as they become responsible citizen scientists.

The Heads of Academic Departments are important faculty leaders within the St. Paul’s School community. Appointed by the Rector, a Department Head will serve a five-year term and, at the Rector’s discretion, be appointed for one additional 3–5-year term.

As an instruction and educational leader, a Department Head must bring depth of study and excellent teaching experience to the role, serving as a role model and mentor for teachers in the department. In addition, a Department Head must engage in evaluation and hiring work with professional expertise, good judgment, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive working and learning environment. Experience with managing people and negotiating conflict are essential skills for this work, as is a collaborative, team-oriented approach towards ensuring excellence in student and faculty experience.

The School expects that successful applicants for the Department Head position will have 8-10 years of teaching experience that will include an appropriate range of departmental offerings across all Forms. The Department Head must be able to lead discussions about curriculum across the department; to promote and embody best practices in teaching; to advocate for students’ and teachers’ needs; and to embrace responsibility for integrating students’ academic and intellectual experience into the total goals for student experience at SPS.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaboration: Work with the Dean of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty to assure the integrity of our academic curriculum and excellence in student and teacher experience.
• Benchmarks: Lead departmental work regarding curriculum, learning goals, alignment, and benchmarks in collaboration with school-wide goals.
• Professional Development: Coordinate professional development for the entire Department and for individual members. Assist in onboarding and support of new faculty members.
• Decision-making: Membership in the Department Heads Committee.
• Serves as point of contact for parents regarding curriculum questions, grades, and student placement.
• Manages department selection of awards and prizes with input of department members.
• Communication: hold regularly scheduled department meetings to keep department members informed of school matters, professional developments in the field, and curricular matters.
• Evaluation and feedback: generate a collegial culture of on-going learning and improvement; model best practices in observations and feedback; facilitate follow up conversations.
• Operations:
  • Scheduling: coordinate with the Registrar and Director of Studies to determine section numbers; assign courses to teachers (in conjunction with the Dean of Faculty); manage student course selection and placement processes.
  • Oversee book selection for courses to ensure the appropriateness and timeliness of choices.
  • Coordinates with admissions office regarding applicant questions and interest.
  • Supervises, trains, and evaluates departmental staff to manage space, supplies, etc.
  • Manages departmental budgets.
• Hiring: Assist the Dean of Faculty to determine hiring needs and identifying potential candidates.

Job Specifications

Qualifications: Given the leadership and management requires of this role, the School will prefer candidates with the following qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred.
• At least five (preferably 8-10) years of classroom teaching experience.
• Strong administrative skills, organizational and time management skills.
• Dedication to the teaching profession and demonstrated personal investment in positive school culture, climate, and life.
• Successful leadership and management experience.

TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter and resume with your online application.

COVID Vaccine Policy: St. Paul's School strongly encourages employees to remain up to date with the COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. 

St. Paul's School is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity.  St. Paul's School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnic origin, disability or sexual orientation, and complies with applicable laws for the protection of civil rights.