PAY GRADE: 33E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The College School (TCS) is unique to a University setting, offering students in grades one through eight a rigorous and engaging curriculum. While some of our student population presents with mild learning challenges that may impact school success, ALL benefit from a supportive environment that promotes confidence, discovery, and self-advocacy. The College School teachers and staff are passionate in their pursuit to transform students into proud and competent learners.  

No other regional school for children with learning differences is backed by the expertise and experience of a major national academic institution like the University of Delaware (UD).  The College School maximizes the power of research and teaching through the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) to create a winning experience for the students.

The Director will serve as the face of the College School to parents and other external parties and will be responsible for oversight of the daily administration of the school including, but not limited to, supervision of all full-time and part-time faculty and staff, as well as program, enrollment, and fiscal management.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Instructional Leadership

• Inspire a culture of excellence in teaching and curriculum.
• Conduct and oversee the daily administration of TCS staff, students, and families. 
• Collaborate with CEHD and the University to assure the overall quality of TCSs programming for children and families.
• Supervise teachers, providing and facilitating professional development opportunities while working to provide increased collaboration with the University, educators, and families in the Delaware community.
• Advance the implementation of academic curricula and standardized assessment at TCS.
• Plan and facilitate weekly faculty/staff meetings.
• Interact daily with teachers, parents, and medical professionals regarding student performance.
• Oversee disciplinary interactions among students with social/emotional challenges; communicate weekly with parents and medical professionals.
• Collaborate weekly with all support-service staff (i.e., Speech/Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, School Psychologist, UD students).

 Financial Management

• Oversee and manage all funds budgeting including operations, gifts, reserves, and grants.
• Foster an entrepreneurial environment where initiative is supported and valued in all staff.
• Work with the CEHD College Business Officer to manage budget and financial planning.
• Monitor and approve expenditures including bi-weekly payroll for part-time employees.
• Seek external funding sources with the support of the University’s Development and Research offices to create financial opportunities (scholarships) for underserved children and families.
• Conduct an annual giving initiative at TCS (December) to raise funds for operating costs and student scholarships.
• Facilitate all fundraising efforts for TCS, enlisting parent and volunteers (i.e., Hot Lunch Program, Clubs, Annual Book Fair, food/plant sales, etc...) to offset operating costs.

Enrollment Management

• Conduct the admissions process at TCS, working to maintain/increase student enrollment including prospective family tours, review of application and evaluation materials, consult with teachers, and review financial aid requests.
• Assist and advocate for families in their search for the most appropriate school placement for their child.
• Refer outside healthcare professionals (i.e., Childfind, school district, private) for student evaluations, as appropriate.
• Communicate with school and district administrators, therapists, and healthcare professionals to negotiate student placement and action plans for success.
• Assist students and parents in the transition process to other schools, attending placement/ eligibility meetings with the receiving schools’ administrators and teachers.
• Schedule and attend transition meetings and/or IEP meetings with receiving schools.

 Family, University, and Community Relations.

• Develop and maintain a strong and positive family community.
• Attend monthly CEHD Director Meetings.
• Attend Delaware Association for Independent Schools meetings to collaborate with private heads of schools in Delaware.
• Collaborate with CEHD Communications team on website and social media endeavors.
• Prepare and disseminate weekly newsletters to families and correspond throughout the year with donors, alumni, and friends of TCS.
• Correspond monthly with current families, alumni and “Friends of TCS” to steward potential gift opportunities.
• Host & tour visiting professors, CEHD faculty candidates, and prospective UD students
• Meet w/ UD faculty, staff, and undergraduate/graduate students to implement research, evaluation projects, field placements, school partnerships, and observations at TCS.
• Collaborate with community outreach programs and state advisory boards (e.g., Lieutenant Governor's Education Council, Meals on Wheels, Leukemia Research Foundation, DFRC, Serviam Girls Academy Volunteer).
• Consult with Department of Education officials and teachers to implement Individualized Accommodation Plans (IAPs) in accordance with state regulations.
• Plan, organize, and assist in hosting events (i.e., Alumni Weekend, Delaware Community Day) to provide internal and external outreach opportunities.
• Facilitate in the planning of TCS Summer Camps and After-Care Programming.

 Prepare Pre-service Professionals

• Maintain excellence in teaching, coaching, and evaluating undergraduate and graduate students completing practical, internships, projects, course assignments, mentoring programs, and research. 
• Coordinate and plan daily specials classes (i.e., Art, STEM, PE) for TCS students utilizing UD undergraduates across multi-disciplines (i.e., Education, Engineering, Exercise Science).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred, in Education, Special Education, or Education Leadership with at least six years’ experience in a directly related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Broad knowledge of special education and inclusive programming.
• Demonstrated strong instructional leadership experience.
• Five years of experience successfully leading a team.
• Experience with fiscal and operational management in an organization.
• Prior admissions experience, utilizing effective strategies to achieve admission goals is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, specifically written, oral, and listening skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to successfully connect with various stakeholders of diverse backgrounds such as students, parents, faculty/staff, donors, etc. 
• Deep passion and knowledge in education and a commitment to purposeful learning that yields powerful results.
• Competence in Microsoft Office products and Google Apps.
• Experience leading an independent school preferred.
• Experience teaching K-8 teaching preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.