Job Description

The Director will embody the qualities of a visionary educator and forward-thinking strategist. A proven compassionate leader and lifelong learner, the Director will model adaptability, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to inspire others to thrive outside their comfort zones. The Director will be a steadfast steward of curiosity, innovation, and impact and will work collaboratively with all constituents of the School to deliver the School’s mission of equipping curious thinkers to lead lives of impact . In collaboration with the Rector and other senior administrators, the Director will shape the implementation of the School’s curricular design and strategic initiatives, all of which are deeply rooted in practices that best serve girls. 

The Director will establish and develop a Research Center focused on forward thinking and innovative teaching and learning practices, as well as devising co-curricular experiential educational programs that align with Chatham Hall’s unique mission and environment.  

Opportunities include:

• Balancing more than 130 years of history and tradition with a commitment to ongoing best practice and innovative educational techniques
• Implementing strategies to ensure teaching and curricular content are inclusive and culturally responsive
• Integrating technology and emerging educational and assessment tools to enhance engagement and agency (such as competency-based learning models and AI-enhanced instruction)
• With the Department of Academic Support, developing student agency through increased self-awareness of learning style, pace, opportunities, and challenges
• Supporting the development of differentiating signature academic and co-curricular programs (leadership institutes, impact projects, global partnerships)
• In close collaboration with the Director of Residential and Student Life, creating and implementing a fully cohesive and holistic student experience
• Crafting and implementing a robust and empowering faculty evaluation and growth rubric rooted in best practice and in accordance with the strategic plan core competencies
• Playing a key role with the Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives in the evolution and growth of January Term programming, content, and execution

• In collaboration with the Director of Development and Engagement, devising and implementing an alumnae mentorship program for all seniors
• Evaluating outcome-driven data relative to college placement within the shifting landscape of college admission:
• Evaluating advanced classes in correlation to college preparation and success
• Ensuring cohesive curricular spiraling for optimal college placement
• Creating and running a Research Center to include:
• Staying informed on best practice in girls’ education, cognitive development, and pedagogy to enhance the School’s teaching and learning strategies
• Serving as a thought leader in girls’ education by building (and aspiring to publish) research, speaking at conferences, and building partnerships with other leading institutions
• Partnering with external institutions (peer global schools, colleges, think tanks, industry leaders) to create research opportunities that extend beyond the classroom
• Establishing and embedding experiential learning opportunities that integrate real-world problem-solving, leadership development, and interdisciplinary inquiry 
• Guiding students and faculty in conducting original research, providing the tools and mentorship to explore complex and meaningful topics
• Researching assessment models to actively measure intellectual curiosity, growth mindset, resilience, and leadership

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Teaching, Learning, and Research will play a central role in the school’s strategic leadership and daily administration. Reporting to the Rector, the Director’s key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Designing and implementing systems, processes, and structures to support all curricular endeavors
• Encouraging intellectual risk-taking by creating a safe and supportive environment for all students and teachers
• Effectively communicating the value of the academic program to the internal and external audiences, including current and prospective parents
• Recruiting and retaining an exceptional faculty and staff in all areas of the curriculum
• Ensuring that teaching and learning methodologies and practices are cohesive, mission-driven, and aligned with current and evolving best practices
• Overseeing the Department of Academic and Learning Support
• Overseeing college counseling and working closely with the Director of College Counseling

• Providing leadership, support, and guidance to department chairs
• In collaboration with the Rector, developing and administering faculty professional development, including individual, school-wide, and milestone experiences
• Supporting faculty in the adoption of innovative pedagogies that will further student learning
• Developing, administering, and evaluating signature programming (student curricular travel, global programs, interdisciplinary programs, leadership programs) to improve the student experience and enhance the School’s internal and external identities. 
• Supervising individuals and departments on a daily basis
• In partnership with the Rector and Human Resources, recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and developing faculty

Desired Qualities 

The most competitive candidates will offer most or all of the following qualifications and qualities:

• Thorough and detailed understanding of developmentally appropriate and innovative curriculum and pedagogy in grades 9-12
• Experience evaluating existing curriculum and identifying alignment with mission and strategic goals
• Experience leading and managing adults in a boarding organization:
• Understanding and modeling well-drawn boundaries within a 24/7  and highly collegial community
• Communicating high expectations of professional conduct and striving for accountability 
• Personal and professional commitment to culturally responsive practice and the requisite skills to support faculty growth in this area.
• The ability to articulate vision and strategy and the tactical skills required to manage the systems and processes necessary to implement strategy

Leadership Style and Personal Qualities

• A strong belief in the potential of girls - committed to the role of encouraging and empowering girls through active mentorship and modeling
• A visionary, decisive, and collaborative educator, compassionate and relational leader, and forward-thinking strategist
• A style grounded in principles and relationships
• A thorough understanding of boarding schools, an unwavering commitment to the School’s mission
• A history of thoughtful innovation balanced by a skillful and sensitive approach to change and change management; an interdisciplinary and open-minded thinker
• Extraordinary interpersonal skills:
• Empathetic listener
• Dynamic and engaging public speaker
• The ability to communicate with clarity and vision across a wide range of audiences and inspire students and faculty to thrive beyond their comfort zones

• The ability to advocate for new ideas with both confidence and humility, to invite disagreement, and welcome feedback.
• To engage in direct and honest conversation daily, and the ability and experience to manage challenging conversations with empathy and grace.
• Willingness to lead with questions, invite conversations, and patiently explore ideas.  
• A commitment to self-reflection, integrity, and collaboration
• A warm, supportive, and relational style; an empathetic listener

Apply

Interested candidates should email a résumé, a cover letter highlighting their interest in and qualifications for the position, leadership philosophy, and a list of five (5) professional references with contact information as a single PDF attachment to Katherine Stuart of The Education Group at katherine@educationgroup.com . 

About Chatham Hall

Chatham Hall, an all girls boarding and day school in Southern Virginia, seeks a dynamic, collaborative advancement professional to grow its fundraising programs and manage relationships with key constituents and groups, all in support of the school’s strategic priorities. ABOUT CHATHAM HALL: A leader in all girls education, Chatham Hall inspires integrity, academic excellence, and global perspectives in tomorrow's leaders. Its signature academic, community, and athletic programs provide comprehensive preparation for college and for productive lives. Now in its 125th year, Chatham Hall is grounded in Episcopal heritage and includes a vibrant extended community of more than 3,000 alumnae plus dedicated families and friends. The school is located on a 360-acre campus in Chatham, Virginia, within driving distance of Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Charlottesville.

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