Middle School Director and Secondary Schools Advisor

Middle School Director and Secondary Schools Advisor

12 month

Salary $90,000 - $115,000

Start date:

July 1, 2026

The Middle School Director is a key academic and community leader who ensures a cohesive, engaging, and developmentally responsive experience for students in grades 5–8. In partnership with the Head of School, administrative team, faculty, and families, the Director oversees all aspects of the middle school program - academic, social‑emotional, and secondary school advising - ensuring these interconnected areas are thoughtfully aligned to support the mission and progressive teaching philosophy of Lesley Ellis School.

To do this work well, the director must skillfully manage and integrate multiple dimensions of middle school life, drawing on a deep understanding of adolescent development and learning. The Director champions best practices and innovative approaches to teaching and learning, cultivates a positive and inclusive school culture, and fosters strong connections among students, families, and faculty.

Reports to:

Head of School

• Provide overall leadership and day‑to‑day management of the middle school, ensuring alignment with the school’s philosophy and broader strategic priorities.
• Serve as a visible, approachable presence within the middle school community, engaging regularly with students and teachers.
• Collaborate with the Head of School and other program directors to maintain consistency and continuity across programs.
• Participate in administrative meetings and contribute to cross‑divisional initiatives.

• Recruit, hire, mentor, and evaluate middle school faculty and staff in collaboration with the academic and administrative teams.
• Support teachers’ professional growth through feedback, coaching, and goal setting to ensure instructional excellence.
• Lead productive and inclusive faculty meetings and professional learning inquiries that support collaboration and reflection.
• Coordinate scheduling, onboarding, and professional support for all middle school faculty.
• Foster a collegial environment that encourages innovation, shared learning, and high professional standards.

• Oversee all aspects of the student experience, ensuring each student is known, valued, and appropriately challenged.
• Partner with counselors, teachers, and families to support student well‑being and address academic or social concerns.
• Lead with a restorative approach to discipline, emphasizing growth, reflection, and accountability.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, belonging, and respect throughout the middle school community.

• Collaborate with other program directors to maintain a cohesive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Oversee academic scheduling and assessments, and track data over time about student performance across the program.
• Encourage best practices in teaching, including differentiation, student‑centered learning, and critical thinking.
• Ensure a robust, engaging curriculum that promotes academic challenge and curiosity while meeting the needs of a wide range of learners.
• Uphold the school’s commitment to anti‑bias education.
• Engage in ongoing curricular review to ensure it remains relevant and engaging in an ever‑changing world.
• Oversee student use of technology and ensure responsible digital citizenship.
• Review and edit progress reports and grades.
• Create and update policies and procedures for middle school students aligned with the school’s mission and philosophy.

• Communicate clearly and thoughtfully with families, maintaining a strong sense of partnership and transparency.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for family questions and concerns related to the middle school experience.
• Help families understand the developmental and academic transitions middle school students experience.
• Represent the middle school at school‑wide events and community functions.
• Provide support for family meetings and conferences as needed.

• Support families throughout the next school process, beginning in 7th grade.
• Deve…