Head of Upper School

San Diego Jewish Academy is pleased to work with DRG to conduct this search.

Read the full Opportunity Statement.

Background

San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA) is a pluralistic, independent Jewish day school serving students from early childhood through grade 12 on a single, expansive campus in San Diego. SDJA’s mission is to empower each student to learn for life, guided by Jewish values and rooted in strength of community. SDJA is shaping the foundation of future thinkers, creators, and community leaders by blending modern education with greater purpose and meaning.

The school serves families from across the Jewish spectrum and is a deeply multigenerational community, with alumni who remain closely connected to the school and often return as parents, educators, and community leaders.

SDJA offers a rigorous and personalized academic program designed to challenge and support students at every stage of their development. Small class sizes, close faculty student relationships, and innovative instructional practices foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience. Jewish studies, Hebrew language, and experiential learning are integrated throughout the curriculum, ensuring that students graduate with both strong academic preparation and a confident, thoughtful Jewish identity.

Jewish life is woven seamlessly into daily school life through celebrations, t’fillah (prayer) options, Israel education, and service learning, all within an inclusive environment that honors pluralism and belonging. The school’s vibrant culture extends beyond the classroom through athletics, arts, and hands-on learning experiences that support the growth of the whole child.

SDJA’s 56-acre campus, bordered by open space and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, provides a striking and inspiring setting for learning and community life. State of the art academic facilities, athletic fields, performance spaces, and outdoor learning environments reinforce the school’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and connection. Graduates of SDJA emerge as engaged learners and principled leaders, prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.

The Position

San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA), a leading independent ECC–12 college-preparatory school, seeks an accomplished, highly relational Head of Upper School to lead grades 6–12. Reporting to the Head of School and serving as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Upper School provides academic, cultural, and operational leadership for the division and plays a central role in advancing SDJA’s mission, values, and long-term strategic priorities.

The Head of Upper School is the chief academic and community leader for grades 6–12, responsible for shaping a compelling and cohesive Upper School experience in which students are known, challenged, supported, and inspired. This leader will work closely with faculty, students, and families to strengthen clarity, confidence, and shared understanding of the Upper School program and its value.

This role requires a leader with deep classroom experience, exceptional people skills, strong operational judgment, and a genuine commitment to student well-being, as well as a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape of independent and Jewish day school education. The ideal candidate will be visible, approachable, and energized by relationship-building — someone who brings warmth, clarity, and purpose to the work of leading a school community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Instructional Leadership

• Serve as the chief academic and cultural leader of the Upper School, ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, student experience, and outcomes.
• Partner with the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team to advance strategic priorities and articulate a clear, compelling Upper School program that is understood and valued by students and families.
• Lead ongoing curriculum review, innovation, and vertical alignment to ensure rigor, relevance, and continuity across divisions.
• Promote and model best practices in teaching, assessment, differentiation, and inclusive pedagogy.

Faculty Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, hire,…