WANTED

MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPERHERO

Want a career move that will change your world?

Want to make a real difference in the lives of teachers and students?

Want to live and work in a west coast paradise?

Island Pacific School is looking for a Superhero Head of School to lead an inspired team of teachers and staff in their continuing quest to reimagine middle school education.

WHAT IS ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL?

Founded in 1995, Island Pacific School is an independent IB middle school located on Bowen Island in the Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada. With 60 plus students in grades 6-9, the school offers a challenging academic program, creative arts, community service activities, and outdoor pursuits.

Small by design, our purpose is to equip and inspire students to cultivate their humanity.

ABOUT BOWEN ISLAND

Island Pacific School is nestled in the trees on beautiful Bowen Island, in Howe Sound, itself a spectacular UNESCO biosphere region.

With 4,000 full time residents, the community has the charm of a small town while still accessible to everything Vancouver and the Sea to Sky region has to offer. Islanders are proud of their community and their environment and feel privileged to live in such a spectacular place where the mountains, the forest and the sea meet.

WHAT DOES THE CURRENT HEAD OF SCHOOL THINK OF THE JOB?

“I have loved the opportunity to be in a position to support great ideas that make

for great education. The ability to be nimble, as it relates to being a small, intimate, highly effective team is an appealing feature of this position. You’re not caught up in any bureaucracy; instead you’re immersed in the daily routines and connections with each student.

By living and working on Bowen Island you are embedded in a small, thoughtful

community surrounded by a beautiful natural environment. The school is deeply involved in both, creating programming that makes the most of this unique placement. There is also an international city only a 20 minute ferry

ride away.

I will pass on a strong foundation, deeply embedded core values, a thriving culture and a sound financial position.” – Scott Herrington

WHAT IS THE HEAD OF SCHOOL POSITION?

The specifics of the role are below however, the right candidate will need the superpowers of energy, vision and commitment. The role of the Head of School is to lead the strategy and culture of the school and to direct and coordinate all the operations and activities of the school – including strategic planning, program development, communications and fundraising, and everything in between. Building on the platform established by the founders of the school and with the support of the school’s passionate and committed team, this is a fantastic opportunity to realize your aspirations of a career in education.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 10 years educational experience and is currently in a leadership role. A Masters degree in education or a related field would be an asset. For a more complete description of the responsibilities involved, see the Head of School Job Description below.

The Headship will begin in July, 2024. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Interested superheroes should send a cover letter and a resume to the Search Committee at [email protected]

The Search Committee would like to have the new Head of School in place by the end of summer 2023.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL:

• Have high energy and dedication required for a smaller entrepreneurial environment.

• Use their interpersonal and communication skills to actively manage and build relationships with various stakeholders – board, faculty, staff, parents, students, alumni and community members.

• Have a good balance of teaching and administrative experience and a proven track record managing a small administrative team and faculty in a collaborative setting.

• Possess considerable experience preparing, reporting and adhering to budgets and to have been an effective administrator of a successful school of 60+ students in a similar age group.

• Possess a strong understanding of the importance of fundraising and financial sustainability to a not for profit school’s long-term success.

• Have at least 10 years of teaching experience and a Masters Degree in Education.

• Have familiarity and experience with the International Baccalaureate Program

• Be an excellent communicator with solid presentation skills for both large and

• small groups, from students, parents, staff, and Board to other external stakeholders.

• Have outdoor leadership experience

• Possess a strong personal resonance with, and commitment to, the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), anti-racism, and decolonization. Demonstrable experience in these areas will

be an asset.

Island Pacific School guarantees that all employment candidates will have their application considered in a manner that is respectful of individual values and beliefs, free from discrimination

based on race, ethnicity, colour, nationality, religion, gender, age, familial status, and/or disability as we hire on the merits of skill, qualifications, experience, and fit for the program. We are committed to a safe, healthy and rewarding work environment, and will not tolerate discriminatory harassment or personal harassment in any interactions connected to work with Island Pacific School.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to the search Committee [email protected] Interviews are expected to begin spring 2023. Visit www.islandpacific.org for more information.