Middle School Division Head

Job Details
Job Location:    Middle School - San Jose, CA
Salary Range:    $ $ Salary/year

Description

Harker seeks an Middle School Division Head effective July 1, 2026. The primary goal of the position is to provide leadership that fosters the overall well-being, growth and success of middle school students, in alignment with the school's mission. The middle school division head oversees all aspects of the middle school student and faculty experience, including oversight of the middle school campus. The middle school division head reports directly to the assistant head of school for academic affairs and will work closely with and provide support to all faculty and staff supporting the middle school programs. The middle school division head plays a central role in cultivating a positive school climate, supporting students' academic and personal development, and ensuring a kind and respectful community.

Salary Range: 200k - 250k

About Us

The Harker School is a private, non-sectarian, coeducational day school in Silicon Valley for students in kindergarten through grade 12 that has earned international recognition for its top-level academics, quality teachers, outstanding facilities and student achievements. Educating 1,976 students, Harker is the largest independent school of its kind in California, located on beautiful campuses just minutes apart.

Kindness, respect, honesty, integrity and personal accountability have been at the heart of a Harker education since the school's founding in 1893. Demand by motivated and capable students in Silicon Valley and beyond is very high. Harker students receive a well-rounded education grounded in academics, enriching extracurricular activities and clubs, team-building athletics, a multitude of arts offerings, and an unwavering emphasis on character development. And, most importantly, students develop a lifelong passion for learning. Harker is a supportive, safe, fun and nurturing place where students make friends for life with their peers, their teachers and with staff.

To apply,  please send resume and a letter of intent to John Faubert ) and Amanda Gastel ).

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Qualifications

The Harker School is interested in candidates who can support, articulate and promote a mission-driven, inclusive and equitable student-centered model of education. Along with excellent organizational and leadership skills, ideal candidates will have backgrounds that demonstrate most, if not all, of the following:

Ability to uphold the school's mission and philosophy in all aspects of student life Ability to synthesize and articulate the school's student life and disciplinary vision and to inspire and motivate others towards further strengthening the upper school student experience A warm, approachable and visible presence on campus that invites and respects the views of others, yet is decisive when needed Highly organized, persistent, and able to motivate others to achieve Deep understanding of school operations, mission and philosophy Excellent communication, interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills Strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities Proficiency with internal school systems and technology Ability to make effective, timely program decisions in response to daily challenges Discretion in handling confidential information Positive, adaptable and collaborative approach to problem-solving An advanced degree is preferred

Below you will find specific details related to this position. As with any leadership role at Harker, it is our expectation that the individual entrusted with these responsibilities approaches them with a deep commitment to excellence and a strong sense of ownership. The list of responsibilities outlined below represents the tasks associated with the role, but not the mindset we hope you bring to each endeavor. True leadership at Harker is rooted in service, a willingness to invest the necessary time, and a dedication to guiding others. These qualities are not only central to this position, but to every leadership role at Harker.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Alignment

Coordinates oversight of the middle school with the assistant middle school division head Ensures the division's efforts align with the mission of the school and with the other divisions at Harker Is an active presence in the middle school community Attends administration meetings and participates in campus safety tours with the head of school and facilities head Prepares and manages the annual budget associated with the middle school division

Faculty Oversight & Professional Growth

Observes, evaluates and monitors teacher performance and completion of responsibilities Facilitates and supports professional growth among faculty Coordinates with the assistant head of school in hiring teachers, works with academic affairs office on candidate visits, and assists with substitute-teacher hiring Trains new faculty on all aspects of middle school, including onboarding mid-year hires Coordinates teacher scheduling with academic affairs office, department chairs and scheduler Approves teacher attendance in the HR database; checks teacher classrooms at the beginning and end of the year Organizes and leads faculty meetings, ensuring they are engaging and inclusive of faculty voices Assists in the revision of the grade 6-8 student and faculty handbooks

Student Experience & Support

Monitors and optimizes all areas of the student experience Ensures teachers communicate concerns about students and works with counselors to set up teacher or grade-level meetings as needed Handles parent, student and faculty concerns Meets regularly with and manages division counselors and the assistant middle school division head In coordination with the assistant middle school division head, follows up on disciplinary issues to maintain high standards of behavior and interaction Approves, in coordination with department chairs, in-grade level placement moves Oversees writing and mailing of high school applications and recommendations; assures students meet re-enrollment criteria Analyzes standardized test results and meets with parents regarding results Coordinates parent/student/teacher conferences with the division and TK-12 schedule

Curriculum & Academic Oversight

Works closely with the Academic Council to ensure a high-quality school experience Schedules regular Academic Council meetings with department chairs and campus leaders In coordination with department chairs, ensures the quality and timeliness of student assignment postings on the portal Prepares semester exam schedules and other special schedules (e.g., ERB weeks, field trip alternatives) Finds in-house period coverage for teachers as needed

Events & Programs

Oversees major middle school events, including orientation, back-to-school night and promotion Oversees grade-level trips: grade 6 coastal exploration, grade 7 national parks, and grade 8 Washington, D.C. Oversees completion of substitute folders Oversees uniform guidelines and dress code, including free dress days

Parent & Community Relations

Handles communication of community information to parents and students Meets regularly with the LID director and community managers to plan and review community initiatives Works closely with advancement, the parent volunteer coordinator, admissions, grade-level parent coordinators, and the Office of Communication to ensure a high-quality school experience Serves on the admissions committee and works with the admission director on new student testing and placement

Mission

Our mission is to educate students for success at college and beyond, and to foster kindness, respect, and integrity within a safe and nurturing environment. We achieve academic excellence through the development of intellectual curiosity, personal accountability, and love of learning. Our comprehensive program and exceptional faculty and staff help students discover, develop, and enjoy their unique talents. We honor individuality, embrace diversity, and promote leadership and service, preparing students to take their place as global citizens.

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