Senior School Principal

One of Canada’s leading gender inclusive IB Schools, founded in 1965, The York School is a place where learning extends beyond the classroom and students are challenged to realize their full potential and discover who they want to be.

In two state-of-the-art campuses in the heart of Toronto, The York School brings together an innovative and progressive employee experience and fosters a caring and inclusive environment.

JOB PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Head of School, the Senior School Principal oversees the Academic and co-curricular program of students in Grade 9 to Grade 12, as well as the wellbeing and performance of the faculty within the Senior School. The Principal is a champion of the Senior School and actively contributes to shaping the division’s culture, overseeing day-to-day operations, managing and leading division staff, and building relationships with students and parents. 

The Principal is a dynamic leader with strong emotional intelligence, exceptional communication and relationship skills, academic prowess and strategic vision and execution. They will have a passion for working with teachers and the IB programme, in particular a passion for students in intermediate & senior age groups. They will be a passionate team player and strong contributor to The York School’s culture of wellbeing and belonging.

Key Responsibilities:

• Co-create the strategic direction of the Senior School, with a particular emphasis on the Strategic Plan, and guide the implementation of it through the Senior School division 
• Create, develop and deliver the School’s Senior School strategies, underlying procedures and monitor the implementation within the School
• Lead the Senior School divisions in operations, programs and activities that are designed to infuse IB Middle Years Programme & Diploma Programme, with a particular focus on the development, implementation, and review of programmes of inquiry
• Supervise direct reports and provide coaching, feedback, growth opportunities including professional development, and performance management 
• Create and/or approve policies and procedures, ensuring they meet or exceed compliance requirements and best practice standards
• Ensure quality programs, support services, education, and research is developed in accordance with policy and practice standards
• Create assessment benchmarks for students and teachers and track progress towards those goals
• Consistently stay up to date on developments in the field of education, bringing forward any innovations or changes, with a particular focus on learning strategies
• Alongside team members, study curriculum and make recommendations to trustees regarding courses of study, changes to texts, schedules, and provide innovative program ideas
• Collaborate effectively with the school’s Leadership Team and team members on K-12 school-wide improvement efforts, including creating exceptional learning experience and promoting wellbeing, inclusivity and belonging
• Establish and maintain regular communication with parents, by ensuring that inquiries are  responded to in a timely and professional manner, sharing communications through the official School channels, hosting parent breakfast sessions, and attending School functions
• Set behaviour expectations and discipline students as necessary on a variety of issues including attendance and conduct
• Oversee and manage the Senior School division budget 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor of Education and membership in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers, or equivalent
• Principal’s Qualification Program or equivalent
• Experience in an independent school and/or international school setting 
• Experience with the IB Programme (PYP, MYP and Diploma) 
• Master’s Degree in Education or similar is an asset
• 5-10 years of progressively more challenging experience in a leadership role within the education field
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to mediate and resolve matters with parents, students, staff and the broader community 
• Has strategic academic vision and is current on educational research and pedagogy
• Well-developed organizational skills with  the ability to manage multiple projects, work to deadlines and adjust priorities accordingly 
• Demonstrated excellence in strategic leadership, including highly developed skills to plan and drive the continued improvement, growth and development, and change management of a school 
• Demonstrated exemplary interpersonal skills with a proven track record in effective conflict management, highlighted with authentic and empathetic interactions with others 
• Excellent verbal and, written communication skills, including effective listening and engaging speaking skills
• A commitment to work with and within a collaborative team environment by offering support with diplomatic and ambassadorial skills  
• Has strong financial acuity with budget preparation and management experience

THE YORK SCHOOL'S CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Flexibility & Adaptability
• Breadth of Contribution
• Relationship Focused
• Service Orientation
• Communication & Collaboration Inclusivity
• Integrity & Trust

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Influence & Inspiration
• Leading with Purpose
• Champion Change
• Coach & Develop Others
• Managerial Courage

WORKING REQUIREMENTS:

• The York School Campus, Toronto
  

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY:

Employees at The York School are inquiring, knowledgeable, caring and engaged citizens of the world. Leaders in their field, they are collaborative, open to change and committed to improving lives through education. We are committed to professional development, and provide a competitive compensation, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP) and benefit package to our employees. 

THE YORK SCHOOL VALUES DIVERSITY: 

At The York School, our mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world. As such, we are an equal opportunity employer and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace. The York School will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Human Resources by email at humanresources@yorkschool.com or by phone at 416- 926-1325.

HOW TO APPLY:

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply here by submitting their application by October 10, 2023.

We thank all candidates for their applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.