Providence St. Mel School (PSM) invites nominations and applications for a passionate, nimble, and thoughtful educational leader to serve as Head of School effective July 1, 2023.
WHO WE ARE Providence St. Mel School (PSM) is a nationally and internationally recognized independent, private pre-school through 12th grade college-preparatory school located on Chicago’s West Side. PSM has an impressive legacy of providing children with a quality education for 42 years. PSM makes college dreams a reality for students by building the foundation for students’ future with a proven model of academic excellence. Home to an engaging and challenging core curriculum, a variety of extracurricular activities, and a focus on building the character and confidence of students, PSM students achieve inside and out of the classroom. By working with students from preschool through high school, this individualized approach is truly a college-preparatory education.
PSM is a model for urban education, their mission is to be a school where every child is able to receive a world-class STEAM integrated education and is empowered to reach their fullest potential. For forty consecutive years since their founding as an Independent school, 100% of their graduates have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities. Their mission statement affirms these accomplishments are “produced by the miracle of hard work.” Their dedicated faculty continues to challenge their hardworking students to be globally competitive, and their students continue to thrive.
ABOUT THE ROLE AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES At this important moment in its history, Providence St. Mel seeks a passionate leader and visionary strategist. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Head of School (HOS) is the chief executive officer who has responsibility for impact, staff, academic performance, operations, and implementation of the mission of PSM. The HOS provides strategic leadership for organizational development, annual goals and objectives, program implementation, financial oversight, and fundraising.
PSM’s Head of School will work collaboratively with a passionate and dedicated community. Building upon a strong foundation rooted in a commitment to making college dreams a reality for students. The successful HOS will be an active listener and learner, strong collaborator, and an inclusive leader. The ideal candidate will inspire and motivate faculty, staff, children, and parents to realize the PSM mission for all students.
Providence St. Mel is committed to equity in its pay practices and compensation. This is a full-time position with a competitive benefits package. Salary will take into account years of experience, specialty skills, and other factors; the salary range is $220,000 - $250,000.
QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES An ideal candidate for the Head of School will demonstrate the following:
Ability to build upon the successes of PSM to create and execute a new and exciting vision;
Alignment with PSM’s mission and vision;
Excellent listening, verbal/written communication, and public speaking skills;
Ability to build community with a focus on healthy and positive relationships;
A proven ability to hire and retain strong and diverse faculty and staff;
Ability to lead, cultivate, and encourage the School’s senior administrative team, faculty, and staff;
Dedication to collaboration, transparency, and accountability as a leader;
Ability to foster robust engagement and partnerships with the wider PSM community, including current and prospective families and a distinguished and highly engaged alumnae of the School;
Possess strong fiscal management skills; and,
Ability to collaborate and communicate positively and effectively with the Board of Trustees.
APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS Applications from within education, educational nonprofits, or universities are encouraged and should be submitted using DSG’s candidate portal here https://talent-profile.diversifiedsearchgroup.com/search/v2/19270 Screening will begin in early April 2023 and continue until an appointment is made. Applications should include CV, a cover letter addressing interest, leadership philosophy, and commitment to diversity; and the names of five references.
Peter J. Gillin, Managing Director Lois Mufuka Martin, Managing Director Melissa Scott, Senior Associate Christine Falcone, Senior Associate
For more information, please visit Providence St. Mel at https://psmnow.com/
Consistent with the organization’s mission, providence St. Mel school abides by all federal, state and local laws which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or handicap in admissions, employment or provision of services or goods. Where editorially reasonable to do so, providence St. Mel includes a statement of no discrimination in student handbooks, bulletins, and other publications and on appropriate organization websites.
