BCS also provides paid time off, health insurance, and professional development. Salary is negotiable based on education and experience.
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
Bethlehem Children’s School (BCS) Board of Directors is seeking applicants for the position of Head of School. Successful applicants will effectively communicate their vision, in promotion of BCS’ mission, for an innovative and inclusive approach to early childhood education. They will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for the value of nature-based curriculum and its impact on building the necessary skills in children for them to become life-long learners and responsible global citizens.
The Head of School will continuously look to expand student offerings for inquiry-based learning. They will also seek to identify and create new opportunities for institutional growth and development. As such, the ideal candidate must not only possess an ability to work collaboratively with and amongst the various BCS community stakeholders to achieve these aims, but should also have general experience with administration and management. Preferred candidates will possess previous experience with matters relating to: personnel, administration, operations, development, and finance.
The Head of School will demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to issues of social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, which are fundamental to BCS’ mission and philosophy. They should have a firm commitment to anti-racist practices, which are critical while working within the school and external communities.
The Head of School must enthusiastically embrace the challenge of meeting new people and building relationships, from the youngest populations we serve to the “founding families” of the institution. Bethlehem Children’s School is poised for a leader who will, in conjunction with its Board of Directors, work to innovatively build upon its many assets; they will be responsible for ensuring the school’s continued sustainability and educational excellence, within the community it serves, in the years ahead.
To apply:
Please submit the following to allison@bethlehemchildrensschool.org:
Resume/CV
Letter of interest to the Search Committee
Vision Statement for our school
Diversity Statement
Three references with email and phone contact
A background disclosure form will be required to complete one’s dossier
Bethlehem Children’s School is an equal opportunity employer. The School does not discriminate in hiring, promoting, compensating, or retaining any member of the faculty or staff, on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure, or any other classification protected by law in the administration of its hiring policies or any other school policy or program.
Applications will be accepted through January 15, 2024
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree or higher in Early Education or a related field
Five+ years experience working in Education or an independent school setting or as the Executive Director of a non-profit organization
Demonstrated successful leadership and people-management experience, including the ability to attract, recruit, hire, performance manage, train, and lead a professional staff
Experience providing professional development and mentoring
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, through multiple channels, to a diverse group of stakeholders
Experience with nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, fundraising, and financial reporting
Strong organizational, operational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to be flexible and solve problems critically and creatively
Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with a variety of stakeholders—students, parents, Board of Directors, and community members
Proven business-growth experience through growing student enrollment or other meaningful business development
Demonstrated understanding and commitment to promote social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within and amongst the BCS community.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's Degree or higher in Early Education or a relevant discipline
Experience with outdoor and nature-based education
Certified Outdoor Educator certified through the Wilderness Education Association (or similar)
Bethlehem Children’s School offers year-round progressive education programs for children ages 2 through 1st grade. The school year runs from September through June (including an extended day program), along with a 10-week summer camp program. BCS is located on a wooded, four-acre property in Slingerlands, New York. Our students are supported academically and nurtured creatively and socially as they grow into thoughtful, well-rounded individuals. At the end of their time as BCS students, children leave prepared to matriculate towards elementary school and beyond.
BCS students spend ample time outdoors: hiking on trails, playing on the playground, and learning in our gardens. We weave kindness and mindfulness into the fabric of our curriculum and community ethos. Throughout the year, we work on service projects with our students. Our vision is to inspire a life-long love of learning while building a deep connection to self, others, and the world. All programs are driven by our mission to provide experiential, child-led, multi-age education for the whole child, emphasizing nature, wisdom, and wellness.
