Peconic Community School (PCS) is a vibrant, progressive, and deeply human-centered learning environment located on the North Fork of Long Island, a bucolic seaside region approximately two hours east of New York City. Rooted in project-based, place-based, and social-emotional learning, PCS serves children from early childhood through middle school with a mission to nurture creativity, compassion, critical thinking, and community. We believe that education should be joyful, purposeful, and deeply connected to making the world around us a better place.

The Board of Trustees has launched a search for a new Head of School. The Board and community will look to the new Head to provide strategic vision and leadership. Priorities include:

1. Continuing to foster the robust academic and curricular programming – and the infrastructure that supports it – to help maintain excellence and uphold PCS's educational philosophy.
2. Grow the school's reach and reputation, successfully executing fundraising for the annual fund and capital campaign.
3. Advancing improvements and renovations to the school campus and facilities to help use "place" as another key way to realize our mission.
4. Serve as a key advocate and leader in the schools continued efforts in areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, visionary and collaborative leader with a deep belief in child-centered schools and a passion for sustaining and growing a thriving learning community. This is a full-time, year-round leadership role reporting to the Board of Trustees, with lead responsibility for all educational, operational, and strategic dimensions of the school. The Head of School works closely with a small leadership team and directly supervises all staff.

Fast Facts:

• Students enrolled: 98
• Faculty and staff: 27
• Annual operating budget: $2.9M
• Grades served: 2 years through Grade 8
• Community Partners: 100+

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced educator and leader who:

• Believes deeply in progressive education, especially child-centered, project-based and place-based learning
• Has child development expertise and classroom experience in a progressive or project-based school setting
• Understands that happy teachers make happy students and is committed to supporting and empowering staff
• Is a compassionate, skilled communicator—with students, staff, and especially with parents as true partners
• A skilled problem solver, adept at navigating conflict and troubleshooting
• Values emotional intelligence and fosters a culture of inclusion, equity, and kindness
• Is comfortable wearing many hats in a small school setting, moving fluidly between instructional leadership, operations, development, HR, marketing, and finances
• Leads with humility, curiosity, and integrity— with trust in a collaborative team
• Thrives in a role that balances big-picture visioning with hands-on day-to-day leadership
  
  

Key Responsibilities

Educational Leadership

• Uphold and evolve PCS’s educational philosophy in alignment with progressive, project-based, and place-based pedagogy
• Work closely with trustees and other key constituents on the school’s strategic direction and campus improvement plans
• Support faculty in designing and delivering meaningful, inquiry-based learning experiences. Empower faculty and staff through delegation of responsibilities while retaining ultimate accountability. 
• Foster a culture of reflective practice, innovation, and professional growth
• Recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff as well as student population 
• Serve as a key advocate and leader in the schools continued efforts in areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• Collaborate closely with other directors, including the Director of Teaching and Learning, Program Director and Director of Admissions

Community & Culture

• Maintain a warm, inclusive, and emotionally intelligent school culture for children, families, and staff
• Foster an environment for culturally responsive sustaining practices and pedagogy
• Lead with empathy and clarity, modeling open communication and deep respect for each community member
• Act as a trusted liaison with parents, building strong partnerships through active listening, collaboration, and transparency
• Support and expand the various programs PCS runs for the community at large

Fundraising & Outreach

• Serve as an ambassador for PCS’s mission within the local community and to independent schools regionally and beyond.
• Partner with the Board and development team to lead strategic fundraising initiatives and campaigns
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners
• Strengthen partnerships with local nonprofits and businesses to advance shared goals
• Oversee and support community events and outreach efforts that raise awareness and engagement

Administrative & Operational Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day school operations, including scheduling, compliance, health/safety, and HR
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees on budgeting, finances, and strategic planning
• Lead and support marketing and enrollment initiatives to share PCS’s story and expand its reach
• Steward relationships with donors and lead fundraising efforts to ensure long-term sustainability

Student Support

• Provide leadership in promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive school climate that fosters student growth and well-being.
• Assist in the management of student behavioral concerns, working closely with staff, students, and families to ensure consistent and developmentally appropriate approaches.
• Collaborate with counselors, learning specialists, and faculty to proactively identify and address academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Attend and contribute to child study meetings, ensuring appropriate interventions, accommodations, and next steps are implemented and followed up.
• Maintain open, empathetic, and proactive communication with parents/guardians regarding student concerns, progress, and plans for support.
• Support teachers in developing and implementing effective classroom management strategies and differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs.
• Stay informed about students with IEPs, 504 Plans, and other support documents; ensure school-wide awareness and implementation of accommodations as appropriate

• At least 5 years of teaching and leadership experience in progressive and/or child-centered education
• Deep understanding of child development and inquiry-based pedagogy
• Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, communication, and team management
• Experience that includes: an ability to lead organizations through continuous improvement ; experience with fiscal management ; successful track record of recruiting and maintaining faculty, staff and student body 
• Strong organizational and communication skills; adept at managing multiple priorities
• Proven ability to foster strong relationships with families, staff, and the wider community
• Experience with school operations, including budgeting, HR, fundraising, and compliance
• Master’s degree in education, school leadership/administration, non-profit administration, or a related field preferred
  
  

Why Join Peconic Community School?

Peconic Community School is a close-knit, joyful learning community on the North Fork of Long Island, where children are known, seen, and celebrated. The Head of School will be supported by a dedicated team of progressive educators and a highly engaged and supportive Board of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to build on a strong foundation and help shape the future of a beloved and mission-driven school with strong governance.

About Peconic Community School

Connections working at Peconic Community School