Assistant Head of School for Academics - Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Assistant Head of School for Academics

Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls in grades 9-12 outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks an innovative and dynamic educator well versed in best practices in independent education to serve as the Assistant Head of School for Academics beginning July 2025. Applications are due by November 13, 2024.

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Assistant Head of School for Academics works closely with the Head of School and the Assistant Head of School for Mission Integration to oversee the well-being of the school and its community. The ideal candidate must embrace the school’s Mercy mission and demonstrate a commitment to helping create and sustain a student-centered learning environment in collaboration with an accomplished faculty. The new Assistant Head must also have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage effectively with students, parents and faculty, as well as embrace a growth mindset, possess a good sense of humor, and show enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

Mission and Leadership

• Partners with the Head of School and the Assistant Head of School for Mission Integration to fulfill the Mission of the School from both an educational perspective and alignment with the Mercy values.
• Collaborates with the Director of Enrollment Management, the Director of Athletics and the Director of Development to ensure congruence across departments to meet the goals of the school.
• Becomes a highly visible community leader promoting the school to both external and internal stakeholders.
• Advises the Head on matters related to curriculum, academic programming, and academic personnel.
• Serves on the school’s senior leadership team and works closely with teammates to support the school’s operations and advancement efforts.
• Participates in Board Meetings and sub committees of the Board as requested by the Head of School.
• Elevates the role of the Department Chairs and the Academic Board promoting leadership from within the Department Chairs.
• Oversees and facilitates implementation for all academic strategic plan initiatives.

Academic Program Development and Oversight

• Ensures curriculum integrity, alignment, and articulation, and facilitates collaboration and instruction in collaboration with the Dean of Academics, and Academic Department Chairs.
• Performs a curriculum audit against our top competitor schools to ensure that our curriculum is meeting the needs of an ever-changing educational landscape.
• Oversees the program and development of new and expanded academic offerings.
• Develops a process for the development of both horizontal and vertical skill articulation among faculty.
• Ensures that our curriculum supports and attracts and retains highly qualified students as well as meets the needs of appropriately qualified students who require extra support.
• Responsibility for all academic programs including the summer program and the Katharine Drexel program ensuring these programs meet the goals of the school.
• Develops academic metrics to measure outcomes both over time at MMA and in comparison to competitor schools.
• In partnership with the Head, manages the accreditation processes of the school.

Hire, Train, and Supervise Faculty and Provide Professional Development Opportunities

• Develops hiring committees and search processes for faculty.
• Responsible for the recruitment and retention of highly qualified teachers.
• In conjunction with the Academic Board is responsible for identifying professional development needs and develops a plan to meet these  needs.
• Designs and implements faculty and staff onboarding including the orientation and mentorship programs in conjunction with the Assistant Head of School for Mission Integration and the Dean of Academics.
• Oversees teacher support, observation and evaluation, in collaboration with the Dean of Academics.
• Oversees the annual budget and application processes for graduate work, summer work and  professional development.
• Guides the building of the master schedule and coordinates faculty teaching and duty assignments.
• Supervises the Dean of Academics, College Counselors, Registrar, Data Coordinator, and Director of Summer Programs.

Founded in 1884 by the Sisters of Mercy and located on a beautiful 12-acre campus on Philadelphia’s Main Line, Merion Mercy currently enrolls close to 400 students from diverse geographic areas and socioeconomic groups. Merion Mercy’s academic program consistently challenges each student to prepare for college and a lifetime of service, thus developing competent and compassionate women for the future. Merion Mercy’s faculty and staff are committed to providing a holistic education that not only stresses academic and personal excellence but also encourages all students to “Live Mercy and Seek Justice,” an educational philosophy that builds a true sense of sisterhood that extends beyond the classroom.

The Assistant Head plays a major role in the life of the school and is expected to be deeply involved in the day-to-day work of faculty, students and staff. Therefore, candidates with advanced degrees and strong backgrounds in administration and secondary-school teaching will receive preference. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate expertise and passion regarding all-girls’ education.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, statement of educational philosophy and contact information for three professional references to Anne Gregg, Executive Assistant to the Head of School (agregg@merion-mercy.com).

Merion Mercy Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practice.