Interim Head of Upper School (2026-27)

JOB TITLE: Interim Head of Upper School (2026-27 school year)

REPORTS TO: Head of School

JOB STATUS: FLSA Status: Exempt 1.0 FTE

ABOUT ATHENIAN

The Athenian School is an independent college preparatory boarding and day school that serves students in grades 6 - 12, from throughout the East Bay, California, the US and the world. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to educating students through experiential, collaborative and interdisciplinary learning. We foster critical thinking and value reasoned discourse and mutual respect. Please read through our site to learn more about our community. We look forward to meeting you as you consider Athenian!

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Athenian School seeks an Interim Head of Upper School for the 2026–2027 academic year to provide steady, experienced leadership during a period of transition. Reporting to the Head of School and serving on the School’s Leadership Team, the Interim Head of Upper School holds primary responsibility for all aspects of the Upper School program, including faculty oversight, academic systems, student life, and key institutional initiatives. This leader will work closely with a dedicated and talented faculty to strengthen program coherence, support student well-being, and maintain the smooth daily operation of the division.

The Interim Head of Upper School serves as a stabilizing presence for students, families, and colleagues, ensuring continuity of culture, care, and high expectations. This role supervises several Upper School administrative leaders and partners collaboratively across divisions—working with Middle School leadership, Residential Life, Experiential Education, Learning Support, Enrollment, and Advancement—to promote alignment and sustain a positive, engaged community. The Interim Head will represent the Upper School at parent events, institutional gatherings, and Board meetings, may teach one class, and will engage directly with families when elevated issues arise. Above all, the Interim Head of Upper School upholds and champions Athenian’s mission, experiential learning model, and the Round Square Pillars.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates are seasoned school leaders who bring warmth, steadiness, and sound judgment to a diverse and dynamic community. The Interim Head of Upper School must be prepared to manage complex situations from day one – engaging in difficult conversations, navigating elevated concerns, and supporting students, faculty, and families with clarity and care. We seek candidates with strong cultural competency skills, a visible, relational leadership style, and the ability to prioritize student well-being, engaged learning, belonging, and institutional excellence in every decision.

Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with Athenian’s mission, experiential educational philosophy, signature programs, and the rhythms of upper school life. They should be capable of offering timely guidance, reassurance, and direction, modeling professionalism, and fostering trust across the community. Experience supervising faculty, supporting academic programs, partnering across departments, and leading through transition is essential. The ideal candidate brings a collaborative spirit, exceptional communication skills, and a genuine joy in working with adolescents and the adults who support them.

BENEFITS, COMPENSATION, PROFESSIONAL GROWTH & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Athenian provides excellent benefits and salaries are competitive and commensurate with work experience and education. The annual full time salary basis for this role will range from $165,000-$215,000. Community members enjoy meals on campus and use of athletics facilities, including a pool, gym and fitness center. 

All employees are expected to attend all-school functions relevant to their role and to participate in supporting the student experience with other school duties as requested by their direct supervisor. All employees participate in school wide professional development, and have the opportunity to pursue a range of additional professional growth opportunities. Athenian provides needed training for CPR/AED certification. 

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by January 5, 2026.

NON DISCRIMINATION COMMITMENT

The Athenian School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all areas of employment. The School does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.