Principal

THE LINDEN SCHOOL PRINCIPAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Located in the vibrant midtown Toronto, steps away from Yonge Street, The Linden School, driven by its values of diversity, inclusion and intellectual risk, invites applications for the position of Principal to join its socially progressive community dedicated to innovative best practices in girls’ education that promote and strengthen student voice, well-being, academic excellence, and global engagement. The appointment shall be effective August 1, 2023 or shortly thereafter.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Principal will lead a 25-person faculty and staff team in the delivery of exceptional education experience to a student community of approximately 120 from early learners [JK] to grade 12. As a visionary, dynamic and hands-on leader, committed to advancing the school’s values, mission and its unique proposition, the Principal will:

• facilitate a distributed leadership model to guide the advancement of the School’s feminist pedagogy and social justice-based curriculum and oversee student engagement, well-being and success;
• in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and key staff, oversee the efficient and effective operational management of the School, including physical, financial and human resources matters; draw on the School’s strategic plan to guide operations and contribute to the development of strategic planning processes as necessary;
• hire, train, mentor and develop the School’s faculty and staff, fostering a highly supportive, mission driven environment; hold a commitment to attracting and retaining teaching innovation; maintain robust practices with respect to providing regular performance feedback and professional development opportunities; be able to effectively facilitate conflict resolution; and, demonstrate a strong commitment to cultivating a respectful, collegial and productive work environment;
• demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively while also undertaking effective decision making to support the School’s students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders, promoting equity in all aspects of the School’s program and structure.
• hold a small number of teaching hours, and provide teaching relief if needed, contributing to the core work of the School and always staying in touch with how policy and practice are delivered in the classroom;
• act as a strong and visible presence within the School and at School events, engaging with key stakeholders; act as the lead representative of the School publicly and advocate for its recognition in the community as a leader in girls’ education;
• lead initiatives that support the participation of parents and families as well as other stakeholders in the life of the School;
• develop strategies to advance the mission of the School and the interests of its faculty, staff and students;
• lead and support initiatives in marketing and retention to grow and sustain the student population.

Qualifications

Education: B.Ed. or equivalent teaching certification; a Master’s degree in Education is preferred.

In addition, candidates shall present evidence of:

• ten or more years of successful and innovative classroom experience in a range of grades, including both high school and elementary levels, is preferred; a demonstrated commitment to the student experience and wellbeing with understanding of various learning styles and needs;
• well developed experience leading high performance teams with representation from different departments or areas of operations; multi-constituency community building experience is an asset;
• well developed academic leadership experience, including program and curriculum development;
• demonstrated success with creating and implementing a vision and strategy;
• strong knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for girls’ development and girls’ education;
• demonstrated capacity to mentor staff, provide pedagogical leadership and support the growth and skill development of faculty, in line with the organization’s mission;
• demonstrated ability to lead within a distributive leadership model where consultation and collaboration is fostered, and different skill sets or work styles are valued;
• ability to achieve consistently strategic and responsive decisions, drawing on the input of others as appropriate;
• commitment to upholding and advancing the School’s values of equity, diversity, inclusivity, intellectual risks, anti-oppressive and anti-racist practices;
• experience [or demonstrated capacity] to provide operational and administrative leadership, preferably in a not-for-profit model.
• excellent communication, relationship management and problem solving skills; risk-taker who invites others to join in working with innovation and courage; supportive, compassionate and collaborative leader who is approachable, open, thoughtful, listens patiently, encourages robust exchange and is able to engage is challenging conversations with a high degree of effectiveness; models high standards, especially in relation to Linden’s mission, and embodies a commitment to ongoing learning; highly organized and able to navigate multiple priorities, collaborate and delegate to leverage resources effectively, and work with a variety of stakeholders

The Linden School offers a competitive compensation package comprising of salary, commensurate with experience, health and dental coverage, life insurance, paid time off and access to professional development.

About The Linden School

Founded in 1993 by Diane Goudie and Eleanor Moore, Linden is the only school in Canada created to incorporate cutting-edge research on girls' educational needs, from primary to secondary school. The School's academically challenging program and unique girl-centred philosophy ensure that girls and young women feel empowered to discover their intellectual curiosity, take risks, and develop the confidence to find their voice.

Linden’s approach to teaching is girl-centred, incorporating the most current research about how girls learn best throughout their development. We recognize that every Linden student is unique. Our teachers vary their lessons to reach all types of learners – visual, auditory and kinesthetic -  and support students to take ownership of their own learning experiences. Teachers are experts in their fields, who function as facilitators and coaches rather than the ultimate authority. Lectures from the front of the classroom are rare; instead, teachers encourage discussion, debate, and collaborative, hands-on activities.

Application

Applications consisting of the following, shall be submitted to trstees@lindenschool.ca by April 15, 2023. [Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.]

• a cover letter with your background and how it aligns with the School’s mission and goals, including: your experience as a community builder, your experience in feminist and anti-oppression pedagogy, social justice and in academic leadership; and your administrative leadership, including experience in financial and marketing management; 
• your resume;
• three references; please include the name, position, phone number, email address and your professional relationship with the person (references will only be contacted with the candidate’s permission)