Upper Academy Director

Position Summary

The Upper Academy Director will serve as the instructional and pastoral leader for grades 11-12 at Vertex. This role is responsible for driving academic outcomes, maintaining a virtues-driven school culture, developing a high-performing teaching staff, and ensuring student readiness for college, career, and citizenship.

This is a leadership role defined not only by vision, but by execution. The Upper Academy Director must be an exceptional operator-someone who can translate priorities into clear plans, manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, and ensure consistent follow-through across every aspect of the Upper School. Success in this role requires the ability to keep many plates spinning without letting any drop, holding self and others to a high bar for precision, accountability, and results.
Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Monitor and drive student progress toward ambitious goals in academics, character, and postsecondary readiness, supported by clear systems, timelines, and accountability structures
• Lead the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programmes (IBCP) and classical curriculum in the Upper School
• Oversee the development, evaluation, and support of instructional staff to ensure high-quality teaching and learning
• Implement the Data Inquiry Cycle and embody the ACE Habits of Mind.

School Culture & Student Development

• Build and sustain a positive, inclusive school culture aligned with the Vertex virtues and mission
• Foster a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages student agency, self-discipline, and personal growth
• Promote student leadership and civic engagement through programming and community partnerships

Execution & Project Management

• Own the end-to-end execution of Upper School priorities, ensuring that vision is translated into clear, actionable plans
• Build and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and milestones across academic programs, assessments, student experiences, and postsecondary readiness efforts
• Drive a culture of accountability by establishing clear ownership, tracking progress rigorously, and ensuring commitments are met
• Coordinate seamlessly across instructional, operations, and leadership teams to keep multiple workstreams moving forward at once
• Anticipate challenges before they arise, solve problems decisively, and adjust plans to ensure strong outcomes
• Maintain a comprehensive view of all major initiatives, ensuring alignment to school goals and that no critical work slips through the cracks

Staff Management & Professional Development

• Supervise and evaluate teachers and instructional staff, providing regular feedback and coaching
• Design and facilitate professional development aligned with school goals and educator needs
• Cultivate a collaborative and mission-aligned staff culture

Operations & Compliance

• Partner with the operations team to ensure effective day-to-day school management, including the disciplined execution of key priorities through strong planning, coordination, and follow-through
• Ensure compliance with IB, charter, state, and federal education standards and policies

Family & Community Engagement

• Build trusting relationships with families and act as a liaison between the school and community stakeholders
• Communicate clearly and proactively with families about student progress, school initiatives, and opportunities for engagement

Qualifications

Required:

• A deep, abiding belief in the infinite potential of our students
• An expansive sense of your own agency
• A hunger for feedback from all stakeholders and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Master's degree in Education, Leadership, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in school leadership (e.g., Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean)
• Demonstrated success in driving student academic achievement
• Strong commitment to character education and classical liberal arts traditions
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

Preferred:

• Background in classical education
• SBL Certification

Compensation and Benefits

Vertex Partnership Academies offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $165,000; offer will be commensurate with the candidate's years of experience and credentials.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• A mission-driven, supportive working environment

Physical Requirements

This role may require lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted, including assisting coworkers when needed. Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, sitting, and looking at a computer screen for long periods at a time.