Director of Belonging and Connection

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Belonging and Connection

The Shipley School

Bryn Mawr, PA

Our Mission

The Shipley School, a Pre-Kindergarten through 12 coeducational day school, is committed to educational excellence and dedicated to developing in each student a love of learning and a compassionate participation in the world.

Through a strong college preparatory curriculum in the humanities and sciences, the school encourages curiosity, creativity, and respect for intellectual effort.

Shipley upholds and promotes moral integrity, a sense of personal achievement and worth, and concern for others at school and in the larger community.

Our Motto

Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing.

Located on the Main Line in Bryn Mawr, PA, Shipley School is an independent, PK-12,co-educational day school that enrolls over 700 students drawn from more than 83 different zip codes. A talented group of colleagues are the strength of the school, along with a wonderful student body who engage in rigorous academics, community service programs, outstanding athletic opportunities, and best-in-class visual and performing arts.

Our science-based approach is rooted in Positive Education and integrates DEI and pedagogy. Seven domains define strategies, skills, and abilities necessary for thriving. This is known as The Shipley Framework. Learn more about Shipley's Framework.

Job Title : Director of Belonging and Connection

Division / Department : PK-12

Reports To : Head of School

Location : Bryn Mawr, PA

Level / Grade : PK-12

Type of position / FLSA : Full-time Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY :

This full-time position, to begin July 2026, is a senior administrative position. The Director of Belonging and Connection will be a key member of Shipley's Leadership Team to enhance the student, colleague, and family experience at Shipley. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a decision is reached.

Belonging and Connection are integral to Shipley's educational experience, as they enhance our students' knowledge, skills, and the empathic orientation required to serve and lead in an interconnected world.

The Director of Belonging and Connection will provide strategic leadership and guidance for the programs and strategies that empower the entire school community to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, as described in both our Community Commitment and related reaffirmation.

This position is responsible for the following :

TEAM LEADERSHIP :

• Lead Shipley's Belonging and Connection Committee throughout the school year as they provide guidance to and support for PK-12 programs, initiatives, and services related to diversity, equity, and belonging. The Director will manage and coach the Belonging and Connection Committee.
• Assist, support, and advise the Central Administrative Team in evaluating, advancing, implementing, and optimizing programs, policies, practices, and procedures in the areas of curriculum, wellness, admission, hiring practices, communications, and other operational areas.
• Serve on the Central Administrative Team, advocating for Belonging and Connection as vital components of student and colleague development by collecting and leveraging data to measure progress, identify needs, and inform strategic decisions.
• Act as a resource to Shipley's Curriculum Team to evaluate and diversify PK-12 curricular offerings.

STUDENT, COLLEAGUE, AND FAMILY SUPPORT :

PROGRAM PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION :

STRATEGIC PLANNING :

COMMUNITY GROWTH AND EDUCATION :

COLLABORATION :

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION :

The job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the person in the role. The person in the role may be asked to perform other duties as required.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

There are routine responsibilities associated with this job that require specific physical abilities of the candidate.

The Shipley School is committed to equal employment opportunities for all individuals. The School will make all employment decisions for employees and applicants without unlawful discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, pregnancy, age, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity and expression, creed, genetic predisposition, victim of domestic violence, or any other basis protected by law.

CLEARANCES :

PA Criminal History, PA Child Abuse, and FBI Fingerprint reports