Director of Upper School (2026-2027)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Lake Highland Preparatory School seeks a Director of Upper School to begin July 1, 2026.

The next Director of Upper School at Lake Highland will lead a thriving and mission-driven division that is both academically ambitious and deeply student-centered. The Director will work in partnership with a talented faculty and strong administrative team to advance a compelling vision for teaching and learning, student well-being, and community life. Reporting to (along with other division directors) the Associate Head of School, s / he will work closely with the President, the K–12 Leadership Team, and other division directors to ensure alignment of curriculum, policies, and practices across the school, support institutional priorities and help shape a unified vision and culture for the future of Lake Highland.

Key priorities for the role include :

• Advance Academic Excellence and Innovation. Lead a future-focused Upper School program that challenges and supports students at every level. Ensure rigorous and relevant curricular offerings, promote interdisciplinary learning, and support instructional practices that enhance engagement, creativity, and student agency.
• Foster a Cohesive, Student-Centered Culture. Champion a culture where students feel known, supported, and empowered. Collaborate with faculty and the Upper School leadership team to foster a cohesive, student-centered culture. Champion a learning environment where students feel known, supported, and empowered, ensuring an integrated approach to wellness, character development, leadership, and co-curricular engagement.
• Support and Develop a High-Performing Faculty. Recruit, mentor, and evaluate an outstanding team of educators. Create a culture of professional growth through effective systems of coaching, feedback, and accountability. Empower department chairs and associate directors to lead with purpose and clarity.
• Strengthen Operations and Organizational Effectiveness. Ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the Upper School, including scheduling, communication, faculty assignments, safety planning, and budget oversight. Use data and collaboration to make informed decisions and lead change when needed.
• Fulfillment of the current Strategic Plan. Facilitate the formation of Upper School administration, faculty, and students in partnership to help the school realize most fully its ambitious strategic plan.
• Build Strong Partnerships with Families and the Wider Community. Serve as a visible, approachable, and trusted leader for students, faculty, and families. Communicate proactively and clearly, and build trust through transparency and accessibility. Collaborate with admissions, advancement, and parent groups to promote school spirit and shared purpose.
• Lead with Presence, Joy, and Authentic Engagement. Be a visible, approachable, and enthusiastic presence in the daily life of the school. Build genuine relationships with students, faculty, and families by actively participating in the rhythms and traditions of the Upper School. Model a spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and shared purpose—and inspire a culture where people are excited to come to work and to learn together each day.

Education / Experience

The most competitive candidates for LHP will offer most or all of the following qualifications and qualities :

Educational and Professional Background

Leadership Qualities

Personal Attributes

To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the consultants in confidence. Candidates will ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents :

Ben Bolté, Senior Consultant, Practice Leader : bbolte@carneysandoe.com