Beaver Country Day School is seeking a Director of the Upper School to start in July 2026. The Upper School Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Upper School, including approximately 350 students and 75 faculty and staff. The Director provides strategic leadership, ensuring an exceptional academic experience and a dynamic and supportive student culture that aligns with Beaver’s ethos. Additionally, the Director fosters a culture of curiosity, empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving, while also emphasizing belonging, equity, and a powerful student experience. Working together with faculty and staff, students, and families, the Director builds and sustains a vibrant program that prepares students for college and for life.
Beaver Country Day School is an independent day school serving 460 students in grades 6-12, and located in Chestnut Hill, just outside of Boston. Founded in 1920 and propelled by our progressive roots, our goal is to expand the nature of school. With over 40 local and national partnerships, almost daily field trips, a thriving performing and visual arts program, and a best-in-class Research + Design Center, we are able to combine rigorous academics with real-world application, focusing on teaching content combined with experience applying it to current issues. Our athletic program offers first-rate athletic and fitness opportunities that prioritize the whole athlete. The school fosters a joyful environment where students feel confident taking risks and being their authentic selves, where everyone—students and adults alike—feels a sense of belonging, and where teachers have the freedom to innovate and grow alongside their students.
This is a 12-month, full-time position reporting to the Head of School and serving on the Senior Leadership Team. Beaver salaries and benefits are competitive in the Boston and national markets.
Major Functions And Responsibilities
- Supervises and supports the Upper School faculty and staff, fostering professional growth and excellence, and overseeing recruiting, hiring, evaluation, and retention.
- In collaboration with the Academic Leadership Team, leads curriculum development, including pedagogy and assessment strategies.
- Leads the Upper School student support team, coordinating next steps for students experiencing academic, social, or emotional challenges and disciplinary issues.
- Oversees the development and implementation of the advising curriculum.
- Manages a budget of approximately $180,000.
- Collaborates with the Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation, the Middle School Director, and other senior leadership on school-wide academic initiatives and policy development.
- Oversees all aspects of student life in the Upper School, including student leadership and engagement, school spirit, and safety and wellbeing.
- Collaborates with the Athletic Director to ensure that student-athletes are supported and the programs are successful.
- Manages communications with students, parents, and faculty to maintain a strong, supportive community.
- Oversees student academic progress, including regular parent/caregiver-teacher conferences and mid-term comments.
- Maintains a visible presence at plays, games, concerts, and other student programming and events.
Other Roles
- Serves as a member of the Upper School student support team and the Enrollment Committee; helps plan and lead Department Head meetings.
- Supervises the Assistant Director of the Upper School, the Division Coordinator, the Director of College Counseling, the Director of Academic Services, and the Director of Wellness, Counseling, and Health Services.
- Represents the Upper School as needed at school events, board meetings, admissions, and community gatherings.
- Serves as an advisor for 7-9 students.
- Teaches one class, as needed.
Qualifications And Desired Characteristics
- College degree; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of administrative experience in secondary education, including leadership or administrative roles.
- Experience with strategic planning and change management.
- Demonstrated success in faculty supervision, curriculum innovation, and student support.
- Ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues from all areas of the school.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Sense of humor and delight in being with teenagers.
Salary Range: $180,000 - $230,000, depending on experience
To apply: Candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of 3-5 references.
Deadline for applications: December 5, 2025.
