Headmaster

Job Description

Position Title: Headmaster of Chesterton Academy of St. George
Location: Jackson, Michigan, Diocese of Lansing
Reports to: Board of Directors

Overview
Chesterton Academy is seeking a dedicated and visionary Headmaster to lead our classical high school in the Catholic tradition. The Headmaster will be responsible for fostering the spiritual, academic, and cultural development of the school, ensuring alignment with the mission and values of Chesterton Academy.

Administrative Model
The Headmaster and the Executive Director lead the administrative team at Chesterton Academy. This model of school administration is one of equality with both specific and shared responsibilities.

The Headmaster is responsible for internal operations, including the instructional leadership of the school, as well as hiring and supervision of instructional personnel, the curriculum, and student life.
The Executive Director is responsible for the business aspects of the administration including finances, human resources, fundraising, strategic planning, public relations, and building facilities.
These co-leaders share responsibilities for nurturing and maintaining the mission and traditions of the school, and ensuring fidelity to the Magisterium. Both administrators are hired by and report directly to the Board of Directors.

Summary
The Headmaster serves as the educational leader, responsible for managing the policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure that all students are supervised in a safe learning environment that adheres to our Catholic identity and meets the approved curricula and mission of the school. The Headmaster is responsible for the curriculum, instructional leadership of the school, hiring and supervision of instructional personnel, student life, discipline and related parent communication.

The Headmaster must be a practicing Roman Catholic, possess the minimum of a Master's Degree in Administration or related field, and demonstrate a commitment to Catholic secondary education. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

The Board of Directors appoints the Headmaster of Chesterton Academy. A collaborative relationship between the Headmaster and Executive director is a requirement. In addition to any teaching responsibilities, the duties of the Headmaster include: (1) curriculum and academic excellence; (2) instruction; (3) student life and discipline; (4) parent communications; (5) student admissions; (6) guidance; (7) other school operations.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties
Leadership and Vision
• Uphold and promote the Catholic identity and classical curriculum of the school
• Foster a school culture rooted in Catholic faith and virtues
• Help develop and implement strategic plans in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Curriculum and Academic Excellence
• Oversee adherence to Chesterton Schools Network curriculum
• Oversee implementation of changes to curriculum.
• Review results of student tests (CLT, PSAT, ACT, SAT)
• Oversee school accreditation process and renewal per Network guidelines

Instruction
• Oversee faculty hiring, evaluation, rehires, terminations
• Conduct classroom observations for faculty members as part of
evaluation process

Student Life and Discipline
• Ensure discipline policies are enforced, communicated
• Oversee parent-led sports and extracurricular activities
• Ensure effectiveness of the house system and faculty mentor
programs
• Oversee academic and behavioral eligibility for extra-curricular activities
• Coordinate with local clergy to provide spiritual guidance and sacramental opportunities

Parent Communications
• Send weekly Headmaster Missive to parents or school newsletter
• Meet with parents regarding student discipline and academic issues
• Meet with prospective parents through a family conference to
determine eligibility

Admissions
• Admit new students upon review of placement exam, student
application materials, and family conference meeting.
• Oversee transfer student process (curriculum, regulations, forms,
financial)
• Review placement tests and contact parents with remedial needs
• Deliver presentations to prospective parents and students at
selected school events Guidance
• Coordinate standardized testing, college applications and transcript
preparation
• Communicate with colleges, universities, and other post-high school
programs
• Promote various vocational opportunities

Other School Operations
• Oversee selection and evaluation of vendors (software, textbooks,
other services)

Teaching Responsibilities (as needed)

Relationships
The Headmaster maintains the following working relationships:
• The Headmaster reports directly to the Board of Directors.
• The Headmaster maintains a consultative, collaborative relationship
with the Executive Director.
• The Headmaster maintains a supervisory relationship with faculty
and other selected staff, including an Academic Dean.

Requirements
Education: Masters in Education or related field

Experience: Significant teaching experience in a classical school environment; previous experience in secondary school administration; familiarity with the mission of Chesterton Academy and the teachings of the Catholic Church; and working knowledge of institutional advancement/fundraising.

Certification: Not required

Other, Preferred Qualifications:
• Strong organizational, intrapersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong commitment to the teachings and traditions of the Catholic
Church.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Masters degree in Education, Theology or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of educational leadership position, classical or
Catholic.

About Chesterton Academy of St. George
Chesterton Academy of St. George is an independent classical high school in the Catholic tradition that opened in 2022. Chesterton Academy offers a rigorous, integrated high school curriculum centered on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Focusing on the classics, the school develops complete thinkers who learn to draw on faith and reason for the purpose of building a culture of life. Learn more about Chesterton Academy of St. George and the growing national Chesterton Schools Network.

Application Process
All interested applicants should submit: COVER LETTER, RESUME, PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES to admin@castgeorge.com.

*Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and other pre-employment screenings, as applicable.

About the Employer

MOTTO: Cultura Vitae (Culture of Life)
MISSION: The mission of Chesterton Academy is to help parents raise up a new generation of joyful leaders and saints, educated in the classical tradition and the truths of the Catholic faith. Our rigorous, integrated curriculum unlocks students' potential and prepares them to succeed in college and professional life, and to excel in service of family, of country, and of Christ our Lord.