Highlands Christian Academy Head of School

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Snapshot

Denomination: Baptist

Accreditation: FACCS, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and Affiliated Member of ACSI

Student Enrollment: 607

Location: Pompano Beach, FL

The Role: Head of School

Meet Highlands Christian Academy: 

Highlands Christian Academy (HCA), a private Christian school located in Pompano Beach, Florida, is proud to offer a high-quality, college-preparatory, Christian education to students from 4 years of age through the 12th grade.

We believe God has uniquely gifted each child with individual skills, abilities, and interests. Our goal is to come alongside parents to help train their children in spiritual formation, Christ-centered academics, and all aspects of Christian living. 

About the Head of School:

The Head of School is responsible for working with the School President and School Committee to ensure the accomplishment of HCA's mission, purpose, philosophy, academic excellence, and high Christian standards as established by the School Board (Deacons). 

The Head of School will oversee effective and efficient day-to-day operations and management of the School in an academically challenging, socially aware, and nurturing environment; and ensure compliance with all policies and procedures as established in the manuals of the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

The Head of School will also be responsible for assisting the Pastor and Deacons with the development and implementation of a strategic plan for HCA, which will include, but is not limited to: student retention, student & faculty recruitment, staff development, financial integrity, marketing & promotion of HCA, and the long-term sustainability of HCA.

The Head of School will have direct oversight of the principals, as they oversee other areas of the school, as well as a few others as indicated on the current organizational chart.

The Head of School Responsibilities Include: 

General:  

Supervises the School's educational and extra-curricular programs, activities, and operations.

Faculty and Staff:

• Oversee all aspects of hiring, firing, evaluating, and retaining School faculty. This is done in partnership with the principals.

• Lead the annual start of school training for new and returning teachers. 

• Ensure all teachers have proper accreditations.

• Keep current job descriptions for all school faculty and support staff.

• Develop a plan and oversee evaluations for staff/faculty, curriculum, programming, etc.

• Determine the annual teaching needs and assignments, based on enrollment needs.

• Hire and fire staff and faculty in accordance with our hiring policies.

• Work with principals to ensure staff/faculty policies as laid out in School Manuals and Employee Handbook.

Academics:

• Ensure implementation of the academic program as required by our accrediting agency.

• Maintain accurate school records in keeping with State requirements.

• Ensure student testing is administered on time, properly submitted, and recorded.

• Evaluate and direct curriculum for the sake of improvement and advancement of the School’s programming to keep HCA competitive in the local market.

• Cast a vision to keep moving our academics to a higher level.

Parents:

• Ensure parental concerns are heard and addressed if determined to be valid.

• Work with principals to determine the effectiveness of the parent/teacher conferences.

• Approve the work of the Parent/Teacher Fellowship.

Discipline and Safety:

• Work with principals as they address items of discipline and safety.

• When the need arises, confer with parents, faculty, staff, and any others as necessary regarding student discipline, and in keeping with all confidentiality requirements.

• Approve principals’ recommendations for students to be put on probation, suspended, or expelled. (Expulsions are usually with the approval of the School Committee.)

• Create and maintain a safe environment in all areas of the school. (i.e. – Athletics, car line, furnishings, facilities, procedures, etc.)

   Finances:

• Work with the President, Business Manager, Department Heads, and School Committee, to prepare the annual school budget to be finalized by the Church Finance Committee.

• Work with the President, Business Manager, and Finance Committee to determine the annual salaries for staff and faculty.

• Oversee spending to ensure it aligns with and does not exceed the annual budget.

• Engage in fundraising for advancement, capital campaigns, and endowment efforts.

Recruitment and Community Networking:

• Articulate clearly and forcefully the School’s Christian philosophy, mission, and goals.

• Be responsible for public relations and recruitment. A goal should be to develop the principals to take care of on-campus needs, so the Head of School can spend a good amount of time off-campus networking and promoting the School to local businesses, industry, and civic groups.

• Serve as official representative of HCA in all contacts with the public.

• Preside at formal assemblies and commencement exercises.

• The goal is for the Head of School to work more “on” the School, rather than “in” the School.

Non-Academic Supervision and Administration:

• Lead or coordinate staff/faculty devotions.

• Be responsible for the overall morale in the School.

• Work with the Marketing Director to develop a strategic and aggressive marketing plan for the School, with a priority on those areas of enrollment that are the lowest.

• Maintain compliance with Federal, State, and Board laws, policies, rules, and regulations regarding school administration.

• Develops the agenda for School Committee meetings.

• Maintain a close relationship with the Pastor/President and Deacons to protect against those who would seek to divide the leadership. The Head of School is part of our Executive Leadership Team and must be a committed member of Grace Church.

Staff Development

• Cooperate with the Executive Pastor and HR Department for staff development, and compliance with all required CEUs and certifications required by the State of Florida and our accrediting agency.

• Actively identify and recruit staff as needed to maintain and grow HCA and to provide the best educational opportunities for our clientele.

   

What You Bring: 

Qualifications

• Saved, baptized, and exhibiting a vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

• Set the example of a mature believer by leading the way in evangelism and discipleship.

• Be in complete and full agreement with the Baptist Faith & Message, 2000.

• Be in complete and full agreement with the School’s philosophy of Christian Education.

• Be a tithing member in good standing of Grace Baptist Church; fully participating in the services by attendance and involvement in a volunteer ministry of the church.

• Manifest, by precept and example, the highest Christian virtue and personal decorum, by avoiding the appearance of evil in both public and private life.

• Have the spiritual maturity, academic ability, and personal leadership qualities necessary to lead Highlands Christian Academy to be able to fulfill her purpose, mission, and vision.

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or similar.

• Thorough understanding of pertinent federal, state, and non-profit laws, policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to the operation of a private Christian school. 

• Thorough understanding of pertinent federal, state, and non-profit laws, policies, rules, and regulations about the operation of a private Christian school. 

SKILLS:

• Highly motivated, self-starter.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service. 

• A high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.

• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, the prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.

• Ability to work with a team to execute the collective objectives of the ministry.

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance.

• Ability to be flexible in an ever-changing working environment.

   

What it's Like to Live in Pompano Beach, FL: 

South Florida offers a vibrant, multicultural environment that beautifully blends diverse cultures, languages, cuisines, and traditions, making it a unique place to call home. With its warm tropical climate, residents can enjoy sunshine and pleasant weather year-round, perfect for exploring the beautiful beaches and other outdoor activities. The area has many attractions, from art districts to nature reserves and water sports, ensuring there’s always something to do. Plus, with the proximity to large cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, you can enjoy the best of urban living while still having access to serene coastal escapes. Those with young families will also enjoy being only 3 hours from Orlando attractions and only 2 hours from the west coast of Florida.