Solomon Schechter Job Description


The Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County and the Solomon Schechter High
School of Long Island, is a co-educational, private, Jewish day school
affiliated with the Conservative Movement. Through the efforts of a dedicated
and qualified staff, the school offers a rich and innovative curricula for
students from Kindergarten to 12th grade, in both general and Judaic studies. We
strive to help students and their families lead meaningful lives, instilled with
the values of American democracy, pluralism, and the love of Israel. Solomon
Schechter graduates will become self confident, compassionate, knowledgeable
Jews and future leaders of our global community.

At Solomon Schechter we teach our students the importance of Tikun Olam
(Perfection of the World). We follow the tenets and standards of Conservative
Judaism in our school, but we endeavor always to teach the children in our
charge to respect the views and opinions of others and to bring a sense of
Ahavat Yisrael and klal Yisrael (Love of Israel and the Jewish world) to their
relationships with all people.

Our founders, realizing that Nassau County lacked an educational center for
Conservative Judaism, founded the school in 1967 serving grades K through 8. In
1994, recognizing the need for a Conservative, Jewish High School on Long
Island, the High School opened making us a K-12 school. In 2010 we graduated our
13th high school class. Housed in 2 local campuses, we are the premiere
non-orthodox Jewish day school on Long Island serving students from Nassau and
Suffolk Counties as well as Brooklyn and Queens. We provide students a world
class education in both secular and Judaic studies as well as a range of
extra-curricular activities. Our dual curriculum provides students with critical
thinking skills and deep feelings for the State of Israel and for the rich
beauty of their Jewish heritage.

We are seeking a strategic thinker and experienced, dynamic leader to assume the
position of Head of School. The Head of School will embrace the school’s
mission, philosophy and values and will be a vocal advocate for the school’s
importance in the greater Jewish community. The Head of School will provide
leadership in a collaborative and collegial style, guaranteeing the continued
excellence of all aspects of the school’s vision and operations. The Head of
School will report to the Board of Trustees and be accountable for overseeing
the implementation of the school’s strategic plan and vision. Prospective
candidates should have a demonstrated record of success in several diverse areas
as they lead our school forward with energy and wisdom.

The Head of School will work collaboratively with our principals and educational
leaders to ensure that our high standards of academic excellence continue to be
met. Schechter graduates excel at the finest colleges and universities in the
nation and our alumni are responsible, dynamic community members and leaders who
achieve in many varied fields. Our program includes an appreciation for
differentiated learning and places strong emphasis on arts, athletics, and
community service as important components of a well-rounded education. Our
outstanding educational program is supported by a strong senior administrative
team coupled with a highly regarded, talented, and cohesive faculty, measured by
the success of each student.

It will be a priority of the Head of School to implement aggressive strategies
and a proactive approach towards community outreach, amid intense competition
for students. The Head of School must be able to articulate and demonstrate the
value of a Schechter education and increase public awareness of our school to
the greater Jewish community.

The Head of School will have an active role in continuing with the many
significant strides that we have made over the past several years geared towards
maintaining our financial viability. We completed our most recent year with a
balanced budget, and our Executive Director and business management office has
implemented several enhancements and efficiencies that augment our financial
model.

Along with our Director of Development, the Head of School will be charged with
evaluation and enhancement of our current development efforts, through greater
involvement with the Jewish community at large, alumni parents, alumni, and
school families. The Head of School will be responsible for cultivation of major
donors while maintaining and reengaging our past benefactors. As the only,
non-orthodox K-12 program on Long Island, significant opportunities exist to
expand the development market and utilize a large potential donor base of
untapped markets in conjunction with the help and support of several local and
regional Jewish bodies.

Personal and Professional Qualities and Qualifications:
• Strong academic credentials, coupled with varied work and life experiences in
superior institutions.
• Committed to working closely and collaboratively with faculty and staff, while
maintaining focus on goals and priorities. A team builder and delegator who will
empower senior administrators in their areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to play a key leadership role in
development and fundraising. Have prior fundraising experience, as well as
comfort and confidence in making one on one and group presentations.
• An educational philosophy and approach that is consistent with the Solomon
Schechter Day   School’s mission and values. Knowledge of/and strong interest in
best practices across the K-12 educational spectrum. Financial and
organizational acumen including a proven record with fiscal management and
implementation of strategic financial initiatives.
• Genuinely interested in students and their families and eager to engage
parents productively as partners in their children’s education.

Candidates should submit, electronically:
• A cover letter expressing interest.
• A current resume with dates for all degrees and websites for current and
previous schools.
• A statement of educational philosophy and/or other supporting material (e.g.
articles or speeches) that would be useful to the Search Committee.
• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. (We will
obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.)

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