About NCCS

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Located in New Canaan, CT, and serving 550 students, our mission is to guide students to reach their intellectual, creative, moral, and physical potential. A talented and devoted faculty engages our students in developmentally appropriate ways, delivering a challenging curriculum that builds intellectual skills and fosters creative and critical thinking. We lead by example and challenge students to fulfill their potential, find their path, and follow their passions whether in the classroom, on the playing fields, on the stage, or in serving the community. 

About the Assistant Head of Middle School Position

Reporting to the Head of Middle and Upper School, the Assistant Head of Middle School will serve as the primary advocate for students in Grades 5-6. Charged with building meaningful relationships and effective systems to support students in their personal, academic and social-emotional growth, the Assistant Head of Middle School will help to foster a positive culture and a healthy community by promoting opportunities for students to flourish. The Assistant Head of Middle School will work collaboratively with faculty and closely with parents/guardians. Primary responsibilities include: a focus on the daily operation of the Middle School, coordination of co-curricular programming, and overseeing student behavior through a restorative approach. This position is also an integral member of the MS and US Leadership Team, working together with the School Counselor, Director of DEI and DEI Facilitators, the Assistant Head of Upper School, and the Head of Middle and Upper School. The Assistant Head will also teach or otherwise work directly with students.

Responsibilities:

• Be the point person for daily operations for Grades 5-6
• Serve on the MS and US Leadership Team to guide strategic direction for Grades 5-9 and contribute to making decisions with a student-centered perspective
• Provide first level of support for students, teachers and parents
• Oversee student programming, such as assemblies, clubs, leadership, and class trips
• Lead the first tier of disciplinary matters, focusing on a restorative approach 
• Coordinate and lead grade-level meetings
• Assist the Head of Middle and Upper School to cultivate community and model an atmosphere of respect and inclusivity
• Work with faculty to implement program, schedule and best practices consistent with the School’s mission and values
• Help with planning for and/or leading divisional meetings 
• Collaborate with the Head of Middle and Upper School and other administrators in the hiring and retention of faculty
• Work in conjunction with the Head of Middle and Upper School and Director of Enrollment Management in the admission and onboarding of new students
• Serve in concert with the Head of Middle and Upper School as a liaison between Grades 5-6 and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and DEI facilitators
• Partner with Head of Middle and Upper School on communication to parents/guardians and informational sessions and presentations
• Collaborate with the Assistant Head of Upper School to promote community and create student activities and events for Grades 5-9
• Help to facilitate the academic, social and emotional transition of students from Grade 4 to Grade 5 and Grade 6 to Grade 7
• Assist with the review of student academic progress, including narrative comments and learning profiles

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Understanding of the development and social-emotional needs of Middle School students; relevant experience teaching and/or advising the age group is preferable
• Ability to connect with students at the middle school age level
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills in writing and verbally
• Preferred background in school leadership responsibilities, including supervising, mentoring, and/or instructional coaching 

Desired Qualities

• Finds joy in working with 10- to 12-year-old students 
• Is a visible, present leader
• Is collaborative, friendly and approachable and a team player
• Is a flexible, creative thinker and problem solver
• Is organized and attentive to details
• Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth
• Demonstrates cultural competency
• Is facile with digital technologies for organization and communication