Middle School Director

Brentwood School inspires every student to:

Think critically and creatively.

Act ethically.

Shape a future with meaning.

Brentwood School in Los Angeles, California, is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school in the Brentwood neighborhood of west Los Angeles. The school, a community of 1200+ Kindergarten through 12th Grade students and 151 faculty members, is situated on two campuses. The three-acre West Campus (K-5) is four blocks away from the original 28-acre East Campus (6-12). In its relatively short history of 50 years, Brentwood has grown to be one of the premier independent day schools in California. Students describe a warm and caring atmosphere where they are known and valued as individuals. Embracing high standards of academic excellence, character development, and emotional intelligence, Brentwood encourages students to think critically and creatively and to act ethically.

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8)

On the East Campus, the 352 Middle School students learn to assume more responsibility for their own education. The 6^th Grade class is composed of 42 Brentwood Lower School students plus 34 new students while the 7^th Grade class of 137 welcomed 74 new students this past year. The ideal class size means students benefit not only from a great deal of personal attention, but also from a feeling of being closely connected to the school, to one another, and to the faculty. In this nurturing, supportive environment, students are exposed to a broad range of subjects that allow them to explore their interests, develop new ones, and experience both personal and intellectual growth. See the Middle School Curriculum Guide for more information.

STRENGTHS OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

One of the hallmarks of the Brentwood Middle School is a passionate, vibrant, and child-centered faculty who are committed to the following:

• A culture of collegiality, professionalism, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and cross-cultural competency
• Vigorous college-preparatory academic program that fosters critical and creative thinking and provides rich extracurricular offerings
• Students who are happy, self-confident, well-rounded, and caring
• High quality educational and athletic facilities on a magnificent campus
• Core values that emphasize character, personal responsibility, and service to the greater community
• A balance of hard work and fun, and of high expectations and nurturing, with a strong focus on the quality of student life
• An enviable stature and high demand for admissions in the universe of greater Los Angeles independent schools

THE POSITION

The Middle School Director is responsible for all aspects of the program and personnel in the Middle School. The Middle School Leadership Team is comprised of the Director, Assistant Middle School Director, Middle School Director of Service Learning, Learning Specialist, the counselors/School Psychologist, Assistant Director of Equity and Inclusion, and the Associate Athletic Director.

EXPECTATIONS

The Middle School Director will lead a robust division that has constructed its programs and operations with careful attention to Brentwood’s mission and values. The Interim Director of the Middle School will accomplish the following:

• Provide leadership through the support and collaboration with an excellent faculty, attending to the curriculum, and ensuring the Middle School’s overall vitality
• Work with the faculty and administration to sustain systems and structures that support and increase the effectiveness of the school’s curriculum and programs
• Strengthen collaboration and foster transparency and trust through open communication, clear expectations and full engagement-working closely with the Middle School leadership, faculty, staff, parents, and students
• Foster an environment that encourages open discussion with the freedom to express varied points of view
• Create a culture where critical feedback is seen and experienced as a catalyst for professional and personal growth
• Engage fully in the daily life of the school and support students of varied identifies, lifestyles, and beliefs
• Provide educational leadership and be a skilled spokesperson for the school’s vibrant, educational program
• Work closely with the Head of Brentwood School and the members of the School Leadership Team to foster the strength of the entire school
• Engage in professional and personal development and commit to growth in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Participate and initiate opportunities that demonstrate one's growth, knowledge, and skills

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

Brentwood School is interested in candidates who can support, articulate, and promote a mission-driven, child-centered model of education. Along with excellent organizational and leadership skills, ideal candidates will have backgrounds that demonstrate most, if not all, of the following:

• A warm, approachable presence on campus that invites and respects the views of others yet is decisive when needed
• Visible and accessible on campus, knowing and enjoying the faculty, staff, parents, and especially the students of the school
• Engage actively with students, faculty, staff, and families in the daily life of the school, preserving and promoting the warmth and closeness that defines the Middle School’s culture
• Knowledge and understanding of developmentally appropriate and inclusive curriculum and instructional practices
• Strong familiarity with significant educational, DEI, and technology trends in independent schools
• Effective communication with faculty members, students, and parents, in a clear concise, and timely manner, keeping these groups appropriately informed of potential issues and or needs
• Cross-cultural competency and a commitment to equity and inclusion
• Ability to synthesize and articulate the school’s educational vision and to inspire and motive others towards further strengthening the Middle School
• Teaching and administrative experience at the Middle School level
•  An advanced degree is preferred
• Collaborative approach to leadership balanced with the ability to make decisions
• A lifelong learner who uses the latest research to complement their own experiences
• The ability to motivate, inspire, and support faculty and staff

PERSONAL QUALITIES

The favored candidate is an outgoing, energetic, confident person of keen intellect and integrity who will enjoy developing and guiding the Middle School community. The frequency with which parents and teachers are on campus working together requires a leader who is the soul of discretion. The Middle School will be best served by a leader who is self-aware; has a hands-on, approachable style; a sense of humor; and a true love and appreciation for educating Middle School age children.

COVID vaccination will be required for this position unless candidate has a legally valid exemption.

The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $200,000.

SEARCH PROCESS

Please send all information and address all inquiries to:

Kim Hutchings

khutchings@bwscampus.com

100 South Barrington Place

Los Angeles, CA 90049

Brentwood School is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to promoting diversity in the workplace and to seeking a diverse and broad spectrum of qualified candidates. Brentwood School does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender or gender identity, age, or sexual orientation.

Candidates should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter explaining their interests and qualifications for becoming the Director of the Middle School
• A current resume
• A brief personal statement including experience related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• The names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, including a current supervisor

Please click "To Apply" link above to view the full job posting, or go to  

https://www.bwscampus.com/about-us/employment