Position Profile: Headmaster 

Pinkerton Academy, a unique, independent academy, located in Derry, New Hampshire, is searching for an outstanding educational leader. The Headmaster is a superintendent who administers the operation of Pinkerton Academy, reporting directly to the governing Board of Trustees. Strong consideration will be given to candidates who share and can build upon the Board’s vision of exceptional, innovative education and demonstrated success in fostering a student-centered community with purposefully designed, interactive and relevant learning opportunities. Review of applications will commence immediately, and continue until the Headmaster’s position has been filled.

Pinkerton Academy, founded in 1814, is the largest independent high school in the United States. Pinkerton serves as the high school of record for the neighboring towns of Auburn, Candia (beginning in 2018), Chester, Derry, Hampstead and Hooksett, NH. The Academy also accepts a limited number of students from other local communities on an application-based, privately-tuitioned basis, bringing the total of New Hampshire towns represented to 21. Approximately 3,100 students attend the Academy. The school's staff is comprised of more than 280 teachers and administrators and 90 support personnel.

The central focus of Pinkerton Academy is its exceptional and extensive program of studies, built on a traditional educational approach with innovative pedagogy and technology. Pinkerton has established and maintained an outstanding reputation for academic excellence. The program of study, offering more than 320 unique courses, is supported by comprehensive pupil support services, career and college counseling services, health services, library, special education and a very advanced technology infrastructure. Pinkerton Academy also offers Advanced Placement and Honors programs.  In addition to the strong academic program, Pinkerton is widely recognized as a leader in over 60 extra-curricular activities, including all NHIAA sports (except XC skiing and girls ice hockey). In fulfillment of its fundamental purpose - the education of youth - the Academy promotes the philosophy that mutual cooperation is vital among students, parents, staff, and trustees.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Successful administrative experience with a high school—or small college
• Experience with and/or comprehensive understanding of institutional requirements for full accreditation compliance with The Commission on Independent Schools (CIS) of NEASC or other regional accrediting organizations
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively develop, articulate and implement a vision of learning supported by students, parents, administrators, faculty, staff, local communities and the governing Board of Trustees
• Demonstrated success as an educational visionary leader with a resolute commitment to a student-centered mission
• Proven management experience in educational organizational structure to include comprehensive plans on leading and holding faculty, staff and administrators accountable for successfully meeting/exceeding accreditation requirements and specific educational, social and campus security objectives
• Significant full-time secondary and/or post-secondary teaching experience
• Extensive personal understanding of institutional technology and the ability to lead faculty and staff in preparing students to leverage technology for career preparation, college and life-long learning
• A successful track record of recruiting, mentoring, retaining and evaluating faculty and staff members
• Demonstrated experience in academic strategic planning, curriculum development, budgeting, financial management, campus master planning and resource development
• Qualified for New Hampshire Department of Education superintendent certification (see link below for NH certification requirements including alternative options) https://www.education.nh.gov/certification/

Preferred Qualifications:                                                                                                            

• Doctorate in education or relevant field
• Knowledge of and experience with external resource development strategies including grant writing, fundraising and network development with alumni, the business community and institutional stakeholders
• Experience working with state, regional and national accreditation agencies, community and state education boards and political leaders

Critical Skills:

Leadership:

• Empowers administrators, faculty, staff and students in a cooperative atmosphere; demonstrated proven ability to work within a shared governance structure and accepting the personal responsibilities and requirements of reporting directly to a governing Board of Trustees
• Inspires, motivates and engenders trust with an exhibited history of visionary leadership and the ability to strategically accomplish annual objectives
• Values openness in fostering a culture of optimism, transparency and professionalism to promote student, faculty and staff success
• Delegates appropriately; invites involvement from internal and external constituents
• Succeeds in developing and completing regular and consistent personnel evaluation processes; advances personnel opportunities for professional development
• Embraces the Academy’s historic traditions and strong alumni relationships
• Displays exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Provides administrators, faculty and staff members with professional development opportunities by facilitating sound contemporary educational practices, evolving technology and proven educational theories
• Demonstrates ability and willingness to leverage existing institutional relationships and create new partnerships
• Exhibits established experience with school safety procedures and current security best practices
• As a classroom teacher and administrator, enhances curriculum development and achievement, integrates experiential learning into existing educational and extra-curricular programs, and demonstrates a commitment to modified educational environments that accommodate diversified teaching and student learning strategies
• Demonstrates a personal commitment to special education programs and thorough understanding of regulatory requirements

Financial:

• Exhibits knowledge and understanding of a publicly-funded independent academy
• Demonstrates an inclusive, best practice background in budgeting, financial management, financial planning, resource development and fiscal responsibility
• Manages complex budgets; anticipates and responds to changing fiscal and academic challenges; understands federal, state and local regulation of educational and programmatic requirements
• Understands dynamic relationship between educational objectives and fiscal realities

Expectations:

• Exhibits unquestioned personal honesty, integrity and common sense with an unwavering commitment to a transparent, collaborative management methodology
• Engenders trust, is approachable, diplomatic, empathetic, self-confident, compassionate, respectful of others along with a sense of humor
• Passionate about being directly engaged in the daily life of the institution and committed to the personal growth of all campus community members
• Recognized by students and colleagues for being visible, personally active and engaging in academic programs and extensive campus and local community activities
• One who is comfortable on- and off-campus and in social settings; sensitive to differences in regional culture and diversified points of view

Application Process: All candidates must apply online at www.pinkertonacademy.org and application portfolios must include the following: (Review of applications will commence immediately, and the position will remain open until the successful candidate is selected and approved by the Pinkerton Academy Board of Trustees.)

• A comprehensive cover letter that specifically addresses how candidate’s experience and professional credentials meet the stated “required qualifications” for the position of Headmaster at Pinkerton Academy
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts (unofficial for application purposes - official transcripts will be required for finalists) and administrative certification and/or proof of eligibility for application as a Superintendent in the state of New Hampshire
• Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of seven (7) references including three (3) or more professional letters of recommendation

While not required, the following information/materials could assist the Headmaster’s Search Committee in evaluating candidate’s qualifications: candidate’s writing samples (perhaps 3-5 articles/reports, etc.); community service/education recognition awards; participation in local/regional/national education agencies/boards; professional memberships; civic engagement/volunteer activities; and/or other applicable supporting documents.

Applications for the position of Headmaster will remain confidential until the semi-finalists are identified, and names will not be made public until candidates are informed in advance.

Candidate’s references will not be contacted without prior notice to the applicant.