Description

Overview

Agape Christian Academy, located in Burton, Ohio, was founded in 2005 by eight families committed to non-denominational Christian education. Now serving 280 students from over 150 families across two campuses, Agape is entering a new chapter following the retirement of its founding president, Susan Gifford, at the end of the 2024/25 school year. The Agape Christian Board is seeking a Head of School who will build on this legacy and lead the academy into a new era of Christ-centered excellence.

Requirements

Qualifications and Core Competencies 

1. Character

The Head of School must be above reproach, reflecting the biblical standards for spiritual leadership as aligned to Exodus 18:21; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; and Titus 1:6–9.

Character Essentials:

• A life of integrity, humility, and self-control
• A well-managed family life, modeling biblical priorities
• A reputation for gentleness, hospitality, and peace
• Not motivated by personal gain, but by service to Christ and others
• A consistent example in word, conduct, and relationships—inside and outside the school

2. Convictions

The Head of School must be a person of deep biblical conviction, in total alignment with the Statement of Faith, with a proven commitment to sound doctrine and personal integrity, as outlined in the governing documents and emphasized in 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 4:1–6; and Titus 2:15.

Doctrinal Essentials:

• Unwavering belief in the inerrancy, infallibility, and authority of the Bible
• Clear on justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone
• High view of God’s sovereignty and Christ’s lordship
• Commitment to the sufficiency of Scripture for all matters of life and godliness
• Affirmation of the major tenets of the faith: the deity and humanity of Christ, His atoning work, bodily resurrection, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and the literal return of Christ
• Willingness to teach and lead with clarity on primary doctrines, while modeling humility and unity on secondary matters, recognizing and respecting  students' unique and diverse theological backgrounds
• Deep devotion to and engagement in the local church as their personal/primary means of discipleship and accountability

Doctrinal Alignment:

• Literal six-day creation and historical accounts of Genesis 1–11
• Literal-historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation
• Biblical clarity and courage on contemporary issues (marriage, sexuality, abortion, critical theory, etc.)
• Gracious, winsome engagement with those who disagree, correcting with Scripture and gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24–26)

3. Commitment

The Head of School will serve as chief administrator of Agape Christian Academy, reporting to the Agape Christian Board, overseeing faculty and staff hiring, evaluation, and development, ensuring high-quality, Christ-centered education, fostering a culture that reflects Christ’s love and encourages spiritual growth, building strong relationships with families, churches, and community partners, and managing school finances, fundraising, and strategic planning. Roles and responsibilities include:

• Spiritual Leadership
  • Marked with a distinctive attitude of servant leadership
  • Participate in staff devotions, prayer meetings, and chapel
  • Provide shepherding care for faculty, students, or families
  • Model Christlike leadership in meetings and decision-making
• Academic Oversight & Campus Collaboration
  • Provides direct oversight to both campus principals to ensure:
  • Curriculum consistency
  • Faculty development
  • Discipline trends
  • Enrollment and family engagement
  • Campus-specific updates
  • Operational integrity
  • Conduct classroom walk-throughs and informal observations
  • Maintain a firsthand awareness of missional effectiveness through a consistent presence on both campuses
  • Ensure academic interventions and student support efforts
• Staff & Faculty Development
  • Drive administrative or leadership team collaborations
  • Conduct one-on-one coaching check-ins with key leaders
  • Ensure faculty hiring, evaluation, and onboarding consistent with Agape standards
  • Construct positive healthy staff culture, while addressing staff morale, conflicts, or other concerns
• Parent & Community Engagement
  • Sustain availability with parents regarding student or school-related matters
  • Partner with parent leadership groups
  • Maintain presence at student events, games, performances, and chapel programs
  • Establish a regular communication plan from the Head of School
• Operational & Financial Management
  • Coordinate with finance and operations directors on budget oversight
  • Oversee admissions progress and advancement goals
  • Supervise campus facilities and safety procedures
  • Communicate with board chair as needed
  • Actively engage in donor development for fundraising in cooperation with the board
• Strategic Planning & Vision
  • Evaluate mission alignment, school culture, and long-range planning
  • Plan leadership development, academic programs, or future initiatives
  • Prepare for board meetings, accreditation reviews, or public presentations

4. Educational and Certification Requirements

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field
• Preferred: Master’s degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field
• Preferred: State teaching or accreditation, such as NCSA (National Christian School Association) or ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). 

5. Experience

• Minimum: Three years of classroom teaching experience
• Minimum: Two years of school administration or similar leadership experience
• Preferred: Experience in a Christian school setting

6. Capacity

• Team-building: recognizing and equipping others, fostering an environment where all can flourish
• Strategic problem-solving: logical, level-headed, and creative in addressing complex challenges
• Vision-casting: providing a compelling example and empowering others to embrace the mission
• A shepherd’s heart, loving people and cultivating meaningful, trustworthy relationships
• Strong communication: facilitating consensus, unity, and action
• Decisive, action-oriented leadership: setting clear goals, communicating effectively, and taking urgent action
• Practical intuition and resourcefulness: making wise decisions, even with incomplete information, and adjusting as needed

7. Competency

• Maturity, skills, and experience to lead self, teams, and the institution
• Distinguished expertise in Christian education, with a proven track record in school leadership or administration
• Skills in fundraising, financial management, and experience with school growth or expansion
  
  

8. Chemistry and Cultural Fit

• Relational and culturally attuned to the unique community of Eastern Geauga County and the broader Agape constituency
• Ideally married with children, modeling a healthy family life and relating well to students of all ages
• Moderate and careful in personal liberties, carrying oneself with respectability and discernment
• Politically and culturally conservative, able to lead with wisdom and clarity through contemporary issues, always prioritizing biblical truth and love

Application Instructions

Interested candidates will submit:

• Cover Letter: Articulating Christian faith and vision for Christian education
• Resume: Detailing relevant experience and qualifications
• Statement of Faith: Outlining personal beliefs and commitment to Christian education
• References: Professional and pastoral references