Description

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please submit your application through the Vanderbloemen website. 

About the Head of Schools

The Head of Schools (HOS) provides overall leadership and strategic direction for Horizon Prep, ensuring the fulfillment of its mission through effective management of people, programs, and resources. 

The HOS functions as a leader of leaders—mentoring and empowering principals and administrative staff to carry out their responsibilities with excellence. The HOS ensures that communication and problem-solving occur at the appropriate levels, engaging directly when additional guidance or resolution is required. 

The Head of Schools reports to the Operations Team under the direction of the Senior Pastor, working collaboratively to align Horizon Prep’s goals, culture, and ministry impact with the broader mission of Horizon Church. As a leader of a church ministry, the HOS is expected to be an active participant and attend Horizon Church, modeling spiritual leadership and unity within the community. 

Appointment Year: 2026-2027

The Head of Schools’ responsibilities include:

Vision/Mission Stewardship

•      Cultivate unity and collaboration in mission between Horizon Prep and Horizon Church.
•      Owns and passionately communicates the vision and mission to all stakeholders and to the surrounding community.
•      Inspires positive cultural growth and corrects negative cultural trends.
•      Loves learning and pursues the effective implementation of a classically based education.

Institutional & Academic Leadership

•      Ensure that appropriate classically based academics and learning are in place for HP graduates to consistently gain entrance into quality universities.
•      Actively supports faculty and ensures that they have adequate resources.
•      Develops and implements the organizational structure, processes, and systems of accountability that allow for effective leadership and administration of Horizon Prep.
•      Maintains an organizational culture that promotes college preparation for all students.
•      Ensures that Horizon Prep meets or exceeds ongoing accreditation standards.
•      Fosters a dynamic and positive work environment to attract and retain quality faculty and staff.

Personnel Leadership

•      Maintains a strong culture of unity and cross-collaboration with other Horizon Church ministries.
•      Recruits and retains excellent faculty and staff.
•      Oversees professional development of direct reports.
•      Oversees the implementation of the evaluative process to facilitate encouragement and growth.
•      Develops and maintains a succession plan for key employees to minimize transition risk.

Student/Family Recruitment & Retention

•      Strengthens enrollment to fill existing capacity and expand the pipeline of new applicants.
•      Consistently strategizes new means for attracting students to widen the pool of prospective students and recruit families.
•      Ensures meaningful engagement throughout a family’s time at Horizon Prep; listens and responds to concerns and suggestions in a timely and respectful manner.

Internal/External Communication

•      Champion the established Horizon Prep vision and values set forth by the Senior Pastor in internal and external communication.
•      Effectively markets Horizon Prep’s story and value to all stakeholders, prospective students, donors, colleges & universities, and the broader community.
•      Builds relationships with key individuals to strengthen Horizon Prep’s ties to the community.
•      Provides direction for marketing strategy (e.g. website, brochures, etc.).

Advancement 

•      Oversee strategic efforts in marketing, recruitment, special projects, and development that strengthen Horizon Prep’s mission and long-term sustainability. 
•      Lead marketing and communication initiatives to promote the school’s vision and values with brand consistency and excellence. 
•      Direct student recruitment and retention strategies in partnership with admissions and community partners. 
•      Guide special projects that advance institutional goals and foster innovation. 
•      Cultivate and steward authentic relationships with donors, alumni, and community stakeholders.  Approach development with discernment, recognizing that many in our community are often asked to contribute, and prioritize gratitude, connection, and partnership over solicitation. 

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Head of Schools:

Education

•      Minimum Master’s Degree in Education/Educational Leadership or equivalent; Doctorate Preferred
•      Degree in Education, Business or similar function preferred.

Experience

•      Prior school administration experience preferred.
•      Prior teaching experience.
•      Prior budget responsibility preferred.

Skills

•      Broad knowledge of educational administration, curriculum, instruction and student development theory and programming.
•      Supportive of the Classical Christian Education model.
•      Professional Certifications
•      Credential Administrator with WASC/ACSI required (or equivalent and able to obtain).

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please submit your application through the Vanderbloemen website.