Description
Position Title: Head of Upper School (Grades 6–12)
Reports To: Head of School
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Administration
Supervises: Faculty and Staff in Grades 6–12
Member of: Senior Leadership Team
Position Summary
The Head of Upper School at New Hope Christian Academy (NHCA) serves as the instructional and spiritual leader for grades 6 through 12. Reporting directly to the Head of School, this individual provides strategic leadership, spiritual guidance, and operational oversight for all academic, co-curricular, and student life programs within the Upper School division.
The Head of Upper School ensures that the mission of NHCA—to Disciple, Educate, and Commission students for Christ—is fully integrated into the life of the school community. This leader will model a mature Christian faith, foster academic excellence, promote a culture of discipleship, and cultivate meaningful relationships with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Essential Responsibilities
Spiritual Leadership
- Lead the Upper School community in spiritual growth through prayer, chapel participation, and mentorship that immerses all areas of school life into a biblical worldview.
Encourage faculty and students to pursue a personal relationship with Christ and to live out their faith in community.
Support the Head of School in maintaining the spiritual mission and values of NHCA.
Academic Leadership
- Oversee curriculum design, implementation, and assessment for grades 6–12, ensuring alignment with NHCA’s academic standards and biblical worldview.
Supervise and evaluate faculty performance, promoting professional growth and instructional excellence.
Lead efforts in educational innovation, technology integration, and college/career readiness.
Operational and Administrative Oversight
- Manage daily operations of the Upper School, including scheduling, discipline, attendance, and extracurricular programs.
Partner with the admissions team to support student recruitment, retention, and orientation.
Assist in developing and managing divisional budgets and resource allocation.
Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and school policies.
Community and Stakeholder Relations
- Foster strong, positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, alumni, and the broader school community.
Communicate effectively and consistently with all stakeholders to promote clarity, unity, and shared mission.
Represent NHCA at school events, parent meetings, and community gatherings.
Student Life and Formation
- Oversee the spiritual, social, and emotional development of Upper School students through discipleship programs, chapel, advisory, and extracurricular life.
Promote a culture of respect, responsibility, and Christian character consistent with the school’s Code of Conduct.- Partner with guidance and counseling staff to support student wellness and behavioral accountability.
About New Hope Christian Academy
New Hope Christian Academy is a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school dedicated to Discipling, Educating, and Commissioning students to impact the world for Christ. We strive for academic excellence rooted in biblical truth and seek to cultivate young men and women of commitment, character, class, and community.
Living in the Central Ohio Region
The position of Head of Upper School at New Hope Christian Academy not only offers an exceptional opportunity for school leadership, but also placement in a vibrant, growing region of the country. Here’s a breakdown of what life in the Central Ohio area brings — especially useful for someone considering joining our community.
Cost of Living & Quality of Life
The overall cost of living in the Central Ohio region (based on available data) is approximately 18% lower than the U.S. national average.
Housing costs in particular are significantly lower — the index for housing in the region was reported around 50 on a 100 = national average scale.
The region offers a combination of suburban and semi-rural communities along with urban amenities — which tends to appeal to school leaders seeking family-friendly settings, access to nature, cultural opportunities, and a stable base for building relationships with faculty, students, and parents.
Growth, Economic & Community Trajectory
The broader Central Ohio region is projected to grow by more than 700,000 people over the next 25 years, pushing the total population of the multi-county region toward 3 million by around 2050.
In recent years, the region has experienced robust year-over-year growth: about 18,000 new residents added between July 2022–July 2023 in the 10-county central Ohio area.
This growth is accompanied by increasing economic development, infrastructure expansion, and job creation — factors that support stable school enrollment, parent-community vitality, and opportunities for partnerships and outreach.
Community & Lifestyle Highlights
The region offers a rich mix of cultural, recreational, educational, and family-oriented amenities: from parks and green spaces to arts venues, diverse dining, growing neighborhoods, and the benefits of a mid-sized metro that is not overwhelming in scale.
Requirements
Qualifications and Requirements
Spiritual Qualifications
- A mature and growing Christian faith, with a clear testimony of personal salvation in Jesus Christ.
Agreement with NHCA’s Statement of Faith and commitment to modeling biblical values in all areas of life and leadership.
Professional Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (Doctorate preferred).
Minimum of 5–7 years of successful experience in educational leadership, preferably in a Christian or independent school setting.
Demonstrated excellence in faculty supervision, curriculum development, and student engagement.
Proven ability to build cohesive teams, manage complex operations, and implement strategic initiatives.
Personal and Leadership Qualities
- Spiritually grounded, relationally warm, and mission-driven.
Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills.
Visionary and innovative thinker with the ability to balance grace and accountability.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively.
A servant leader who inspires others through humility, excellence, and faithfulness.
Additional Information
This position is full-time, 12 months, and includes competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
Benefits include health insurance, professional development support, and tuition remission for qualified dependents.
Expected start date: Summer 2026
