Description
School Overview & Search Context
YCA is a growing, Christ-centered school rooted in a strong partnership with Yorktown Baptist Church. The school has recently completed its accreditation process and is in the midst of implementing a new high school program, building on a season marked by enrollment growth, a strengthening financial position, and a healthy staff culture. The next Head of School will be entrusted with sustaining this momentum while leading YCA through the practical and strategic work of standing up a full high school.
The Board has established a succession timeline targeting an appointed successor no later than January 1, 2027, with a transition period alongside the outgoing Head of School to ensure continuity.
Position Summary
The Head of School serves as the chief educational and administrative leader of YCA, reporting to the Board of Directors and working in close partnership with Yorktown Baptist Church leadership. The Head of School is responsible for spiritual and academic vision, daily operations, faculty and staff leadership, enrollment and financial health, and the successful launch and ongoing development of the high school.
Core Qualifications
Spiritual & Character Qualifications
- A growing, credible Christian faith with a clear personal testimony and lifestyle consistent with biblical leadership standards
- Theological alignment with Yorktown Baptist Church's statement of faith and doctrinal distinctives
- A demonstrated calling to Christian education as ministry, not merely school administration
- As the spiritual and educational leader of Yorktown Christian Academy, the Head of School must be an active member of Yorktown Baptist Church and fully support and promote the church's mission, doctrine, and ministry philosophy.
- Personal integrity, humility, emotional maturity, and servant leadership, with the relational wisdom to lead through conflict, change, and organizational growth.
Educational & Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required in education, educational leadership, or a related field. Master's degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a school setting, ideally including prior Head of School, Principal, or Assistant Head experience
- Working knowledge of accreditation standards and processes, with the ability to sustain and build upon YCA's recently completed accreditation
- Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and oversight across multiple grade bands
Strategic & Growth Leadership
- Experience leading organizations through growth and change while maintaining culture and mission clarity
- Strategic planning experience, including the ability to translate a Board-approved vision into an actionable implementation plan
- Financial literacy sufficient to manage a school budget, oversee tuition and aid structures, and partner with the Board on long-range financial planning
Organizational & People Leadership
- Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-quality Christian faculty and staff
- A track record of fostering a healthy, encouraging staff culture, building on the relational foundation established under current leadership
- Strong communication skills with parents, staff, students, church leadership, and the Board
- Experience working with or reporting to a governing Board, with the ability to operate within Board-set policy while exercising sound independent judgment
- Skilled in conflict resolution and compassion toward students, families, and employees
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with prospective families, donors, alumni, and community partners while serving as an effective ambassador for the school's mission.
Relational Fit with Church & Community
- Ability to strengthen and steward the partnership between YCA and Yorktown Baptist Church
- Comfortable operating within a church-governed school model, honoring the distinct roles of Head of School, Board, and Senior Pastor/elders
- A heart for serving the local community through Christian education and a commitment to cultivating a culture of missions and service.
Preferred Experience
- Prior experience as a Head of School or Principal
- Experience working with school accreditation, continuous improvement, accountability frameworks, and improvement planning.
- A background that includes both elementary/middle and secondary education exposure
Search Process & Timeline
- Search launch and candidate sourcing: Summer 2026
- Application review and initial interviews: Summer 2026
- Finalist interviews with Board and church leadership: Fall 2026
- Target appointment of incoming Head of School: no later than January 1, 2027
- Transition period through the remainder of the 2026–2027 school year
