Director of the Lower School

The Director of the Lower School provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for grades Kindergarten – 3rd grade (350 students and 30 faculty), ensuring that the division’s academic program, culture, and operations reflect the mission and values of Oak Hill School. The Director works closely with faculty, parents, and students to foster a joyful, developmentally appropriate, and mission-rooted learning environment. The role is a member of the school’s senior leadership team and reports to the Head of School. 

Responsibilities:

Academic Leadership & Curriculum

• Oversee the academic program, including monitoring and communicating student progress, managing assessment and reporting processes, and leading teachers’ partnership with parents.
• Partner with the Director of Teaching and Learning to ensure strong instructional practice and alignment with schoolwide academic goals.
• Conduct regular classroom visits and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to faculty; prepare written evaluations as part of the school’s formal review process.
• Support the Director of Teaching and Learning in division-level curriculum planning, review, and adoption processes; guide faculty in implementing curricular updates.
• Collaborate with the Director of Learning Services to support student learning needs, coordinate interventions, and ensure appropriate communication with families.
• Promote a culture of curiosity, high expectations, and continuous improvement among faculty.
• Spiritual, Social, and Emotional Formation
• Model and communicate the mission and philosophy of Oak Hill School in all aspects of student development—academic, spiritual, social, and emotional.
• Partner with teachers and families to create a nurturing environment that reflects Christian values and fosters student growth and a sense of belonging.
• Support the intentional integration of faith-based learning and practices into the life of the division.

Faculty Support & Culture

• Build and sustain strong, supportive relationships with faculty rooted in trust, coaching, and professional collaboration.
• Facilitate professional development for division faculty, both school-led and external opportunities.
• In support of the Director of Teaching and Learning, guide the onboarding and mentoring program for new teachers within the division.
• Lead in the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of Lower School faculty and staff.

Division Operations

• Oversee the daily functioning of the Lower School, including schedules, supervision plans, attendance, special events, and student behavior.
• Ensure safety and crisis response procedures are followed consistently.
• Manage Lower School budget.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for student conduct matters; work with teachers and families to resolve issues with clarity, grace, and consistency.
• Assess and implement tiered supports for academic, behavioral, and social-emotional student needs.
• Plan and lead Lower School faculty meetings and division events.
• Maintain clear, timely, and proactive communication with Lower School families and the broader OHS community.
• Support retention by nurturing strong relationships with families and promoting student matriculation through sixth grade.
• Partner with the Director of Admissions throughout the admissions cycle, including observing prospective students, consulting on placement, and participating in enrollment decisions.
• Supervise and support the Director of the PreK and the Assistant Director of the Lower School, fostering a collaborative and unified leadership approach.
• Participate fully in leadership team meetings and contribute to schoolwide planning and decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s degree in education or a related field, preferred.
• Alignment with the Christian mission and vision of Oak Hill School.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive school community that reflects God’s love.
• A love of and passion for working with children.
• Humble and authentic leader with a relational leadership style built on approachability, transparency, and responsiveness.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, including experience leading teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Skillful in navigating conflict and engaging others with clarity, grace, and respect.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to partner effectively with colleagues and families.

Preferred qualifications:

• Five to ten years of administrative experience in a school setting.
• Experience working in independent schools.
• Classroom teaching experience in early childhood or elementary education.
• Training or certification in instructional leadership, literacy instruction, or child development.