Announcing a Position Opening: Head of School Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children Overview Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children is a national leader in the education of DHH students using simultaneous oral English and Signing Exact English. Dedicated to successful research based practices, the school s mission is to provide a nurturing educational environment for children who are deaf or hard-ofhearing, offering superior education while fostering spoken language and listening skills. Established in 1982, as NW School for Hearing-Impaired Children, the school recently changed its name but not its mission: that of supporting students in becoming self confident, articulate, academically competitive learners and community members who demonstrate that hearing loss is a difference, not a disability. This tremendously successful program is located in Shoreline, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. A regional program providing special education services in partnership with school districts throughout northwestern Washington, it serves approximately 45 children from preschool through middle school. With a highly trained and loyal faculty and administration, a wholly owned and mortgage free campus and a healthy sustaining endowment, the School is the ideal workplace for a Head of School looking to invest energy into the joys of learning and achievement rather than the headaches of bureaucracy. Committed to careful succession planning, the Board of Trustees seeks a new Head of School to work collaboratively with the outgoing Head and the Director of Deaf Education Services. The job of Head of School is to supervise operations, support school programs and further the mission and objectives of NW School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children in accordance with the School s Board of Trustees directives, agency
needs, funding sources, special education State rules and regulations, and current policies and procedures. Roles and Responsibilities The Head of School reports to The Board of Trustees. Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to Advising the Board of Trustees and participating in the implementation of the School s mission, performance and outcome goals at their direction. Planning, implementation and management of all NWSDHH programs and systems, in collaboration with the Director for Education Services. Supporting an educational staff of 14, administrative team of 6 and personnel from NWSDHH programs implemented in the community such as the District D/HH Support Program and the Spanish Speaking Families Program. Vigilant nurturance of NWSDHH s commitment to team building, collaboration, communication methodology, and culture, while ensuring that all parts of the organization are working toward the same goals. Maintaining and accounting for the fiscal health of the organization. Oversee the operating budget and maintain fiscal control over expenditures. Management of contractual and regulatory relationships with multiple school districts, as well as local and state educational agencies. Fostering collaborative relationships with local, state and national agencies and organizations advancing educational opportunities for deaf and hard-ofhearing students. Researching a variety topics for the purpose of being knowledgeable on trends and changes in the education of deaf and hard of hearing students, special education, and technology related to 21st century educational success for deaf students. Supervising students for the purpose of conducting and implementing NWSDHH programs and supporting the educational goals of the school.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications Skills, Knowledge and Abilities NWSDHH is seeking a Head of School who will inspire a broad-based, deeply felt commitment to the advancement of the NWSDHH mission. Strong leadership, management, communication and decision-making skills are critical to success in this position. The successful candidate should have the proven ability to encourage teamwork and collaboration among many individuals and organizations. The Head of School will be a compassionate leader with extraordinary vision who is able to realize that vision through a rich interaction with the Board, faculty, educators, parents, students and those who support the organization. This person must have a value set consistent with a culture that is based upon respect, camaraderie, high ethical standards and a passion to make a difference. The Head of School must have the skill to ensure that NWSDHH continues to be responsive to the dynamic, changing needs of the children and families it serves, and sustain the methods and resources that have resulted in such extraordinary success so far. The ideal candidate will be an experienced educator and administrator in the field of deaf education or special education, or other related disciplines. A minimum of five years experience in a senior leadership role is expected. An advanced degree in education, research or management is preferred. Desired commitments include: Leadership: Commands respect for her or his accomplishments. Is well connected and has extensive experience working with schools, policymakers and other leaders in special education. Can inspire others. Commitment: Demonstrates a personal commitment to education and serving the DHH community. Personal commitment to excellence in personal work products and all aspects of the work of the school. Has a tough skin and the ability to stick to a plan and push it through to completion.
Vision: Has a clear vision for the impact and potential future impact of the School s methodology. Communication: Demonstrates strong communication skills and, when appropriate, directs and inspires Board leaders and staff to effectively represent the organization. While fluent SEE Sign skills are preferred, a commitment to developing them upon hire is required. Skillful communication with diverse groups and individuals. Management: Possesses a proven track record managing staff, faculty, finances and a complex organization in a democratic and inclusive manner. Dedication to building trust, collaboration and strong teams within the school community. Diversity: Is culturally competent, embraces diversity, and is committed to developing and reinforcing diversity in the workplace. Desired skills include: Exceptional collaborative, supportive personnel management skills that foster a mutually supportive, hardworking, faculty united in their efforts toward the achievement of the school s mission. Ability to motivate staff. Ability to develop long and short range plans & programs furthering the school s mission and programs Ability to evaluate the program, services, and policies in a manner that ensures their alignment with program goals Performs personnel functions for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel and achieving objectives within budget. Effective public speaking and presentation skills Ability to manage a variety of programs and projects simultaneously, tracking progress, and ensuring excellent outcomes on each.
Use of creative, analytical and problem solving skills. Ability to analyze issues and create action plans. Use of data based problem solving strategies and the independent interpretation of guidelines. Organizational and time management skills; ability to adapt to changing work priorities, meet deadlines and schedules, set priorities and work as part of a team. Ability to create and maintain a positive school climate for students, staff and families. Knowledge required includes: Familiarity with current state and federal special education laws, requirements, policies and procedures, and how they relate to Non-Public agencies and contractual settings. Familiarity with current effective teaching strategies, curricula, technology, classroom management strategies, and practices used in special education settings. Orientation toward logical, data-based educational decision making and instruction. Familiarity with effective and supportive employee evaluation procedures and practices Knowledge based competencies related to administrative and supervisory duties; curriculum and instructional leadership; and effective conflict resolution skills. Responsibility Working Environment Responsibilities include: working independently under broad organizational guidelines to achieve objectives; managing a school; and supervising the use of funds.
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 40% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment and in a clean atmosphere. Experience Education Masters degree in Education, Special Education, Deaf Education or related area such as Speech & Hearing, Special Education Administration. Ph.D. / Ed.D. / Au.D. preferred, Required Testing Post Offer Physical Exam Continuing Educ. / Training Signing Exact English fluency preferred at hire, and required within one year of employment. ASL proficiency welcomed. Certificates & Licenses Washington State Administrator s Credential Washington State Teaching Certification in General and/or Special Education Clearances Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance Hepatitis B immunization within 120 days of employment Salary: Range: $90,000-$110,000 per year depending on experience, training and skills
APPLICATION Northwest School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All candidates will be evaluated on a merit basis. A resume and a cover letter may be submitted, in confidence, to: Peggy Mayer, Head of School; PO Box 33666; Shoreline WA 98133 Application Deadline: February 1, 2015 Start Date for Successful Candidate: Negotiable. Start prior to July 1, 2015 required. Immediate start preferred. Position open until filled.