Mary Dickson

Position Type:Administration/Division HeadDate Posted:2/6/2026Location:The Independence SchoolDate Available:07/01/2026Closing Date:05/01/2026

Independence was founded in 1978 by parents seeking a challenging education that would be strong in the academic areas, arts, foreign languages, and athletics. Today, the school occupies a 90-acre campus in the Pike Creek Valley (near Hockessin, Newark, and Wilmington, Cecil County, MD, andSoutheastern Chester County, PA), and features state of the art facilities and outdoor classrooms.

The Independence School, an independent day school welcoming children age 3 through 8th Grade, provides an exceptionally strong academic foundation andso much more. At Independence, students learn to think for themselves. They learn independence. Our school mission, beliefs, and core values guide us to ensure we offer students an unparalleled educational experience, opportunities for leadership and a welcoming community for the entire family.

Head of Lower and Intermediate School

Direct Supervisor: Head of School

FLSA: Exempt

Type: Full-Time Staff Employee

The Head of Lower and Intermediate School provides visionary, collaborative, and student-centered leadership for Grades 1 5. This role is responsible for the academic, social-emotional, and cultural life of the division, ensuring an engaging, developmentally responsive program aligned with the School's mission, values, and strategic priorities. A member of the Leadership Team, the Head of Lower and Intermediate School partners closely with faculty, families, the other Division Heads, and the Head of School to foster a joyful learning environment where students are known, challenged, and supported.

Professional Attributes

• High energy and enthusiasm with the ability to learn quickly, make an immediate impact, and implement new initiatives
• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of assignments
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, displaying the ability to connect and build relationships with employees, students, and parents
• Confidence in professional aptitude with the ability to effectively convey skills and knowledge
• Positive team player with a strong desire to be an active, long-term participant in the growth of the School
• Supports and aligns with the School's mission, values, and policies
• Commitment to fostering and supporting a safe and healthy atmosphere and an inclusive community
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning and growth

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the division, including scheduling, student placement, staffing, and curricular program
• Provide instructional leadership and guide the design and implementation of developmentally responsive, inclusive, and inquiry-based curriculum and instructional practices
• Lead ongoing curriculum review and innovation in alignment with the School's mission and strategic priorities
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that supports students' academic and social-emotional development
• Recruit, supervise, support, and evaluate faculty in Grades 1 5
• Foster a collaborative culture grounded in reflective practice, professional growth, and shared accountability
• Provide regular feedback, coaching, and professional learning opportunities to support instructional excellence
• Support faculty well-being, morale, and retention through relationship-centered leadership
• Serve as the primary administrative point of contact for families in Grades 1 5, fostering open, proactive, and respectful communication and collaboration
• Review and edit/revise all major grade-level & division communication and report card comments
• Partner with the Student Support Team and parents/caregivers to support student growth and community well-being
• Actively participate in the admissions process by supporting student recruitment and admissions committee work to advance the School's enrollment management goals
• Collaborate with the Business Office on faculty HR matters, division budgeting, purchasing, school policy compliance, and other operational needs
• Represent the Lower and Intermediate Grades at school events and community gatherings
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and best practices in independent school education
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in education or educational leadership preferred
• Teaching experience at the elementary level; prior leadership experience preferred
• Deep knowledge of child development, curriculum design, assessment, and effective instructional practices
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and support faculty within a collaborative school culture
• Student-centered, empathetic, solutions focused, and relationship-oriented leadership style
• Familiarity with independent school culture, organizational structures, and expectations
• Aptitude to learn new systems, software, and platforms including student information systems
• Proficiency in a Windows environment and with Google Workspace/MS Office
• High level of confidentiality and discretion

The Head of Lower and Intermediate School is a year-round position.2/5/26

The Independence School prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Attachment(s):School Overview.pdf