Director of Auxiliary Programs - King School

Position Overview

King School seeks a strategic, entrepreneurial, and community-oriented Director of Auxiliary Programs to lead and grow a dynamic portfolio of year-round programs that extend the School's mission and vision beyond the academic day and calendar. Grounded in King's commitment to fostering confident learners, meaningful relationships, and a forward-thinking educational experience, this role will shape programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection for both current and prospective families.

The Director will oversee summer programs, after-school and enrichment offerings, and the development of new initiatives that reflect King's vision for innovation, belonging, and real-world learning. This leader will serve as the architect of a cohesive auxiliary enterprise that enhances student experience, deepens community engagement, and generates meaningful non-tuition revenue. Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, the Director will partner closely with academic leadership, admissions, athletics, and marketing to ensure auxiliary programs reflect and amplify the King School experience.

About King School

King School is an independent, coeducational day school in Stamford, Connecticut, serving students from PreKindergarten through Grade 12. The School is dedicated to developing students who are confident, engaged, and prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Through a commitment to academic excellence, character, and community, King fosters an environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests, take intellectual risks, and build meaningful connections. The School's vision emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and preparing students with the skills and mindset to navigate an evolving global landscape.

Auxiliary programs play a vital role in bringing this vision to life beyond the classroom, creating additional opportunities for students to discover passions, build relationships, and engage with the broader community.

Strategic Vision for the Role

The Director of Auxiliary Programs will advance King School's vision by:

• Designing programs that extend learning beyond the classroom and cultivate curiosity, creativity, and confidence
• Building experiences that strengthen connection and belonging among students, families, and the broader community
• Creating accessible entry points for prospective families to experience King's distinctive approach to education
• Expanding innovative, mission-aligned programs that reflect emerging interests and real-world skills
• Generating sustainable revenue that supports the School's long-term strategic priorities

Reporting Structure and Scope

The Director of Auxiliary Programs reports to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer and collaborates closely with:

• Senior leadership
• Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management
• Director of Marketing and Communications
• Director of Athletics
• Division Heads and faculty

The Director oversees all auxiliary staff, including program leaders, seasonal employees, and part-time instructors.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

• Summer Programs (school-run and partner programs)
• After-School and Enrichment Programs
• New Program Development and Strategic Initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Development

• Lead the development of a forward-looking auxiliary strategy that reflects King School's vision for innovation, experiential learning, and community engagement
• Build a cohesive auxiliary department that delivers high-quality, mission-aligned experiences across all programs
• Identify and develop new programs that respond to evolving student interests, family needs, and market opportunities
• Partner with school leadership to position auxiliary programming as an extension of King's educational philosophy
• Champion a culture of creativity, continuous improvement, and thoughtful growth

Summer Programs

• Expand and develop a portfolio of summer programs that reflect King's commitment to exploration, creativity, and real-world learning
• Ensure offerings provide opportunities for students to build skills, pursue passions, and engage in meaningful experiences
• Cultivate partnerships with external providers that align with the School's values and program quality expectations
• Recruit and develop staff who create inclusive, engaging, and student-centered environments
• Use data and feedback to continuously refine programs and enhance impact

After-School and Enrichment Programs

• Enhance and expand after-school offerings that support the whole child and extend the King experience beyond the academic day
• Create programs that foster collaboration, creativity, and student agency
• Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with divisional priorities
• Introduce innovative offerings that reflect emerging interests such as STEM, arts, leadership, and wellness

Community Engagement

• Position King School as a vibrant hub for community engagement through strategic facility use
• Build partnerships with organizations that align with the School's mission and values
• Ensure campus use supports both operational excellence and meaningful community connection
• Balance revenue generation with preservation of campus culture and priorities

Financial Management

• Develop and manage program budgets aligned with strategic goals and long-term sustainability
• Set pricing and revenue strategies that reflect both market demand and program value
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for growth and efficiency
• Ensure responsible stewardship of resources

Marketing and Enrollment Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing and Communications to tell a compelling story about King's auxiliary offerings
• Align programs with Admissions strategy to create authentic entry points for prospective families
• Increase visibility of programs within the Stamford community and surrounding areas
• Ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for all families

Operations and Administration

• Implement systems and processes that create a high-quality, user-friendly experience for families
• Oversee registration, scheduling, and program logistics with efficiency and care
• Ensure compliance with all safety, regulatory, and school policies
• Maintain clear communication and operational excellence across all programs

Qualifications and Experience

Education and Professional Background

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in Education, Business, or a related field preferred
• Relevant professional experience in summer programs, auxiliary programs, youth development, recreation management, or similar environments; experience in an independent school setting is beneficial but not required
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing teams, with the ability to manage staff effectively

Financial and Operational Expertise

• Strong experience in developing and managing program budgets, establishing revenue targets, and tracking financial performance with accuracy and accountability
• Systems-oriented thinker with the ability to design and refine operational processes such as registration, staffing, and scheduling to improve efficiency and user experience
• Experience collaborating with finance or business office leaders on pricing strategies, forecasting, and long-term financial planning

Program Development and Entrepreneurial Orientation

• Proven ability to conceptualize, launch, and scale programs from idea to execution, balancing creativity with strong follow-through
• Entrepreneurial mindset with enthusiasm for building and growing programs within a mission-driven environment
• Strategic perspective with the ability to identify opportunities, assess market demand, and develop offerings that support revenue growth, enrollment, and community engagement

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

• Strong alignment with the values of an independent school community, including a commitment to integrity, inclusion, and collaboration
• Genuine interest in working with children and families, along with an appreciation for the culture and rhythms of school life
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to connect effectively with students, families, colleagues, and external partners
• Collaborative leadership style that builds trust, fosters teamwork, and strengthens cross-departmental relationships
• Comfort stepping into a newly established role, navigating complexity, and gradually building alignment and cohesion across a growing portfolio
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience contributing to inclusive environments and practices

Personal Attributes and Requirements

• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Strong customer-service mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality experiences and clear, timely communication
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and a deep commitment to safety and participant well-being
• Proficiency with standard technology tools; familiarity with registration systems, CRM platforms, or program management software is preferred
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and peak summer periods
• Successful completion of a background check required

An Invitation to Apply

This is a unique opportunity to shape a growing and strategically important area of King School's program. The Director of Auxiliary Programs will play a central role in advancing the School's vision by creating meaningful experiences that inspire students, strengthen community, and prepare learners for a dynamic future.

King School is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.