Head of School (New York)

The Leffell School is a premier kindergarten through twelfth grade independent Jewish day school, set apart by its comprehensive, intellectually rigorous curriculum that empowers and cultivates each student in mind, body, and soul. Located on two lush, 25-acre campuses in Westchester County and drawing students from the Tri‑State area and metro New York City, The Leffell School serves more than 800 students and attracts families who choose from among many of the top schooling options in the world. Through the teaching of Jewish values, interdisciplinary critical thinking, and openness to new ideas, The Leffell School inspires its students to achieve academic and personal excellence, preparing them for college and lives of purpose, leadership, and impact.

The Leffell School is a caring community that fosters the joyful practice of Jewish life. The school brings together families from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds and affiliations, united by a shared commitment to Jewish learning, community, love of Israel, and tradition. For nearly 60 years, The Leffell School has instilled in its graduates the confidence to navigate life’s journey with a strong moral compass and to apply their passions, knowledge, and skills to the betterment of the Jewish people, the United States, Israel, and the broader world.

The Search

Following thirteen years of exceptional leadership under Dr. Michael Kay, who has been selected to lead UJA‑Federation of New York, The Leffell School seeks a Head of School who can build upon an extraordinary foundation while helping define the school’s next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving and mission‑driven institution at a moment of both stability and possibility—preserving all that makes Leffell special while shaping its future in a rapidly evolving Jewish and educational landscape.

The Leffell School enters this search from a position of considerable strength. The school benefits from strong enrollment, a healthy balance sheet, a substantial endowment, and a deeply committed philanthropic community, with annual fundraising expected to exceed $4 million next year. Supported by a dedicated Board of Trustees and talented leadership team, the school has the resources and institutional capacity to pursue ambitious goals and invest meaningfully in its future.

The coming years present exciting opportunities for continued growth and innovation. The school is advancing a significant renovation of its Lower School campus, investing in its academic and co‑curricular programs, and continuing to strengthen its position as a leading destination for families seeking an exceptional Jewish and secular education as well as a meaningful community experience.

These efforts build upon a long tradition of excellence while ensuring that the school remains responsive to the evolving needs of students, families, and the broader Jewish community.

The Opportunity

The Leffell School seeks a visionary and relationship‑driven leader to build upon an extraordinary foundation and help shape the next chapter of its growth. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Head of School provides overall leadership for the institution and is responsible for advancing its mission, educational vision, and strategic priorities. The Head oversees all aspects of school life, including academics, Jewish life, enrollment, fundraising, finance, operations, and community engagement. This outstanding opportunity allows an accomplished leader to partner with a talented and dedicated team of educators, administrators, trustees, parents, and alumni who are deeply invested in the school’s success. The next Head of School will have the opportunity to articulate a compelling vision for the future, strengthen an already distinguished institution, and help ensure Leffell continues to thrive amid a changing educational and communal landscape.

Stakeholders expressed a desire for a leader who can build on the school’s many strengths while thoughtfully addressing important opportunities related to enrollment growth, affordability and accessibility, faculty and staff support, academic excellence, and the continued innovation and evolution of the student experience. Equally important will be preserving the warmth, relationships, and sense of community that have long distinguished The Leffell School.

The next Head of School will serve as the chief ambassador for The Leffell School, building meaningful relationships with students, families, faculty, alumni, trustees, donors, and the broader Jewish community while advancing the school’s mission and strengthening its reputation as one of the nation’s leading Jewish day schools.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in a senior leadership role within an educational, Jewish communal, or mission‑driven organization.
• Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to inspire confidence across diverse constituencies.
• A proven ability to recruit, develop, inspire, support, and retain outstanding faculty and staff.
• Strategic leadership experience, including the ability to articulate vision, lead change, and execute effectively.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, including experience overseeing budgets, long‑term planning, and institutional resources.
• A proven ability to serve as the public face of an institution, partner with trustees, engage alumni, and cultivate donors to advance institutional priorities.
• A commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and innovation in teaching and learning.
• An appreciation for the diversity of the Leffell community and an ability to foster a culture of belonging, respect, and collaboration.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, humility, resilience, and a genuine love of working with students and families.
• A visible, warm, and accessible leadership style aligned with the values and culture of The Leffell School.

Benefits and Compensation

The Leffell School offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation package for this role. The salary range for this role starts at $500,000. The benefits package includes tuition assistance, medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a generous retirement plan.

Start date

July 2027

Equal Employment Opportunity

This position description is based upon material provided by The Leffell School, an equal‑opportunity employer.