Upper Academy Director

Organization Overview

Vertex Partnership Academies is a public charter International Baccalaureate World High School with a classical core in the heart of the Bronx.

Our mission is to provide students with pathways for upward mobility while preparing them for the responsibilities of self‑governance in a democratic republic. Everything we do is rooted in the four cardinal virtues: courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom.

Our Lower Academy curriculum is designed to teach timeless truths in pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful. All students train in the seven classical liberal arts of the Trivium and Quadrivium, with explicit instruction and practice of logic, grammar, and rhetoric, and choose between Spanish and Latin to trace the development of the Western Tradition.

Our Upper Academy provides students with rich options equal in rigor and stature: a Humanities‑focused pathway with AP courses, or three different International Baccalaureate Career‑related Programme pathways—Biomedical Science, Computer Science and Cybersecurity, and Montessori Early Childhood Education—each with real‑world partners and an industry credential.

At Vertex, our students have agency. Each day, they make choices about the kind of people they want to become, the lives they want to lead, and the society they want to build. It’s our sacred duty to equip them with the knowledge most worth having, to sharpen their critical thinking, and to create a space where they grapple with diverse viewpoints, express cogent arguments, and engage in democratic discourse.

Position Summary

The Upper Academy Director will serve as the instructional and pastoral leader for grades 11–12 at Vertex. This role is responsible for driving academic outcomes, maintaining a virtues‑driven school culture, developing a high‑performing teaching staff, and ensuring student readiness for college, career, and citizenship.

This is a leadership role defined not only by vision, but by execution. The Upper Academy Director must be an exceptional operator—someone who can translate priorities into clear plans, manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, and ensure consistent follow‑through across every aspect of the Upper School. Success in this role requires the ability to keep many plates spinning without letting any drop, holding self and others to a high bar for precision, accountability, and results.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Monitor and drive student progress toward ambitious goals in academics, character, and postsecondary readiness, supported by clear systems, timelines, and accountability structures
• Lead the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Career‑related Programmes (IBCP) and classical curriculum in the Upper School
• Oversee the development, evaluation, and support of instructional staff to ensure high‑quality teaching and learning
• Implement the Data Inquiry Cycle and embody the ACE Habits of Mind

School Culture & Student Development

• Build and sustain a positive, inclusive school culture aligned with the Vertex virtues and mission
• Foster a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages student agency, self‑discipline, and personal growth
• Promote student leadership and civic engagement through programming and community partnerships

Execution & Project Management

• Own the end‑to‑end execution of Upper School priorities, ensuring that vision is translated into clear, actionable plans
• Build and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and milestones across academic programs, assessments, student experiences, and postsecondary readiness efforts
• Drive a culture of accountability by establishing clear ownership, tracking progress rigorously, and ensuring commitments are met
• Coordinate seamlessly across instructional, operations, and leadership teams to keep multiple workstreams moving forward at once
• Anticipate challenges before they arise, solve problems decisively, and adjust plans to ensure strong outcomes
• Maintain a comprehensive view of all major initiatives, ensuring alignment to school goals and that no critical work slips through the cracks

Staff Management & Professional Development

• Supervise and evaluate teachers and instructional staff, providing regular feedback and coaching
• Design and facilitate professional development aligned with school goals and educator needs
• Cultivate a collaborative and mission‑aligned staff culture

Operations & Compliance

• Partner with the operations team to ensure effective day‑to‑day school management, including the disciplined execution of key priorities through strong planning, coordination, and follow‑through
• Ensure compliance with IB, charter, state, and federal education standards and policies

Family & Community Engagement

• Build trusting relationships with families and act as a liaison between the school and community stakeholders
• Communicate clearly and proactively with families about student progress, school initiatives, and opportunities for engagement

Qualifications

Required:

• A deep, abiding belief in the infinite potential of our students
• An expansive sense of your own agency
• A hunger for feedback from all stakeholders and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Master’s degree in Education, Leadership, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in school leadership (e.g., Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean)
• Demonstrated success in driving student academic achievement
• Strong commitment to character education and classical liberal arts traditions
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

Preferred:

• Background in classical education
• SBL Certification

Compensation and Benefits

Vertex Partnership Academies offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $165,000; offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s years of experience and credentials
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• A mission‑driven, supportive working environment

Physical Requirements

This role may require lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted, including assisting coworkers when needed. Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, sitting, and looking at a computer screen for long periods at a time.

EEO Statement

Vertex Partnership Academies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment; including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.