Palma Scholars Program Director

Catlin Gabel School seeks to employ the best qualified individuals from available applicants and to provide them with opportunity for advancement in a manner that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal equal employment opportunity laws or regulations. The School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the school’s success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors. FTE: 1.0, Full Time, 11 months, Exempt Range: $110-$122k

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Palma Scholars program brings together a cadre of academically accomplished Upper School students with notable potential in leadership, athletics, and service while also spurring educational innovation within the school. As a cohort of high-achieving 9-12th grade students, Palma Scholars learn under the mentorship of a master teacher and take part in the dynamic Palma Seminar, an interdisciplinary course that promotes real‑world projects. While eligible to take all courses offered at Catlin Gabel, scholars do not have to meet the same graduation requirements, which allows them to customize their educational roadmap.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Palma Scholars Program Director is responsible for administering and overseeing the program, recruiting student scholars, designing and teaching the Palma Scholar’s seminar, coordinating an annual retreat, collaborating with school employees, and building internal and external relationships. The Palma Scholars Program Director will teach scholars how to maintain and demonstrate high levels of academic achievement, ability in and dedication to an athletic pursuit, an ongoing interest in community and global issues together with a corresponding service ethic, and leadership within the school community. It is the school’s expectation that the Program will enhance Catlin Gabel’s academic quality by providing all Upper School students access to the seminars while reserving other specific opportunities for the Scholars.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Administer the Palma Scholars Program through budgeting, communications, strategy, collaboration with other key stakeholders at the school and community organizations. Schedule and oversee a quarterly meeting with key stakeholders including enrollment, athletics, advancement and Upper School admin to update and discuss program progress and strategy. Oversee operational aspects of the program, weaving the Palma Scholars Program into the fabric of the academic and co‑curricular life of the Upper School. Recruit a cohort of academically exceptional students with exemplary records and notable potential in leadership, athletics, and service through close collaboration with the Enrollment team to support Upper School admissions. Design and teach two sections of the Palma seminar as an experienced master teacher. The seminar is interdisciplinary, experiential, available to students across grade levels and incorporates competency based learning and community engagement in its design. Design and execute the annual retreat for Palma Scholars, which takes place during the Immersives period in late‑May and early‑June, and periodic cohort meetings to strengthen the cohort and instruct students on leadership. Establish relationships with knowledgeable people in the city and region who are in positions to: Identify, evaluate, and recommend prospective students to the Scholars Program. Lend professional expertise to the development and teaching of the seminar and to serve as role models to the Scholars. The Director is responsible for expanding and sustaining those networks over the coming years. Mentor the Scholars through regular 1‑on‑1 meetings with respect to their individualized academic plans and their social and emotional development. Support the Palma Scholars as a group and individually on and off campus during their competitions and extracurricular activities. Embody the mission of the Program and speak passionately on its behalf to parents, students, media, community organizations, and other educational institutions. Take part in activities with organizations in the region that provide opportunities to attract top students, enhancing the program’s quality and impact, publicizing both the Palma Scholars and the school, and generally being an active part of Catlin Gabel’s outreach effort. Serve as a fourth administrator in the Upper School by leading the New Student Rafting Trip and the Senior Class trip and serving in a backup role in the event of a crisis on campus. Build a trusting relationship with the parents of Scholars and construct a community amongst the families in the cohort.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not supervise other employees.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Interactions occur most routinely with students, parents, faculty members and administrators at Catlin Gabel and other schools. Many informal and formal interactions with students and Upper School faculty occur routinely. Regular contact and collaboration with school colleagues, particularly those working in the Upper School is expected.

COMPETENCIES

Goal‑oriented person who is flexible and who can collaborate with others constructively. Role model whose creativity, enthusiasm, and conviction motivate and inspire others, who can remain level‑headed when working with a variety of people and situations. Ability to assess and respond to the needs of the school and act as a representative of the school. Commitment to professional growth and education. Ability to function well under stress. Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse community. High energy, commitment, initiative, self‑direction, adaptability, imagination. Strong interpersonal skills, including good listening, humor, tact, intuition, confidentiality.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Experience working with adolescents. High school experience that may include admission, diversity outreach and partnership building, athletic leagues, or similar experiences that could be helpful in the management of the Palma Scholars Program, preferred. Skilled in starting, developing, turning around, or otherwise transforming a program or department in the context of a larger institution.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are representative of physical requirements and may not be all‑encompassing. Incumbents must be able to perform job duties with or without accommodations. Work is primarily performed in an office setting with moderate heat, sound, and light. Ability to remain in a stationary position (primarily at a desk) for prolonged periods of time. The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces. Frequent and consistent operation of a computer and other office machinery (e.g., copier, printer, fax) requiring manual intervention. Occasional bending, squatting, stooping and kneeling related to filing or other record keeping. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds in materials related to position (e.g., office supplies).

SCHEDULE

This is a 11‑month, full‑time position often requiring hours outside of the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday. The ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, is required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Catlin Gabel School