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DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC SYSTEMS, INNOVATION AND STRATEGY

SEATTLE ACADEMY-ARTS & SCIENCE, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127

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Director of Academic Systems, Innovation and Strategy SEATTLE ACADEMY

(SAAS)

is an independent school in Seattle serving students in grades 6–12. Our mission challenges students to question, imagine, and create in order to contribute boldly to a changing world. We believe in cultivating curiosity, fostering meaningful relationships, and empowering young people to develop the skills and habits of mind needed to thrive in school and in life.

SAAS seeks a

Director of Academic Systems, Innovation and Strategy

to guide the development, coordination, and ongoing growth of our 6–12 academic program. Reporting to the Co-Head of School, this position partners closely with Academic Deans, Department Chairs, Division Heads, Assistant Heads, and faculty and staff to shape a strong, coherent, and future-ready academic experience.

The Director will advance academic excellence consistent with SAAS’s mission and values, ensure alignment across the 6–12 program, and support a vibrant culture of high-quality instruction, innovation, and student-centered learning. This is a key academic leadership and management role with broad influence across all areas of the academic program.

This is a 12 month exempt administrative position with some evening and/or weekend commitments.

Salary range is $170,000-$190,000, depending on experience.

Academic Program Leadership

Support and communicate a mission-aligned vision for academic excellence across grades 6–12.

Evaluate the effectiveness of SAAS’s grades 6–12 curriculum to ensure teaching and learning reflect a mission-aligned vision for academic excellence—grounded in questioning, imagining, creating, and contributing boldly—within the evolving context of generative AI.

Strengthen curricular alignment and coherence across departments and divisions in service of a clear, mission-aligned academic program with consistent expectations and a cohesive learning experience for all students in grades 6–12.

Lead and support curriculum review cycles and departmental/program reviews.

Guide academic leaders to design, pilot, and champion research-supported instructional practices, helping deliver a consistent, mission-aligned approach to excellent teaching.

Represent and help shape the academic program on committees and collaborative working groups, contributing perspective, proposing improvements, and advancing new ideas, including but not limited to generative AI.

Oversight of Academic Systems

Oversee academic policies and curricular processes to promote clarity, coherence, and academic excellence.

Collaborate with academic and division leadership in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding faculty, strengthening and evolving the academic program through strategic staffing decisions.

Create and develop metrics, systems, and structures to meaningfully enhance student learning and academic program effectiveness.

Provide oversight and coordination among the Registrar Office, Learning Support, AI Instructional Coach, and other partners to ensure smooth daily academic operations.

Provide leadership and supervision for teams and staff who support academic programs and monitor student progress in collaboration with advisors and division leaders.

Communicate effectively with faculty, students, and families about academic policies, processes, and expectations.

Other Duties

Serve as a strategic partner to the Co-Heads of School in developing and communicating mission-aligned long-term goals, academic priorities, and institutional strategy.

Maintain a visible and active presence in school life, attending community events, performances, exhibitions, and other gatherings that strengthen relationships and support a vibrant school culture.

Participate in administrative duties such as responding to student, faculty, and family needs and supporting the smooth operation of the school during special events or emergent situations.

Teach one class and/or serve as a student advisor as needed.

Qualifications Competitive candidates will demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills—including attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure, and the ability to support faculty in personnel matters. Additional qualifications include:

Significant academic leadership experience in an independent school or comparable educational setting.

Deep expertise in curriculum design, instructional practice and assessment, including AI integration, with success leading meaningful program innovation.

Demonstrated effectiveness in delivering engaging, developmentally informed learning experiences that promote student flourishing and support faculty.

Exceptional communication skills and the ability to build trust, inspire collaboration, and partner effectively with students, faculty, families, and colleagues.

A leadership style grounded in relationships, high emotional intelligence, humility, and a growth mindset.

Strong organizational skills, follow-through, and the ability to manage complex systems with clarity and purpose.

An advanced degree and demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning.

A sense of humor, positivity, adaptability, and a genuine interest in making a positive impact on the lives of adolescents and teaching faculty, and in supporting the mission of Seattle Academy.

How to Apply SAAS offers a competitive salary and excellent benefit package. View our Staff Benefits here . A resume and cover letter is required to apply.

Seattle Academy provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and local laws. SAAS offers a competitive salary and excellent benefit package.

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