Headmaster

Job Description: Headmaster, Full Time

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, a Chesterton Academy is a Catholic classical high school in north metro Denver which exists to be a joyful haven where students grow in wisdom and encounter our Lord Jesus Christ for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. We educate students in the Western civilization tradition and the liberal arts and sciences. We seek a dynamic leader who desires to contribute to an engaging and joyful school culture and to lead students in their academic, character, and spiritual formation.

Candidates must be practicing Catholics pursuing a life of virtue and holiness through prayer and the Sacramental life. They must also be willing to take the Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium. These are necessary to the role of modeling the Christian life to the students.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong proficiencies in content knowledge and teaching ability in a variety of subjects, strong organizational and administrative skills, and written and verbal communication skills. Accompanying these should be a passion to inspire wonder and excellence in students, teachers, and parents and a sense of the connections between the humanities and the sciences.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Headmaster will provide cultural and administrative leadership to the school, be responsible for fostering a safe learning environment; nurturing a joyful culture of life; promoting and adhering to our Catholic identity; and overseeing the implementation of approved curricula and mission of the school.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Curriculum and Academic Excellence:
• Oversee adherence to Chesterton Schools Network curriculum.
• Oversee implementation of changes to curriculum.
• Review results of student tests (CLT, PSAT, ACT, SAT).
• Oversee school accreditation process and renewal per Chesterton
Schools Network guidelines.

Instruction:
• Teach 2-3 courses in addition to routine Headmaster duties.
• Oversee faculty hiring, evaluation, mentoring, and training.
• Conduct classroom observations as part of the faculty evaluation process.

Student Life and Discipline:
• Persevere in focusing on the formation of the whole student.
• Ensure discipline policies are communicated and enforced.
• Oversee extracurricular activities.
• Ensure the effectiveness of virtue, house, and faculty mentor programs.
• Oversee academic and behavioral eligibility for extra-curricular activities.

Parent Communications:
• Regularly communicate with parents and supporters in-person, via email, or by phone on topics related to school progress, including sending a weekly message to parents or school newsletter
• Meet with parents regarding student discipline and academic issues.

Development:
• Ignite support and enthusiasm for classical education among faculty, parents, and stakeholders.
• Leverage position to play a crucial role in recruiting and retaining both students and faculty.
• Participate in fundraising events, often as a key speaker.

Admissions:
• Admit or deny new students upon review of placement exam, student application materials, and interview.
• Oversee the transfer student process (curriculum, regulations, forms, and financial).
• Review placement tests and contact parents with remedial needs.
• Deliver presentations to prospective parents and students at selected school events.

Job Requirements:
• Practicing Roman Catholic, committed to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and pursuing a life of virtue and holiness through prayer and the Sacramental life (Required).
• Background in liberal education and possess a demonstrable facility with and commitment to the Catholic liberal arts tradition. (Required).
• Commitment to the vision and mission of the Chesterton Academies (Required).
• Bachelor’s Degree (Required).
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills (Required).
• Resilient and adaptable with strong time management and organizational skills (Required).

• Background check to work with minors (Required).
• Master’s Degree (Preferred).
• Teaching experience in a classical school environment (Preferred).
• Experience in secondary school administration (Preferred).
• Working knowledge of institutional advancement/fundraising (Preferred).

Interested candidates should submit the following to info@olswdenver.org:
• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• References (we recommend 2-3 professional and 2-3 personal, including those that can speak to your spiritual life)
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended.
• Statement of your philosophy of education and your interest in helping support families in forming their children spiritually, intellectually, socially (300-400 words)

More information about the school and curriculum can be found on our website at www.olswdenver.org.

Position Details

Schedule: Employment starts July 1, 2024, depending on availability. All faculty are highly encouraged to attend the CSN Annual Summit June 17-20, 2024. Faculty report for in-service training in mid-August.

Classification: Exempt

Salary Range: $50,000 – $80,000, highly dependent on experience, skills, education, and other factors permitted under Colorado law.

Location: 11385 Grant Dr., Northglenn, CO 80233

School Mission
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, a Chesterton Academy, opening in August of 2024, is an authentically Catholic liberal arts high school in Northglenn, Colorado. It is a member of the Chesterton Schools Network that began in 2008 as a result of a grass-roots movement of parents to revitalize Catholic liberal arts education in high school. Chesterton Academies offer a rigorous, integrated high school curriculum centered on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Focusing on the classics and with a strong emphasis on the fine arts, Chesterton Academies develop complete thinkers who learn to draw on faith and reason for the purpose of building a culture of life.