Head of School

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur

Head of School

The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur invites nominations and applications for Head of School, a position to begin July 1, 2021. Located in Villanova, PA, The Academy of Notre Dame is a premier independent, Catholic, college preparatory school enrolling 550 girls in grades 6 through 12.

Founded in 1856, the Academy community is guided by the faith tradition of the Catholic Church, the service of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and its honor code. Students are taught “what they need to know for life” in order to prepare them to be confident, responsible leaders in a global society. Located on a breathtaking 40-acre campus in Philadelphia’s Main Line suburbs, the Academy recently celebrated the completion of the Riley Center, a 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility for STEM Education. Notre Dame has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2018-2021 for continuous innovation in learning, teaching, and the school environment

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the next Head will implement the 2020-2025 “A Future of Promise” strategic plan with an eye towards the long-term future of the school. Overseeing a total staff of six, direct reports to the Head of School include the Associate Head of School, the Director of Enrollment and Institutional Advancement, the Director of Operations, the Director of Finance, the Director of Information Resources and Technologies, and the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Head serves as the primary external representative of the Academy in engaging with donors, alumnae, corporations, and foundations.

The successful candidate will be fervent about girls’ Catholic education, be an effective and compelling communicator, a visible champion for the school community, and a strong fundraiser. The candidate will be an experienced community builder who embraces the history and culture of the institution and fosters students’ lifelong engagement with the Academy. The candidate’s administrative background should reflect healthy consensus-based decision making and a clear understanding of the current issues facing girls’ education.  An ability to build collegial and effective professional relationships with diverse constituencies is essential. Candidates must exemplify the Academy’s focus on the intellectual, spiritual, and moral development of young women, and must have the capacity to inspire, motivate, and lead others. The new Head of School will have a proven track record of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and fostering an environment that equally welcomes, respects and values everyone.

The Board of Trustees has retained the services of Diversified Search to assist in the search process.  All communications will be treated confidentially.  Nominations, inquiries, and applications (including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of educational philosophy, and the names of five references) should be directed electronically in confidence to academyofnotredameheadofschool@divsearch.com.

Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D., Senior Managing Director

Peter J. Gillin, Managing Director

Sherry Coleman, EdD, Partner

Mark Halligan, Associate

Diversified Search

One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 3300, Philadelphia, PA 19103

215-656-3579