Head of School

ABOUT THE DE PAUL SCHOOL The de Paul School was founded in 1970 by Sister Anne Rita Mauck due to her growing concern about the lack of educational options in Louisville, KY for students with learning differences. Her commitment to this cause led to the opening of The de Paul School. As the original school for learning differences in Louisville, Kentucky, The de Paul School educates and empowers Kindergarten through 8th grade students impacted by language-based and attention-based learning differences. The de Paul School effectively supports students with dyslexia and other learning differences. Her vision, which continues today, is intentionally designed-academically, culturally, and structurally-to remove barriers to learning while building confidence, skills, and independence. In its 55-year history, The de Paul School has changed the academic outcomes for literally thousands of students in our community. As a result of that success and the fact that we are pioneers in this work, today we are nationally recognized as the premier provider of educational programming for students with learning differences. Our mission, which informs all our activities, is to teach students with learning differences, how to learn, how to become independent, and how to become successful. THE OPPORTUNITY The next Head of School has an exciting opportunity to guide The de Paul School into its next chapter of growth and distinction. Grounded in a deep commitment to the school's mission and expertise in educating students with learning differences, this leader will bring steady, intentional leadership skills that build trust, clarity, and alignment across the community. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong listening skills, emotional intelligence, and transparent communication, fostering collaboration among faculty, staff, families, trustees, and partners. Balancing respect for the school's culture with a clear strategic vision, the Head of School will lead purposeful growth supported by sound judgment, data-informed decision-making, and financial acumen. Through a visible and approachable presence, this leader will strengthen confidence, support professional growth, and ensure that innovation remains mission-aligned and sustainable for the long term. CANDIDATE PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITIESGovernance & Board Partnership In close partnership with the Board of Trustees, the Head of School will steward the vision, mission, and long-term sustainability of The de Paul School. Collaborate with the Board to develop, implement, and monitor a strategic plan that advances the school's vision of instructional excellence, innovation, and outreach for students who learn differently Serve as an active, transparent partner to the Board, ensuring trustees are well-informed on matters affecting the academic program, financial health, organizational culture, and community trust Present and oversee the school's annual operating and capital budgets, including recommendations related to tuition, financial aid strategy, and long-range financial planning Provide a strong and effective bridge between the Board and school stakeholders, fostering shared understanding, aligned governance, and confidence in leadership Maintain a highly visible presence on campus and in the broader community, modeling values-driven, mission-centered leadership Balance and integrate the demands of academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and public perception, always prioritizing student well-being and long-term institutional health Fundraising & External Relations The Head of School serves as the school's chief ambassador and advancement leader, building relationships and securing resources that sustain and advance The de Paul School's vision to be recognized as the premier school for students who learn differently. Partner closely with the Board of Trustees and the advancement team to lead and support comprehensive fundraising efforts, including annual giving, major gifts, capital initiatives, and long-term philanthropic strategy Cultivate and steward strong relationships with donors, alumni, families, foundations, and community partners, communicating a compelling case for support rooted in the school's mission and impact Serve as a visible and credible public face of the school, articulating its vision, outcomes, and value to local, national, and international audiences Collaborate with the Board on advancement priorities and campaign planning, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and financial sustainability Support the Advancement Team, ensuring a cohesive, data-informed, and mission-aligned development program Advance outreach and partnership initiatives that extend the school's influence, share best practices in learning-differences education, and strengthen the school's reputation and reach Ensure that fundraising and external engagement efforts are conducted with integrity, transparency, and sensitivity to the community's culture and readiness Mission, Vision & Educational Philosophy The Head of School serves as the school's chief mission steward, ensuring that all decisions reflect The de Paul School's commitment to inspiring students who learn differently to become tomorrow's leaders and healers. Champion and embody the school's vision, mission, and cultural values, ensuring alignment across academic, operational, and community initiatives Ensure that programs for students, faculty, and staff are intentionally designed, implemented, and evaluated with precision to support instructional expertise, curricular breadth, and inclusive educational practices Lead with a student-centered lens, ensuring policies, practices, and resource allocation consistently prioritize the needs, strengths, and growth of students with learning differences Promote a school culture grounded in respect, clarity, collaboration, and belonging, reinforcing confidence and trust across the community Academic Leadership In partnership with the academic leadership team, the Head of School ensures the integrity, coherence, and excellence of The de Paul School's educational program. Collaborate with the leadership team to oversee curriculum, instructional design, scheduling, graduation requirements, and academic and overall student policies, ensuring alignment with best practices in learning-differences education Support and work with faculty to develop and maintain a clear instructional vision rooted in the school's mission and evidence-based pedagogy Oversee all accreditation and external review processes, ensuring compliance, continuous improvement, and institutional credibility Serve as a formal appeals authority when appropriate, ensuring fairness, clarity, and consistency in academic and student-related decisions Oversee and review decisions related to faculty hiring, evaluation, and separation, as well as significant student disciplinary matters, in alignment with mission and policy Administrative & Operational Leadership The Head of School ensures that the school's operations and resources are stewarded responsibly in service of the mission and long-term vision. Provide strategic oversight of all business and operational functions, including finance, human resources, facilities, information technology, and campus operations Oversee employment practices, including contracts, compensation, benefits, performance evaluation, recruitment, and retention, fostering a strong and mission-aligned workforce Maintain a fiscally responsible operation through careful budgeting, financial planning, and oversight of financial aid programs Supervise and partner with the Business Manager and Administration to ensure responsible stewardship of resources, high standards of campus care, and proactive planning for major repairs and capital needs Enrollment Strategy & Growth Lead strategic enrollment planning by assessing current enrollment trends and establishing sustainable enrollment targets aligned with the school's mission, program capacity, and long-term financial health. Use Data to inform decision making-analyzing enrollment, retention, and market data to guide growth strategies, resource allocation, and program development. Ensure mission-aligned recruitment practices are in place to support instructional quality, student success, and program integrity for students with learning differences. Strengthen and develop student retention efforts by fostering meaningful engagement with students and families through clear communication, responsive practices, and community partnerships. Articulate and advance the school's market position, clearly communicating the school's distinctive strengths, outcomes, and impact to prospective families and referral partners. Direct cross-functional collaboration, work with the leadership team (admissions, advancement, finance, and academic leadership) to align enrollment goals with staffing, budgeting, and facility needs. Oversee tuition, financial aid and enrollment strategy, balancing access, affordability, and net tuition revenue to support long-term sustainability Manage a cohesive enrollment strategy that aligns faculty and staff around enrollment goals while building strong partnerships with feeder schools, clinicians, educational consultants, and community organizations to support sustainable growth and retention. QUALIFICATIONS Master's degree or higher in Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field Training, certification, or experience in learning differences, structured literacy, and neurodiversity?informed practices Independent school leadership training (NAIS, ISACS, or similar) is a plus Proven school leadership experience (Head of School, Principal, Assistant Head, Division Director, or similar) Demonstrated success leading specialized or mission?driven schools that serve students with learning differences Strategic planning and organizational leadership, including the ability to set vision, manage change, and build culture Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, resource allocation, and stewardship of tuition?driven institutions Experience supervising and developing faculty, including coaching, evaluation, team development and professional growth Ability to build trust with families, faculty, donors, and community partners Deep understanding of learning differences, such as dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, executive functioning challenges, and language?based learning needs Proven fundraising success preferably in an academic environment Exceptional communication skills - transparent, empathetic, and clear Experience working with a Board of Trustees, including reporting, governance, and strategic alignment COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The de Paul School is prepared to offer a salary between $150,000 - $160,00 commensurate with experience. In addition, the school offers a robust benefits package including but not limited to a monthly allowance for medical insurance, short and long-term disability, contribution to a retirement plan, 20 days of PTO, and discounted tuition. The de Paul School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, race, age, creed, sexual orientation, or any other protected class.

Created: 2026-03-04