Employment
Position Descriptions
Manlius Pebble Hill School has a long-standing commitment to the principles of equal employment opportunity. In keeping with this commitment, we will continue recruitment, employment, compensation, terms, conditions, and privileges of employment of qualified persons without regard to gender, race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
For questions about employment benefits and process, please contact Amy Critz, director of Human Resources at acritz@mphschool.org; otherwise please refer to job descriptions for information on applying.
Head of Upper and Middle Schools ▶
The Head of Middle and Upper Schools serves as the primary steward of relationships within the division, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and pride among faculty, students, and families. Acting as a visible and approachable leader, the Head oversees the academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs for Grades 6–12 while promoting a cohesive, inclusive community. With a focus on strong communication and collaboration, the Head ensures alignment with the school’s mission and core values, actively addressing the needs of students, faculty, and families. Reporting to the Head of School, this position combines visionary leadership with operational excellence, serving as the “mayor” of the division and an advocate for its success.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
Academic and Co-Curricular Leadership
● Collaborate with department chairs, the Dean of Academics, and faculty to develop, articulate, and implement curriculum, pedagogy, materials, and assessments appropriate to Middle and Upper School students’ developmental stages.
● Oversee the academic progress of students, reviewing grade reports and comments at each marking period and coordinating appropriate follow-up with students, faculty, and families.
● Work closely with the Dean of Academics to ensure vertical alignment of curriculum and foster a seamless Pre-K–12 academic experience.
● Supervise the coordination of co-curricular and extracurricular programs, ensuring they complement the school’s academic and social goals.
● Meet regularly with department chairs, faculty, and clear communication and alignment on divisional goals.
Faculty Leadership and Mentorship
● Lead the hiring process for Middle and Upper School faculty and reporting positions.
● Facilitate monthly new faculty meetings in partnership with the Academic Dean, providing support and guidance for new hires.
● Supervise and evaluate faculty performance, offering regular feedback and creating opportunities for professional growth.
● Cultivate a positive and collegial faculty culture, serving as both a mentor and advocate for faculty well-being.
Community Building and Communication
● As the “mayor” of the Division, foster a culture of pride and connection among students, parents, and faculty.
● Serve as the voice of the Middle and Upper Schools, articulating programs, expectations, and behavioral guidelines to ensure all constituencies are informed and aligned.
● Meet regularly with representatives of the student and parent communities to address concerns and celebrate successes.
● Work closely with the Head of the Lower School to build bridges between divisions and support the unique qualities of each grade level.
● Represent the Middle and Upper Schools at admissions and development events, parent meetings, and Board of Trustees committees.
Student Support and Engagement
● Supervise the resolution of student, parent, and teacher concerns, responding to and resolving sensitive issues related to policies and procedures.
● Oversee the social, emotional, and behavioral health of students, partnering with counselors and the Dean of Students to maintain a supportive school climate.
● Serve as an active and visible presence at divisional events and performances to celebrate student achievements.
● Promote student safety and wellness, serving on the Threat Assessment Team and as an administrator on duty after school hours.
Operational and Administrative Leadership
● Develop and manage the Middle and Upper Schools’ budget in collaboration with the Head of School.
● Oversee the division’s daily operations, including the coordination of schedules, events, and faculty assignments.
● Regularly review divisional policies, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and best practices.
● Partner with the registrar and other staff to maintain accurate student records and facilitate course enrollment.
Strategic Leadership and Collaboration
● Collaborate with the Head of School, Academic Dean, and other divisional leaders to support strategic school-wide initiatives.
● Represent the Middle and Upper Schools at admissions events, parent meetings, and Board of Trustees committees.
Additional Responsibilities
● Teach the equivalent of one course each semester
● Serve on the Administrative and Operations Teams, Academic Council, and other committees as determined by the Head of School.
● Collaborate with the Head of School, Academic Dean, and other divisional leaders to support strategic school-wide initiatives.
● Supervises:
○ Athletic Director
○ Dean of Students
○ International Student Coordinator
○ Faculty (w Dept Chairs)
○ Assistant to the Division Heads and Onboarding Coordinator
○ School Counselor (w LSH)
○ School Nurse (w LSH)
○ Middle and Upper School Substitute teachers
Job Requirements
● Master’s degree in education or a related field, or significant school leadership experience, or both.
● Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, parents, and administrators.
● Proven experience in educational leadership, including managing teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive culture.
● Strong personal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm in others.
● Commitment to continuous professional growth and staying current with research and best practices in education.
● Successful teaching experience at the middle or upper school level (preferably both), with a deep understanding of adolescent development.
● Appreciation for and understanding of the critical role of the arts, athletics, and co-curricular activities in a school community.
● Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities in independent schools.
● Valid driver’s license and ability to perform occasional physical tasks (e.g., setting up events, lifting up to 40 pounds).
Key Skills, Abilities, and Qualities
● Ability to articulate, implement, and advocate for a compelling vision, aligned with the school’s mission, core values, and strategic plan.
● Approachability and empathy, fostering trust and collaboration among students, faculty, and families.
● Strong communication skills, inspiring enthusiasm and clarity through both public speaking and personal interactions.
● Confidence and decisiveness in managing complex challenges and making informed decisions.
● Effective conflict resolution and consensus-building abilities.
● Commitment to inclusivity and ensuring all voices in the community are heard and valued.
● Genuine openness to feedback and collaboration with diverse constituencies.
● Resilience under pressure, with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, buoyed by a sense of humor and a joyful appreciation for working in schools.
Salary range: $85,000-$105,000
Interested candidates should submit resume, cover letter, and references to Kim Liebowitz, executive assistant, at kliebowitz@mphschool.org.
Dean of Academics ▶
The Dean of Academics leads the design, articulation, and evolution of the school’s academic program and curriculum, ensuring that teaching and learning practices embody the Strategic Vision and align with the school’s Mission and Core Values. In close collaboration with Division Heads, Department Chairs, and other school leaders, this role ensures robust curriculum development, fosters innovative pedagogy, and supports faculty growth through coaching and professional development. Key responsibilities include managing curriculum design, promoting equitable and effective assessment practices, and coordinating essential academic operations such as master scheduling and course planning. Reporting to the Head of School, the Dean serves as a vital member of the administrative team, contributing to the school’s leadership through strategic decision-making and active engagement with the school community.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
Curriculum and Program Development
● Ensure the design, review, and alignment of a college-preparatory curriculum of the highest quality, ensuring vertical and horizontal alignment across divisions.
● Drive curricular innovation, the integration of research-based teaching practices, and strategic academic priorities in collaboration with the Head of School, Division Heads and Department Chairs.
● Ensure compliance with accreditation and external standards.
● Collaborate with department chairs and Division Heads to support smooth academic transitions and monitor progress against benchmarks.
Scheduling and Academic Operations
● Partner with the Registrar and Information Systems Manager to develop and maintain the master schedule, testing schedules, and course offerings in collaboration with Division Heads and department chairs.
● Oversee course placements, staffing needs, and updates to the Middle & Upper School Course Catalog.
● Manage divisional transitions and ensure effective use of classrooms and shared spaces.
Assessment and Data Practices
● Lead standards-based assessment strategies and develop frameworks for data-informed decision-making.
● Oversee grading systems, monitor student academic progress, and ensure equitable assessment practices.
● Support faculty in using performance data to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
Faculty Support and Development
● Supervise and evaluate department chairs and faculty, fostering professional growth
through mentoring and coaching.
● Partner with Division Heads on faculty assignments, recruitment, onboarding, and retention.
● With Division Heads, manage the professional development budget, organize professional development initiatives, and conduct classroom observations to provide feedback that supports professional growth.
Student Support and Guidance
● Guide student placement, academic advising, and support services in collaboration with Admissions and the Director of Academic Support.
● Oversee student support services and accommodations in collaboration with the Director of Academic Support.
Leadership and Collaboration
● Chair the Academic Council, fostering alignment and collaboration between departments and divisions.
● Partner with members of the Administrative Team to implement strategic initiatives and support long-term academic goals.
● Represent the school’s academic programs at admissions and development events, parent meetings, and Board committees.
Additional Responsibilities
● Teach the equivalent of one course each semester
● Collaborate with the Head of School, Head of Middle and Upper Schools, and other divisional leaders to support strategic school-wide initiatives.
● Serve on the Administrative and Operations Teams, and other committees as determined by the Head of School.
● Supervises:
○ Director of College Counseling
○ Department Chairs
○ Director of Academic Support
○ Librarian (with Head of Lower School)
○ Registrar and Information Systems Manager (with Chief Financial Officer)
Job Requirements
● Master’s degree in education or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in curriculum design, pedagogy, and assessment.
● Deep knowledge of adolescent learning and development, with a minimum of 5-7 years of successful teaching experience at the PK-12 level.
● Significant experience in academic leadership, with a track record of overseeing curriculum innovation and faculty development.
● Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex academic operations such as master scheduling, course offerings, and assessment systems.
● Commitment to professional growth and staying current with research on learning and education.
● Familiarity with accreditation processes and external educational standards.
● Proven ability to collaborate across divisions and with a wide range of stakeholders.
● Valid driver’s license and ability to perform occasional physical tasks (e.g., setting up events, lifting up to 40 pounds).
Key Skills, Abilities, and Qualities
● Visionary thinker with the ability to develop and implement a compelling academic vision aligned with the school’s strategic goals.
● Decisive and confident leader, adept at navigating complex challenges and making informed decisions.
● Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and synthesize diverse perspectives into actionable strategies and initiatives.
● Exceptional communicator, both in public speaking and personal engagement, inspiring confidence and enthusiasm.
● Expertise in research-based pedagogy and assessment practices, with the ability to translate theory into actionable strategies for teachers.
● Skilled instructional coach, able to provide actionable, constructive feedback to faculty at all stages of their careers.
● Commitment to fostering a culture of professional growth, collaboration, and innovation among faculty.
● Effective at navigating challenging conversations with professionalism and empathy, buoyed by a sense of humor and a joyful appreciation for working in schools.
● Resilient under pressure, with a calm, pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
Salary range: $75,000-$90,000
Interested candidates should submit resume, cover letter, and references to Kim Liebowitz, executive assistant, at kliebowitz@mphschool.org.
Substitute Teachers Needed ▶
Manlius Pebble Hill School (MPH) seeks caring and experienced substitute teachers for Early Learning (PreK/Kindergarten), Elementary (1st-5th), Middle (6th-8th), and High School (9th-12th) student coverage.
The responsibilities of this per-diem position would include working with students and teachers to contribute to a supportive, dynamic environment that is responsive to student needs and interests. School day hours are 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at a rate of $125.00 per day.
Candidates should email a resume and contact information for three references to Division Heads, at divisionheads@mphschool.org
The only Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 12 independent school in Central New York, MPH provides the guidance and resources for students to develop and pursue their interests in a healthy and engaging educational setting. Our small class sizes result in transformative relationships between students and faculty, which strengthen character, build resilience, and foster self-confidence. Our Mission is “to inspire our students to think critically, act responsibly, and discover a passion for lifelong learning.”