Description
THE CHICAGO ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS
Associate Head of School
Full-Time | Reports to the Head of School | Immediate Opening
The Chicago Academy for the Arts (chicagoacademyforthearts.org), Illinois’ premier visual and performing arts high school, seeks an Associate Head of School for immediate appointment.
The Academy’s educational model is co-curricular: students engage deeply in both rigorous academic coursework and professional-level training in dance, filmmaking, animation, writing, music, musical theatre, theatre, or visual arts. (Note: The Chicago Academy for the Arts is a different school than “ChiArts,” a CPS school.)
Students at The Academy are characterized by an extraordinary sense of purpose and community. Most continue with the arts after high school: alums include hit songwriters, Grammy Award nominees and winners, Broadway stars, internationally acclaimed dancers and visual artists, and award-winning filmmakers and writers. Students also pursue degrees and careers outside of the arts, going on to become successful professionals in science, mathematics, technology, business, law, healthcare, and many more fields.
SUMMARY OF ROLE
The Associate Head of School serves as the Academy’s chief academic officer and a trusted thought partner to the Head of School. Working closely with academic and arts department chairs, the Associate Head of School supervises, facilitates, and supports faculty, curriculum, and program management; student affairs; family relationships; supplemental programs; and community partnerships. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Associate Head of School is a key member of the Academy’s senior leadership team and helps translate the school’s mission and strategic vision into the daily academic life of the school.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Academic Leadership & Curriculum — Chair the Academic and Arts Leadership Teams, partner with faculty and department chairs on scheduling, curriculum, and program evaluation, and oversee AP/PSAT testing and graduation requirements.
Enrollment, Scheduling & Onboarding — Lead New Student Orientation, transfer credit review, and oversee the development of the master schedule for new and returning students each year.
Student & Family Support — Serve as a primary point of contact for families, manage disciplinary matters, and coordinate support for students on medical or professional leave.
Compliance & Operations — Ensure ISBE recognition, reporting, and Fair Share requirements are met, and oversee day-to-day school operations, including building coverage and faculty absences. Lead ISACS accreditation process alongside the Head of School.
Strategic & Institutional Leadership — Act as a thought partner to the Head of School, represent the Academy externally, step in as Acting Head of School when needed, and support crisis planning and communications.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE
Significant teaching experience
Prior school administrative or management experience
A strong background in and knowledge of the arts and arts education
First-rate organizational, managerial, and administrative skills
World-class written and verbal communication skills
An inspiring, engaging, and energetic personality
The ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative, team-oriented environment
Comfort navigating the pace and complexity of a mission-driven nonprofit arts high school
An advanced degree in education, educational administration, or a related field is preferred but not required
COMPENSATION
The starting salary for this position is $70,000, commensurate with experience, with a robust benefits package. While the budget for this role reflects the realities of running a mission-driven nonprofit arts school, this position represents an extraordinary opportunity for a dedicated educator or administrator to play a vital role in a school that routinely transforms the lives of its students. Simply put: this work matters. Our working environment is inspired and authentically mission-driven.
APPLICATION PROCESS
This position is open for immediate appointment, and evaluation of candidates will begin right away. Interested applicants are invited to send a resume and thoughtful cover letter to Dr. Melinda Zacher Ronayne, Head of School, at [email protected]. Please reference “Associate Head of School” in the subject line.
The Chicago Academy for the Arts is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and staff. All qualified applicants — regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law — are strongly encouraged to apply.
