Careers at Mount Madonna School

Upper School Director

Founded in 1979, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a co-educational, preschool-12, college preparatory day school nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains straddling Watsonville and Gilroy. MMS is a diverse learning community dedicated to creative, intellectual and ethical growth. We value each individual and all of their unique qualities – including race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability status, and socio-economics – which weave into the tapestry of our shared humanity. and educate a student population diverse in academic ability, socioeconomic background, race and ethnicity. MMS is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

As a learner-centered school, MMS has a rich tradition of innovative education exploring the potential of each student. We strive to balance the academic and social-emotional needs of each learner. Positive character development and relationship building are strengths of the school program. The Upper School Director serves as a member of the administrative leadership team and plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining a supportive community in which faculty, staff, students and parents have a sense of belonging. The Upper School Director embodies and supports Mount Madonna School’s mission, values and philosophy. They oversee grades 6 to 12. The Upper School Director works with the Head of School, the Dean of Students, other division directors and high and middle school faculty to guide and develop a program that serves the students and balances the steps necessary for college entry with the goal of preparing students for a life of service and meaning. The Upper School Director attends a weekly Director’s meeting and a weekly admission meeting, works with the Guidance Council, and interfaces with the administration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and communicates a vision and identity for the Upper School that nurtures the academic, intellectual, social and emotional of students and aligns with the mission of the school
• Forms positive and trusting relationships with students and families to foster and maintain a school culture that supports a sense of belonging, safety, and care
• Communicates regularly with parents
• Coordinates all day-to-day operations for the Upper School
• Empowers faculty to grow
• Engages in academic, experiential and co-curricular programmatic development
• Works with the College Counselor to ensure the alignment of coursework with U.C. requirements and submission of new courses to U.C. and/or College Board (AP courses)
• Works with Registrar on academic calendar, student placement, transcripts, documentation, testing (PSAT), School Profile for colleges and selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian
• Evaluates student progress and reviews report cards with registrar
• Works collaboratively with the scheduling team to develop upper school schedules and calendar events
• Works with the finance committee to establish the upper school budget
• Works with teachers to manage textbooks, classroom and field trip budgets
• Develops and enacts policies and procedures in collaboration with Directors and Head of School
• Supports and organizes upper school events
• Participates in admission and fundraising events with families/students in the upper school on evening, occasional weekends (e.g., open house), graduation, graduation party, special events
• Participates in faculty hiring, supervision, evaluation, and dismissal with Head of School
• Builds supportive and collegial relationships with faculty
• Oversees substitute process
• Facilitates upper school faculty meetings
• Identifies, recommends and approves faculty professional development
• Conducts informal and formal teacher evaluations and provides written feedback
• Works with Guidance Council
• Attends Student Study Team Meetings

Benefits include and/are not limited to:

• Working with cohesive, collaborative staff and community-minded parents
• Beautiful, natural campus and bright, open working environment
• Medical, dental, vision, and an optional 403(B) retirement plan
• 10 paid sick days, 10 vacation days and 28 paid holidays
• Tuition Remission Discount for enrolled children in our school
• Low student/teacher ratio

To Apply

Please send resume to