Head of School- The Growing Place School

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head of School serves as the primary educational and operational leader of The Growing Place School (TGPS), a Christian early childhood and elementary program for children from age 1 through 5th grade, dedicated to fostering faith, hearts, and minds within a diverse and inclusive learning community. The school is a ministry of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables in Miami, Florida.

The Head of School provides strategic leadership, academic oversight, and operational management for all school programs, including the early childhood education program, elementary school, and auxiliary tuition-based programs (such as early morning care, after-school enrichment, extended care, and summer camp). The Head of School advances the church’s mission by promoting excellence in Christian education, supporting whole-child development, ensuring compliance with regulations and accreditation standards, and building strong relationships with families, staff, church leadership, and the broader community. The Head of School guarantees a safe, compliant environment, upholds the school’s mission, and maintains high educational standards.

The Head of School reports to the Senior Pastor and works with church leadership, including the Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee, and the TGPS Advisory Board, on strategic and operational matters.

This is a full-time, twelve-month, exempt leadership position. Occasional evening and weekend participation in church and school events is expected.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Vision, Mission & Spiritual Leadership

Serve as a visible Christian leader who models spiritual maturity and supports the mission of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables.
Integrate Christian values into the school’s daily life.
Support and promote the church’s overall ministries, including children’s ministries.
Participate actively in the church’s spiritual life and foster meaningful connections between the congregation and the school community.
Foster a culture of loving, Christian education rooted in compassion, integrity, and excellence.
Strategic Leadership

Lead long-range planning to ensure the school’s continued growth and vitality.
Develop and implement strategic initiatives that strengthen enrollment, program excellence, and mission alignment.
Work collaboratively with church leadership in long-term campus planning and facilities development.
Academic & Program Leadership

Guide and evaluate the school’s educational programs from early childhood through 5th grade, ensuring coherence, alignment with research-based practices, and strong learning outcomes.
Support developmentally appropriate curricula, including early literacy, inquiry-based learning, whole-child development, and project-based elements appropriate to each age group.
Maintain a learning environment focused on both academic growth and spiritual formation.
Lead enrollment management strategies, including recruitment, retention, admissions policies, and family engagement, to ensure strong and sustainable enrollment.
Staffing & Human Resources

Responsible for the recruiting, screening, selection, hiring, supervision, evaluation, discipline, and, when necessary, termination of school staff in accordance with the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) guidelines, TGPS, and church personnel policies.
Conduct regular staff meetings and professional development sessions.
Observe staff in the performance of their duties and provide constructive feedback.
Conduct and document annual performance evaluations for all employees.
Ensure disciplinary procedures are fair, consistent, legal, and properly documented.
Promote a collaborative, professional, and Christ-centered team culture.
Accreditation & Compliance

Lead and coordinate self-study and accreditation preparation, including meeting the expectations of the Florida Council for Independent Schools (FCIS) and the Christian Preschool Association (CPA) for administrative quality, instructional excellence, and organizational systems.
Oversee compliance with state licensing, safety training, background screening, and child-protection.
Implement and refine policies for health, safety, emergency preparedness, and student welfare.
Operational & Financial Stewardship

Oversee school operations, including budgeting, enrollment management, facilities, and resource planning.
Work with the Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee, and the Senior Pastor to develop annual operating budgets consistent with strategic goals.
Ensure sound financial practices, timely reporting, and responsible stewardship of school assets.
Advancement and Development

Partner with church leadership and the TGPS Advisory Board to support fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic initiatives benefitting the school.
Community Engagement

Build strong, collaborative relationships with families, congregational leaders, church ministry teams, and community partners.
Serve as the school’s primary spokesperson in church and civic contexts.
Attend church staff, TGPS Advisory Board, Board of Trustees, and Church Council meetings, providing written reports and updates.
Promote the school’s mission and programs to support stable enrollment and community awareness.
QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Christian Education, or a closely related field. Training or certification in early childhood administration preferred.
Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of significant leadership experience in a preschool/elementary setting, preferably in a Christian or independent school environment.
Minimum five (5) years of teaching experience in preschool and/or elementary education.
Demonstrated effectiveness in instructional leadership, faculty supervision, program development, strategic planning, and school accreditation processes.
Faith & Character

Mature Christian faith with active engagement in church life; able to articulate a biblical perspective on education and lead a Christian learning community.
Demonstrated commitment to the spiritual growth of staff, students, and families.
Skills & Competencies

Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice for early childhood through elementary learners.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with church leadership, faculty, staff, and volunteers.
Sound judgment, cultural competency, and professional integrity.
Strong financial acumen and fundraising ability.
Preferred Qualifications

Prior Head of School/Principal experience in a mission-driven or Christian school.
Experience with national/state accreditation (FCIS, CPA, ACSI, or similar).
DCF – Florida Director Credential.
Demonstrated success in enrollment management and community outreach.
Website: https://thegrowingplace.school