Head of School 

Havruta, Austin, TX 

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About the
Position

Role: Head of School 
Location: Austin, TX  
Hours: Full-time
Start date: As soon as possible; ideally by June 1, 2024

We are looking for an entrepreneurial educator to serve as the first Head of School for a one-of-a-kind program — a Jewish classical school that adopts Hebrew immersion and mastery-based learning. The Head of School will bring the vision, educational experience, and strategic and managerial acumen required to oversee Havruta Learning Pod’s continued success and guide it through a new phase of growth.

About Us

Havruta opened as a learning pod in Fall 2023 and currently serves students in Pre-K through early elementary.  Our program is located on an idyllic property in Austin, TX.

Havruta is committed to academic excellence, Torah Judaism, and Hebrew fluency.  Our pedagogy embraces classical education, individualized, mastery-based learning, and language immersion. We aim to equip students with a strong grasp of the foundational ideas, stories, and texts of Judaism and Western civilization, and we aspire to prepare our students to lead lives of purpose and civic leadership.

Core Values

America and Israel are two exceptional nations, which every Jew should celebrate, preserve, and strengthen. 

The great ideas, books, and history of Western civilization are worthy of study and transmit wisdom from generation to generation.

The canonical texts of Jewish civilization are indispensable for forming confident and covenantal Jews.   

Hebrew holds special significance as our spiritual and communal language. 

The pursuit of excellence in every academic and cultural field is expected and nurtured.

Qualifications

Philosophical Alignment:

  • Demonstrated adherence to Havruta’s core values and educational philosophy.
  • Embrace the covenantal life as characterized by a commitment to Torah, mitzvot, and Zionism.

Educational Background & Leadership:

  • Advanced degree preferred but not required. 
  • Experience in a leadership role, preferably as a principal or head of school (including a Hebrew school), with a track record of successful school management.
  • Ability to manage and motivate faculty and inspire students and parents.
  • Strong communication skills.

Jewish Education & Hebrew Expertise:

  • Strong background in Jewish education and a deep understanding of Torah values.
  • Proficiency in Hebrew, sufficient to enable effective communication with Havruta’s Hebrew speaking instructors.

Strategic Growth & Community Leadership:

  • Financial management experience (budgeting, fundraising, etc.) and a proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans for school growth.
  • Ability to navigate challenges and demonstrate resilience in the face of evolving circumstances.
  • Effective community engagement skills.

Responsibilities

School Culture and Academics

  • Build a strong school culture, creating an atmosphere that cultivates intellectual curiosity, celebrates the pursuit of excellence, and inspires a passion for learning.  Establish norms around decorum and respect that facilitate an ideal learning environment.
  • Select the best-in-class curriculum. Oversee implementation of curriculum in Hebrew, Jewish studies, math, English, and other secular subjects. 
  • Utilize academic testing to drive improvements, adjusting the schedule, curriculum, and teaching approaches as needed to ensure excellent outcomes for students.
  • Teach!  Spend time in the classroom with our students.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact with parents.

Operations and Management

  • Lead a dedicated team of teachers, organizing all aspects of faculty management, motivation, and professional development.
  • Ensure the school’s compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, requirements, and standards.
  • Oversee the program’s facilities and operations, including safety and security.
  • Oversee budgeting and resource allocation, ensuring the school’s financial stability and growth.
  • Design a recruitment process that attracts families aligned with Havruta’s mission and values.

Strategic Planning

  • Articulate and implement a compelling vision for Havruta’s continued success and growth.
  • Build positive relationships with parents, students, teachers, and the broader community.
  • Develop and execute strategic plans to increase student enrollment, expand academic offerings, and potentially transition from a learning pod to a full-fledged school.
  • Support a development campaign to cover the growth of the program, financial aid, new facilities, and the overall fiscal health of the learning pod.
  • Work alongside the board to assess potential properties for an expanded or new campus.

Compensation
& Benefits

  • Salary consistent with experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k
  • 10 days sick leave
  • 2 weeks PTO
  • Performance bonus

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a CV, references, and a cover letter detailing your educational philosophy (~250-500 words) to JoinUs@havruta.org. Our hiring committee will schedule confidential calls with candidates who possess the relevant qualifications and align with the needs of our program. Top applicants will be invited to Austin, TX for a school visit and in-depth interview.

Apply Now