Kadima Day School seeks a charismatic Head of School to lead our preschool-8th grade Jewish Day School, emphasizing academic excellence, strategic planning, Jewish values and connection to Israel, starting summer 2025.
WHO WE ARE:
Kadima Day School (KDS) is a vibrant, dynamic Jewish community dedicated to the education and development of students from Early Childhood through Middle School (Preschool through 8th grade). Our mission statement, "Kadima Day School promotes 21st-century learning and moral excellence, with a commitment to Jewish traditions and love of Israel," reflects our dedication to developing compassionate, thoughtful leaders who are rooted in their Jewish identity and prepared to thrive in a complex world.
KDS is a member of Prizma, and we are accredited by CAIS. We are an independent community school located in the Western San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, home to the world’s second-largest Jewish community outside of Israel. KDS is not affiliated with any Jewish denomination. Our students come from a wide range of religious backgrounds to learn together on a kosher campus. Here, Ahavat Yisrael is a value lived daily in our classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces. With a large population of Israeli and Israeli-American families, our community offers a uniquely vibrant cultural and linguistic atmosphere, enriching the experience of Hebrew language and Israeli culture for both native speakers and learners alike.
At KDS, we inspire a love of learning, a commitment to social responsibility, and an enduring sense of identity that reaches beyond the classroom and into the broader world. Through an innovative tuition model, we strive to make exceptional Jewish education both accessible and sustainable. Learn more about what makes Kadima a uniquely enriching environment for our students and families.
Kadima Day School is seeking candidates for the Head of School position to lead us in the 2025-26 school year. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success as a leader: strategic, visionary, and academic. Seeking a candidate who is a proven educator and communicator, charismatic, caring, and compassionate, with the ability to form substantive, deep relationships and invest in people.
WHO YOU ARE:
You are a dynamic and visionary leader who embodies the following strengths:
- Visionary Leadership
- Proven ability to craft and implement a compelling vision for the school’s future across Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School levels.
- Experience in strategic planning within educational settings, driving growth and stability for the long term.
- Cultural Competence and Jewish Knowledge
- Deep knowledge of Jewish traditions, values, and heritage with the ability to foster a Jewish learning environment that aligns with Kadima’s mission.
- Comfort engaging meaningfully with Hebrew-speaking and Israeli families, drawing on cultural awareness to build trust and foster a sense of belonging for all.
- Hebrew proficiency is desired, not required.
- Educational Expertise
- Strong background in educational best practices and curriculum development for elementary and middle school students.
- Experience as an educator, ideally with direct experience in classroom teaching and administration.
- Commitment to academic excellence and innovative teaching methodologies that promote students' holistic growth.
- Community Engagement and Relationship-Building
- Expertise in cultivating strong relationships with students, parents, teachers, and the broader community.
- Skilled in engaging and retaining families by creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
- Experience in fundraising, donor relations, and creating a supportive network for the school.
- Financial and Operational Acumen
- Proven experience managing a school’s finances, including budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning to support sustainable operations.
- Strong fundraising skills, with a track record of successful donor engagement and the ability to secure resources that support the school’s mission and growth.
- Capable of overseeing the school’s fundraising strategy in partnership with the Board and Development Committee, with a strong focus on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major capital and operational gifts.
- Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Exceptional communicator capable of articulating Kadima’s vision, goals, and achievements to a diverse set of stakeholders.
- Commitment to transparent communication and an open-door policy, fostering trust and a sense of community.
- Team-Building and Staff Development
- Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop faculty and staff, promoting a collaborative and growth-oriented professional culture.
- Experience in hiring, mentoring, and retaining high-quality educators aligned with Kadima’s values and mission.
- Strategic Planning
- In full partnership with the Board, the Head will serve as a key informant for the strategic planning process and a key visionary for the future direction of the school.
Education/Experience Desired
- Master’s degree or doctorate in education, Jewish education, nonprofit leadership, or a related field
- Proven success as a senior educational leader, ideally within a Jewish day school or similar setting.
- Experience managing faculty and staff, developing curriculum, and driving academic innovation.
- Demonstrated fundraising and development expertise with a track record of cultivating donor relationships.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Commitment to Jewish education, traditions, and the promotion of Ahavat Yisrael (love of Israel).
- Hebrew fluency or familiarity with Hebrew language and Israeli culture is highly valued.
Hours and Location
This is a full-time, on-site position with occasional evening and weekend commitments to support school programs, events, and community engagement.
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary of $250,000–$300,000, commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare and retirement contributions.
How to Apply
We are currently accepting applications. Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following materials to [email protected]:
- A cover letter describing interest and qualifications for this position.
- Current résumé.
- Optional: Statement of educational philosophy or other relevant supporting materials.
- Three references (at least one personal), including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email contacts. Please specify any confidentiality requests.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Kadima Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The school does not discriminate based on age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, or any other basis prohibited by law. The school is committed to forming an inclusive, welcoming community where all feel accepted and are treated with respect.