Upper School Director

Organization Overview

Vertex is a pioneering, first-of-its-kind IB-for-all academy in the heart of the Bronx. Vertex is not just a school: it's a bold reimagining of what education can be.

Our mission is to provide students with pathways for upward mobility while preparing them for the responsibilities of self-governance in a democratic republic. Everything we do is rooted in the four cardinal virtues: courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom.

At Vertex, our scholars have agency. Each day, they make choices about the kind of people they want to become, the lives they want to lead, and the society they want to build. It’s our sacred duty to equip them with the knowledge most worth having, to sharpen their critical thinking, and to create a space where they can explore, question, and create.

As an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School with a classical core, we offer both a rigorous academic foundation and a transformative character education.

Position Summary

The Upper School Director will serve as the instructional and pastoral leader for grades 11–12 at Vertex. This role is responsible for driving academic outcomes, maintaining a virtues-driven school culture, developing a high-performing teaching staff, and ensuring student readiness for college, career, and citizenship.

The ideal candidate is an experienced educational leader with a passion for academic excellence, character education, and student agency. The Upper School Director will report directly to the Head of School and will work in close collaboration with other school leaders, faculty, families, and the broader community.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Monitor and drive student progress toward ambitious goals in academics, character, and postsecondary readiness.
• Lead the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programmes (IBCP) and classical curriculum in the Upper School
• Oversee the development, evaluation, and support of instructional staff to ensure high-quality teaching and learning
• Implement the Data Inquiry Cycle and embody the ACE Habits of Mind.

School Culture & Student Development

• Build and sustain a positive, inclusive school culture aligned with the Vertex virtues and mission
• Foster a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages student agency, self-discipline, and personal growth
• Promote student leadership and civic engagement through programming and community partnerships
   

Staff Management & Professional Development

• Supervise and evaluate teachers and instructional staff, providing regular feedback and coaching
• Design and facilitate professional development aligned with school goals and educator needs
• Cultivate a collaborative and mission-aligned staff culture
   

Operations & Compliance

• Partner with the operations team to ensure effective day-to-day school management
• Ensure compliance with IB, charter, state, and federal education standards and policies
  
   

Family & Community Engagement

• Build trusting relationships with families and act as a liaison between the school and community stakeholders
   
• Communicate clearly and proactively with families about student progress, school initiatives, and opportunities for engagement
   

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in Education, Leadership, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in school leadership (e.g., Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean)
• A deep, abiding belief in the infinite potential of our students
• An expansive sense of your own agency
• A hunger for feedback from all stakeholders and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Demonstrated success in driving student academic achievement
• Strong commitment to character education and classical liberal arts traditions
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
   

Preferred:

• Experience in an IB World School, particularly with the Career-related Programmes
• Background in classical education or liberal arts curriculum
• Experience in a mission-driven charter or public school setting
• SBL Certification
   

Compensation and Benefits

Vertex Partnership Academies offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $165,000; offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s years of experience and credentials.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• A mission-driven, supportive working environment

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected]:

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing your alignment with Vertex’s mission and your qualifications for the role

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Physical Requirements

This role may require lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted, including assisting coworkers when needed. Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, sitting, and looking at a computer screen for long periods at a time.

EEO Statement

Vertex Partnership Academies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment; including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.