Position: Head of Boarding

Department: Residential Life, Senior School

Reports To: Principal, Senior School

Starting Date: ASAP

Application Closing Date: January 9, 2025

Salary: $140,000 – $175,000 per year

St. George’s School is looking to appoint a dedicated and experienced boarding practitioner to become part of the Senior School Leadership team, with primary responsibility for boarding. They will lead a full boarding program that cares for over ninety Grade 8-12 boys, ensuring that the boarding house, Harker Hall, is a nurturing and safe place where boys thrive both academically and personally.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in working with young people, excellent pastoral care skills, and the ability to foster a positive and supportive community alongside a team of house parents within Harker Hall. The Head of Boarding will be responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day management of Harker Hall and the wellbeing and safety of all the boarders. This is a full-boarding program which includes local, provincial, national and international trips and experiences which are curated, organized and run by the Head of Boarding. This is a fantastic opportunity for a compassionate leader who is committed to making a lasting difference to the lives of young people. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the Boarding program are aligned with St. George’s School mission, Core Values and strategic priorities. They will have a teaching and advisor role at the School.

This leadership role requires someone who demonstrates high EQ which encompasses self-awareness, self-management, social agility, empathy, impact and influence and mastery of purpose and vision. The students in Harker Hall would like someone who is kind and caring, has a great sense of humour and is a strong team player.

In order to provide the best possible learning environment for our highly diverse, multicultural student population, St. George’s actively seeks to recruit staff from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in independent and international schools. BIPoC and 2SLGBTQIA+ people and those with disabilities are warmly encouraged to apply, and invited to reach out for more information about our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Responsibilities:
Senior School:

• Be a key member of the Senior School Leadership Team, to contribute to multiple facets of the School.
• Participate in Senior School meetings and committees as the ‘voice of Boarding’ for St. George’s School.
• Actively collaborate with the Heads of Grade and others to ensure effective pastoral care of all students in the boarding program.
• Represent the school locally and internationally through Admissions, professional networks, etc.
• Teach 0.2 FTE academic subject (typically 1 class) or contribute to programs in an equivalent way.
• Contribute to the School’s co-curricular and advisory programs. 

Boarding Program:

• Provide operational direction to all aspects of the Boarding program at St. George’s School.
• Ensure that Harker Hall is run in accordance with the highest national boarding standards.
• Collaborate with professional boarding associations and institutions in Canada and beyond to enable the delivery of a world-class Boarding program.
• Ensure that all Boarding students are supported and encouraged to engage effectively in their academic, co-curricular and pastoral programs so that they can thrive.
• Organize and manage a dynamic and robust Boarding co-curricular program which includes in-house and local events, overnight trips and outdoor education, formal dinners, School functions, etc.
• Mentor and manage the Harker Hall Student Leadership Team to help support programs and peer experiences.
• Design and guide the Harker Hall Advisory Program, to ensure that each child is supported mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and academically by a caring adult Advisor.
• Communicate proactively, promptly and effectively with parents, both locally and internationally.
• Be responsible for maintaining policies and procedures for Harker Hall relative to daily routines e.g. supervision, student leaves, discipline, tutors, pastoral care, use of technologies.
• Manage disciplinary issues in accordance with Senior School policies and procedures and the Harker Hall Handbook, and ensure effective record-keeping of disciplinary matters to ensure collaborative care of each Boarding student.

Staffing:

• Chair regular Boarding staff meetings.
• Mentor and manage the Boarding staff team.
• Undertake Boarding duties, which may include early mornings, late nights, weekends and some public holidays. Must be able to work flexible hours and be on call when required.
• In tandem with HR, implement appropriate Professional Development strategies to support the Boarding staff.

Other:

• Perform ad hoc duties of a reasonable nature as needed to support team objectives and enhance overall productivity.
• Work closely with the Operations Team to ensure that the building is maintained to a high standard.
• Work closely with the IT team to ensure that any technology needs for the boarding program are appropriately looked after.

Experience, skills and attributes:
Experience:

• Significant experience within a boarding program.
• Boarding leadership experience, ideally managing a team that has both school and boarding responsibilities.
• Demonstrated teaching experience and a valid teaching certificate required.
• Past experience with budgets.

Skills:

• Expertise in the pastoral care of teenagers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to be empathetic to a wide range of issues.
• Able to align boarding priorities with the St. George’s School strategic plan.
• Ability to effectively initiate and manage change.
• Presentation & team building skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills.
• Able to effectively assess risk and calmly navigate challenging circumstances.
• Valid driver’s license (including a Class 4 license) is an asset.
• Mental Health First Aid, or equivalent qualification, is an asset.
• First Aid and/or Wilderness First Aid qualification is an asset.

Attributes:

• Intentionally works collaboratively and inclusively with others i.e. students, peers, direct reports, colleagues, families.
• Values diversity in points of view and experiences, and treats every individual fairly.
• Values the importance of DEIJ matters and engages in topical continuous professional development.
• Appreciates the importance of holistic education.

Compensation:
This is an exciting opportunity that offers the following benefits package, including:

• On-site accommodation;
• Extended health and dental coverage;
• Pension program;
• Life insurance and long-term disability;
• Professional development opportunities;
• Meal program;
• Gym/Pool onsite;
• EFAP counselling program;
• Regular health & wellness initiatives.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]