Notre Dame San Jose Head of School Opportunity

a lasting impact

Our Mission Matters

Notre Dame San Jose, founded in 1851, educates today's young women for leadership, global citizenship and socially-responsible entrepreneurship. Our mission and the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame learning community grounds our work in a commitment to holistic education, the dignity of all people and action on behalf of social justice. Located in the heart of downtown San Jose, our rich urban landscape and innovative programs cultivate young women with strong voices who will bring intelligent compassion to their world - young women who become active leaders in our local, national and global communities.

Mission Statement

Notre Dame High School, in the heart of downtown San Jose since 1851, provides young women an exemplary Catholic, college-preparatory education to become life-long learners, spiritual seekers, justice advocates and community leaders. We are inspired by Saint Julie Billiart and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. We empower young women and "teach them what they need to know for life.”

Our Commitment at Notre Dame San Jose

HALLMARKS OF A NOTRE DAME LEARNING COMMUNITY

• We proclaim by our lives even more than by our words that God is good.

• We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.

• We educate for and act on behalf of justice and peace in the world.

• We commit ourselves to community service.

• We embrace the gift of diversity.

• We create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve.

• We develop holistic learning communities which educate for life.

RACE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We value and honor the contributions of all communities, and especially Black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and other underrepresented communities. As part of an ongoing initiative, our hiring process reflects our commitment to center race, equity, diversity and inclusion throughout our institutional culture and practices. We encourage individuals who come from historically underrepresented communities and those who value equitable practices in education to apply.

NOTRE DAME'S STRATEGIC PLAN

By 2025, Notre Dame High School will be the center for women’s leadership in Silicon Valley. We will be recognized as the model for:

• A robust culture of engagement that supports women’s leadership

• Women's spiritual leadership in the 21st century

• A professional learning community that influences women’s leadership

In the heart of Silicon Valley

Located in downtown San Jose since 1851, our unique urban landscape influences our work and access to opportunities.

CITY AS A CLASSROOM

Classroom learning across the curriculum is applied in realworld contexts through walking field trips to historic landmarks, civic organizations, art venues and culturally-rich communities.

URBANISTS

Urbanists promote more access to all types of housing, activities, transportation, resources and community engagement for a vibrant and dynamic space. This thinking influences our school worldview and resourcefulness.

BAY AREA LIVING

The south bay provides access to adventure at the coast, the city, the mountains, professional and collegiate athletics, amusement parks, and art venues for personal enrichment and a healthy lifestyle.

As a longtime downtown resident, walking and biking to events, theaters, galleries, and festivals is the norm for my whole family. Downtown also offers innumerable pathways of learning for students at Notre Dame. Walking field trips to City Hall, the California Theater, San Jose State University, the Cathedral Basilica, several major companies, and so much more are easily accessible for enhancing learning in really meaningful ways. Despite its size, downtown San Jose is a tight community of awesome and diverse people that I'm proud to be a part of.

Tina Paulson MUSIC DIRECTOR, PERFORMING ARTS TEACHER

DID YOU KNOW? In addition to Advanced Placement (AP) classes offered at Notre Dame, students can take AP exams in other subject areas.

Opportunities at Notre Dame San Jose

Dynamic leadership and vision have led Notre Dame San Jose (NDSJ) in a vibrant mission and to excellence in all areas of school operations: financial stability, optimum enrollment management, fundraising success, best practices in teaching, learning, and technology integration and a beautiful new classroom building, The Center for Women’s Leadership. The next head of school will be expected to build upon this trajectory of outstanding accomplishments and implement the goals outlined in the strategic plan, Vision 2025 for Women’s Leadership. The next head of school will:

• Represent and model the Notre Dame San Jose Mission and Hallmarks of a Notre Dame Learning Community to the on-campus community and the community at large.

• Embrace the diversity of NDSJ’s student body, faculty and board and, from governance through programs, commit to continue REDI (race, equity, diversity and inclusion) learning and engagement at all levels, to support a relevant grievance process to right wrongs and to always consider the student, faculty, staff, parent, board member and alum experience through a lens of equity and inclusion.

• In collaboration with the administrative team and the board of directors, shepherd the strategic plan, Vision 2025 for Women’s Leadership, to fruition. The plan identifies three areas of growth and opportunity that advance NDSJ’s mission to educate young women for leadership. This vision expands our impact for leadership into the community and invites community members to join us in our work.

• Move beyond our campus and student community and invite others to engage in recognizing the value of women’s leadership.

Opportunities at Notre Dame San Jose

• Expand the impact of women’s spiritual leadership through Catholic, interfaith and social justice partnerships and our Notre Dame network in the world.

• Grow the opportunities for our professional learning community to be leaders and develop student leaders.

• Secure an ongoing relationship with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in order to:

• Maintain and honor the history, legacy and mission of NDSJ and bridge it to the future.

• Resource the guidance and support provided by the Sisters of Notre Dame and other Notre Dame schools.

• Build on NDSJ’s unique history and current success and lead a strong, independent Catholic school with a stellar senior administrative team and dedicated faculty.

• Reach out to NDSJ’s community of graduates and community stakeholders to build new and deepen existing relationships. With the executive director of advancement, serve as a point of Notre Dame connection and advocacy for the engagement (and reengagement) of all stakeholders with the school and school initiatives on a continuing basis.

• Recognize and appreciate that NDSJ is a landmark site that sits on an historic urban campus. Champion fundraising and practical plans to extend and revitalize the facilities.

Qualities and Qualifications

• A committed, dynamic leader who embraces the identity of Notre Dame San Jose as a Catholic, urban, all-girls high school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and who enthusiastically advocates for, and promotes, NDSJ as the Center for Women’s Leadership in Silicon Valley.

• A spiritual leader with a deep understanding of Catholic education in the 21st century who will:

• Champion the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as articulated in the mission and Hallmarks of a Notre Dame Learning Community.

• Nurture an environment that values social justice, service, compassion, and acceptance.

• Sustain the learning community’s Catholic identity, coupled with a respect for and an embrace of the diverse fabric of faiths and belief systems shared by members across the NDSJ community.

• A future focused, strategic thinker with the skills to envision, lead and assess plans for the vitality of school initiatives, programs, fundraising and operations.

• A systems-oriented leader with demonstrated experience managing high level teams for effective operations and delegation.

Qualities and Qualifications

• A relatable, warm and approachable consensus-builder who:

• Is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and who truly considers every voice, making each person feel heard, respected and valued.

• Centers students and prioritizes their intellectual, spiritual, social and emotional development.

• Affirms the talents and dedication of faculty, staff, parents and the school board, encouraging initiative, creativity, collaboration and growth.

• Cultivates healthy relationships with members of the internal and external community.

• A thoughtful and informed decision-maker who is proficient at analyzing data, thinking critically and solving problems.

• An excellent written and oral communicator who shares plans and outcomes authentically and transparently.

• Professional Qualifications: A master’s (or higher) degree, preferably in education, counseling and psychology,school administration and/or a related field or equivalent experience; a minimum of five years of teaching with administrative and leadership experience.

Application Process

How to Apply

Interested candidates who would like additional information, or to speak with someone before they apply, may contact:

Marie Fontana

HR Generalist mfontana@ndsj.org

All applications must be submitted electronically via the school’s online application portal with priority screening for applications submitted by December 5, 2022. Visit the Head of School Search webpage and select “Apply Now” to begin the application process. We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.