Middle School Director

ABOUT HARLEM ACADEMY

Harlem Academy is an independent school (grades K through 8) that drives equity of opportunity for promising students, guiding them to thrive at the highest academic levels and one day make a mark on the world. Please peruse our website for more information about our school culture, family partnership, strong results, and everything else that makes Harlem Academy uniquely positioned in the New York City education landscape.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the head of school, Harlem Academy’s middle school director leads the successful implementation of the middle school program (grades 6-8).

Curriculum & Program:

Maintain a clear articulation of the academic and holistic skills and knowledge students must acquire at each grade level to be on a path to success at top secondary schools, and collaborate with the dean of faculty on curriculum development.
Use data to ensure that curricula, instructional frameworks, lesson plans, assessments, trips, and partnerships align with students’ long-term trajectory.

Set class and teacher schedules and an annual calendar of events.
Coordinate supplemental/after-school programming, special events and trips, substitute coverage, standardized testing, and coordination with volunteers.

Supervision & Leadership:

Observe, mentor, support, and evaluate the middle school team in collaboration with the dean of faculty.
Provide strong leadership for the division through everyday engagement and at key, high-leverage moments, such as daily transitions, community meetings, signature trips and events, and challenging situations as they arise.
Hire and retain top teaching talent for the middle school, including recruitment and evaluation of candidates, and contract negotiation for new and returning staff.

Students and Families:

Oversee family partnership, including consistent, authentic relationship building with students; managing general and individual communications; organizing parent-teacher conferences; and overseeing report cards.
Lead disciplinary responses, maintaining a focus on the school’s overall goals while treating individual students and families with respect and empathy.
Partner with the enrollment team on screening and decisions.
Lead orientation of new and returning students and families.
Collaborate with the secondary school placement team on strong implementation of the program.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree preferred

Minimum of five years of experience working with middle school students, including significant administrative and leadership responsibilities

COMPENSATION

Harlem Academy offers a challenging and supportive work environment, professional growth opportunities, health benefits, and a salary ranging from $100,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Head of School Vinny Dotoli at vdotoli@harlemacademy.org (Attn: Middle School Director) by February 1, 2026. The anticipated start date is approximately July 1, 2026.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Harlem Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, national origin or ancestry, veteran's status, sexual orientation, or any non-job-related physical or mental disability. We welcome candidates who will contribute to our diversity and strongly encourage applicants from traditionally marginalized groups.

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Middle School Director