Head of School at St. Ambrose Academy

St. Ambrose Academy seeks our next Head of School to serve as the primary guardian and champion of the Academy’s classical Catholic identity, while leading the institution into a promising new chapter at its beautiful Holy Name Heights campus. More details below and at https://ambroseacademy.org/hos/.

Location: Madison, WI (On-site)

Position Type: Full-Time, Executive Leadership

School Level: Grades 6–12 (Co-ed, Independent Catholic Classical School)

About St. Ambrose Academy

Founded in 2003, St. Ambrose Academy is an accredited, independent Catholic middle and high school located in Madison, Wisconsin. Rooted in classical pedagogy and the rich intellectual and spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church, St. Ambrose prepares young men and women to seek truth, love goodness, and cultivate wisdom.

Our curriculum focuses on original source texts and Socratic dialogue, encouraging deep inquiry, critical thinking, and joy in learning. Supported by an active community of faculty, staff, board members, and families, St. Ambrose provides a rigorous academic environment alongside intentional faith formation, forming the whole person in virtue, faith, and reason.

Role Description

The Head of School serves as the executive leader of St. Ambrose Academy, holding ultimate responsibility for fulfilling the school’s mission and ensuring excellence across spiritual, academic, operational, and strategic domains.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Head of School serves as the primary guardian of the school’s Catholic identity and classical educational vision. This leader mentors faculty, engages families and diocesan partners, directs school operations, and guides strategic initiatives—including enrollment growth, financial stewardship, and campus development—to ensure the long-term flourishing of St. Ambrose Academy.

Key Responsibilities

• Mission Integrity & Faith Formation: Ensure fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and champion the integration of faith, reason, and virtue across all aspects of student life, culture, and academics.
• Instructional & Programmatic Leadership: Supervise and mentor faculty in classical pedagogy and Socratic instruction; oversee curriculum review and continuous improvement for grades 6–12.
• Operational & Financial Stewardship: Oversee day-to-day school administration, budget priority alignment, policy enforcement, campus safety, and compliance with accreditation standards.
• Strategic Planning & Community Engagement: Collaborate with the Board of Directors on strategic vision, donor relations, enrollment management, and institutional advancement.
• Culture & Communication: Cultivate a collaborative, respectful, and joyful school culture; serve as the primary articulate spokesperson for the academy to families, local parishes, the Diocese of Madison, and the broader community.

Qualifications & Leadership Profile

• Faith & Mission Alignment: Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church, with a personal commitment to the integration of faith, reason, and classical education.
• Educational & Operational Leadership: Proven experience leading teams, managing school operations, mentoring faculty, and driving academic excellence (Catholic or independent school experience strongly preferred).
• Curriculum & Pedagogy: Strong familiarity with classical educational models, Great Books, Socratic methodology, and secondary curriculum design.
• Communication & Relationship Building: Superior interpersonal, written, and public speaking skills, with a demonstrated ability to foster trust among board members, faculty, parents, and community partners.
• Education & Credentials: Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in Education, Educational Leadership, Humanities, or a related field preferred.
• Strategic Vision & Governance: Sound judgment, financial acumen, and experience working collaboratively with a governing board or advisory leadership.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their alignment with St. Ambrose Academy's mission, a professional resume/CV, and a statement of educational philosophy.

• For full opportunity details and application instructions, visit ambroseacademy.org/hos or contact the search committee directly.