SEED is the nation's first and only network of public, college-preparatory boarding schools, providing a 24-hour, 5-day-per-week learning environment. In classrooms, dorm meetings, dining halls, evening study halls, and exposure opportunities, our students become strong, determined, and self-aware. With the gift of time, we build a community of support that empowers students to own their educational journeys and succeed in college and beyond.
As the first public, college-preparatory boarding schools in the U.S., SEED’s mission and approach to education are unique. SEED schools are tuition-free and, by design, serve traditionally underserved students. Our schools and graduates are supported by The SEED Foundation. In addition to providing programmatic and operating support to SEED schools in Washington, D.C. (The SEED School of Washington, D.C), Baltimore (The SEED School of Maryland), Miami (The SEED School of Miami), and Los Angeles (The SEED School of Los Angeles County, The SEED Foundation partners with communities to design and operate college-preparatory, public boarding schools that serve students five days a week from grades ranging from grades 6-12. The SEED Foundation’s College Transition & Success (CTS) team provides intensive, individualized support to each SEED graduate from their junior year of high school through their college graduation. Currently, The SEED network serves over 1,100 students in its four schools as well as hundreds of SEED graduates nationwide on their journey to and through college. The success of the SEED model has been showcased in media outlets and publications such as 60 Minutes, The New York Times, and in the documentary film “Waiting for Superman.” For more information, please visit www.seedfoundation.com.
The SEED Foundation's Senior School Leader Residency is designed to prepare professionals to lead a SEED school. Throughout the program, Residents will be exposed to experiences including but not limited to: Reviewing foundational documents and data such as SEED's Program Model, SEED’s Network Success Measures, Operations and Systems Management (e.g., finance, facilities, human resources), Board Management, External Relations, Compliance, SEED Network Initiatives and Expectations, SEED's approach to Family and Community Engagement (FACE), Managing & Coaching Leaders. The experience will include the Resident completing a capstone project co-created by the Resident and a senior leader at The SEED Foundation. Residents will primarily participate in leadership development opportunities with SEED Foundation leaders and SEED Heads of School at our DC and MD schools, along with having selected experiences working with our Heads of School in LA and Miami. At the successful conclusion of the program, the Resident will receive priority consideration for future interim and permanent Head of School vacancies within the network, as well as special projects that align with the network vision.
The Resident will engage in a range of experiences, both remote and in-person, that are designed to enhance their leadership abilities while also learning what it takes to lead a SEED school. At the end of the Residency Fellowship, this equity-oriented, visionary leader will be able to implement the SEED Model and leverage SEED’s past successes in operating high-quality public boarding schools for resilient youth to deliver outstanding educational experiences and outcomes for SEED students. Residents will have a deep passion for scholars and be able to develop and maintain effective relationships with a variety of constituents, including students and families, school faculty and staff, the Board of Trustees, The SEED Foundation and other SEED network leaders, state and local officials, community and business leaders, donors, the media and other stakeholders necessary to drive exceptional outcomes for the school’s students.
The right leader for the Residency program must be comfortable with a dynamic and fast-paced environment. This person will relentlessly focus on outcomes, using data at all levels to ensure that activity is never mistaken for progress. This leader will build a strong, positive culture and strategic vision aligned to the SEED Model and will collaborate to actively support work across the SEED network.
During the program, the Resident will:
A Head of School is responsible for all aspects of leading and operating a SEED school. Therefore, the Resident will use this opportunity to gain Mastery of the following key responsibilities:
Certain personal characteristics are essential for success as a Head of School for SEED. Therefore, our expectation is that the Resident will:
Requirements
In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Resident will be:
Benefits
The inaugural year of the Residency program will begin in July 2024 and offer an annual salary of $100,000 through June 2025. The residency includes a robust benefits package, including health and dental insurance, up to four weeks of vacation, a TIAA retirement plan, and life insurance.
For additional questions about this position or to speak with someone about your interest, please contact Mara Cooper at [email protected].
The SEED Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. Recruiting staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications to perform the work required.