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Job description
About the School
Founded in 1964, Briarwood Christian School has been a pillar of the Birmingham area for over six decades. BCS is a ministry of Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA), and about 20% of families in the student body hold membership at the sponsoring church. Today BCS is home to over 1,600 students (JK–12th) — the largest enrollment in Alabama — and is a proven school leader in the greater Birmingham private school market. BCS is accredited through ACSI and recently became a CESA Candidate School.
The school exists to provide a Christ-centered, transformational education that equips and inspires each student to glorify God by maximizing his or her God-given abilities. It can be described as a "Great Commission school with a Great Commandment culture."
About the Opportunity
The Head of Lower School is entrusted with the spiritual and academic formation of nearly 1,000 children during the most foundational years of their education — from their first days in the Cub House through the transition into Junior High. Few roles at BCS touch as many families, or shape as much of a child's earliest understanding of Christ, learning, and community. The Lower School (JK–6th) serves 847 students on the 75-acre Briarwood Presbyterian Church campus, with an additional 138 students in the Cub House program (ages 1–3).
Reporting to Superintendent Gus Martin — an experienced leader described as a builder of community, an entrepreneur, a developer of leaders, and one who gives autonomy to the leaders who work for him — this role is a key member of the school's strong and cohesive Executive Team. The Head of Lower School will also lead his or her own Leadership Team, comprised of the Early Childhood Principal, an Assistant Principal, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, the Director of Student Services, and a Counselor — together supporting a Lower School staff of 125 employees.
Responsibilities
Operations & Programs
Provide strong leadership in curriculum planning, faculty development, budgeting, master scheduling, and staff professional development
Partner with Briarwood Presbyterian Church leadership and maintenance staff to coordinate shared campus facilities, security, events, and operations
Oversee discipline and school safety, including emergency drills and property inspections, within biblical guidelines
Cultivate relationships with ACSI and CESA, and lead efforts to obtain and maintain school accreditation
Report the results of standardized testing programs to the Superintendent, School Board, and parents
Provide input on the school's long-range strategic and financial plans, and manage the Lower School's budget
Support fundraising, constituency relations, and student recruitment and retention efforts
Personnel & Environment
Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and develop Lower School faculty and staff, ensuring fair treatment, clear expectations, and current job descriptions and personnel files
Serve as a resource to teachers on curriculum, instruction, and student/parent relationships
Understand the physical and emotional development of children and the challenges they face while growing up
Create a professional, Christian environment where staff, students, and volunteers can function effectively and productively
Maintain a visible presence at school events, chapels, and assemblies, and engage parents through prayer, volunteerism, and shared decision-making
Communicate regularly with the Superintendent through the Executive Team, and resolve differences of opinion in a biblical manner (Matthew 18:15–17)
Qualifications
Personal & Character
Mature, living, and active faith in Jesus Christ; member in good standing at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, in agreement with the school's Statement of Faith and Declaration of Moral Integrity
Models Christian character and biblical integrity in all personal and professional matters, leading staff, students, and families into deeper spiritual commitment by example and teaching
Ability to share the Christian faith with others
Enthusiastic, visionary, and energetic leader with exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Emotionally stable, discerning, and able to navigate difficult parent and staff conversations with wisdom, discretion, and confidentiality
Defends biblical principles and convictions under pressure (1 Peter 5:15), while remaining humble, teachable, and loyal to constituted authority
Demonstrates a commitment to Christian education by enrolling any K–12 school-age children at BCS, and supports School Board policy and decisions to staff, parents, and the public
Professional
Bachelor's degree in education, administration, or a related field required; master's degree in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, or Christian education desired
3–5 years of classroom teaching experience, plus administrative or leadership experience
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Worksite address
birmingham, AL, 35275, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.