[Hiring] Director, School Culture & Student Experience @NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Role Description

The Director, School Culture & Student Experience is a hands-on and collaborative leader responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving NAIS's portfolio of research-informed programs, resources, and learning experiences related to student belonging, engagement, well-being, voice and agency, and school climate. Reporting to the Vice President of School Culture & Student Experience, the Director brings subject matter expertise and translates strategic priorities into practical support for independent schools.

The Director partners with the Vice President to shape portfolio priorities, identifies emerging needs, and works across NAIS to move initiatives from concept through implementation and evaluation. The role partners with colleagues across the organization so that content expertise, research, program design, and operational execution are aligned. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, synthesizer, relationship builder, and project leader who can turn ideas and insights into meaningful, practical, and sustainable offerings for members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, educational leadership, psychology, youth development, public policy, research, social sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience in education, student experience, school climate, youth development, mental health or wellness, applied research, program leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas related to student belonging, engagement, well-being, school climate, youth development, mental health and wellness, or student voice and agency.
• Demonstrated success translating strategic priorities into programs, resources, or services from concept through implementation.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, including establishing work plans, coordinating stakeholders and dependencies, managing multiple priorities, and ensuring timely execution.
• Experience using research, surveys, evaluation findings, and stakeholder feedback to inform decisions and improve programs or resources.
• Excellent writing, synthesis, facilitation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and influence across functions without relying on direct authority.
• Experience across varied K–12 educational contexts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and web-based collaboration tools.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a related field (preferred).
• Experience in K-12 independent school contexts (preferred).
• Knowledge of independent schools, professional associations, and the broader education landscape (preferred).
• Experience developing research-informed resources, professional learning experiences, or field-facing thought leadership (preferred).

Benefits

• Ability to operate in an office environment and travel as needed.
• Moderate travel required.

Company Description

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Disclaimer: This document describes the position currently available. It is not an employment contract. NAIS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time, as determined by the needs of the organization.