Associate Head of School for Curriculum, Community, and Culture

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY | PALO ALTO, CA
Associate Head of School for Curriculum, Community, and Culture

Since its inception, Keys has been a pioneer in social-emotional learning, and our commitment to developing emotional intelligence skills is what separates Keys from other schools. Students won’t find these strategies in a once-a-week class. At Keys they’ll find these strategies, in addition to a vibrant curriculum, deliberately embedded in each subject they encounter, laying the foundation for students to soar academically.
— Heather Rogers, Head of School

About Keys School
Known for its warm and inclusive community, Keys School places a premium on academic excellence, social-emotional learning (SEL), and deep relationships. With a mission to challenge students to develop a keen intellect and a generous spirit, to advocate for themselves and others, and to honor curiosity and reflection in an increasingly hurried world, Keys has cultivated a distinctive environment where students are deeply known, valued, and empowered to thrive.

This exciting new role reflects Keys’ continued commitment to integrating equity, belonging, and innovation into the core of its already strong curriculum, emotional intelligence practice, and grounded, authentic culture.

The Position
Keys School, a K–8 independent school in the heart of Silicon Valley, is seeking an empathetic, strategic, and dynamic leader to serve as its inaugural Associate Head of School for Curriculum, Community, and Culture (AHCCC).

Reporting to the Head of School, Heather Rogers, the Associate Head will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational and cultural journey of students from kindergarten through 8th grade. This leader will work collaboratively across the school to align academic programs, foster and infuse a culture of inclusion and belonging, build faculty capacity, and champion initiatives that reflect Keys School’s relational ethos. With expertise in curriculum development and a commitment to integrating DEIJ practices and social-emotional learning, the AHCCC will lead efforts to ensure a seamless and transformative K–8 experience for students and families.

By fostering connection and cohesion across divisions, the AHCCC will uphold the school’s mission and help guide its community in addressing both challenges and opportunities with grace and creativity.

Strategic Priorities
By working in close partnership with the Head of School, Leadership Team, and other key stakeholders, the Associate Head will prioritize the following:

• Partner with the Division Heads and the Curriculum and Instruction team to further align and strengthen the K–8 curriculum scope and sequence, including seamlessly integrating SEL and DEIJ principles throughout.
• Define and advance the school’s DEIJ “North Star” by establishing a clear and sustainable vision for the work and then helping to build capacity for faculty and staff to help enact the vision.
• Champion the school’s emotional intelligence practice and build upon its SEL program.
• Support and enhance faculty and staff development through professional development programs that empower them to grow in their practice and deepen their commitment to Keys School’s whole-child philosophy.
• Act as a spokesperson for the school as it relates to clearly articulating Keys’ educational program to families, helping them understand the school’s approach to academics, the whole-child philosophy, SEL, and DEIJ, among others.
• Support systematic thinking and operational clarity by helping to create efficient decision-making structures that balance collaboration with action.

Essential Functions

General Leadership

• Stand in and represent the Head of School, when necessary, to ensure that all school operations are running smoothly.

Curriculum Leadership

• Lead the Curriculum and Instruction team to ensure Keys School’s academic program is research-based, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
• Partner with Division Heads, Assistant Division Heads, and faculty to implement cross-divisional consistency and coherence in curriculum design, ensuring smooth transitions between grades and divisions.
• Design and implement professional development programs that empower faculty and staff to grow in their practice and deepen their commitment to Keys School’s whole-child philosophy.
• Advance the “Our Mind” Commitment of the Strategic Plan.

 

Community and Culture Leadership

• Lead, in partnership with the Head of School, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees, the ongoing analysis, evolution, and development of school systems, policies, and practices that foster a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging for all community members.
• Work with faculty, staff, and families to build a cohesive and unified Keys School community, highlighting the unique strengths of a K–8 educational model.
• Lead the DEIJ Committee.
• Partner with the Director of Advancement as a key liaison to the Parent Association, supporting parent education, communication, and initiatives that align with the school’s mission and values.
• Mentor faculty and staff to build capacity in SEL integration, culturally responsive teaching, and inclusive instructional practices.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the Head of School, providing thought leadership on initiatives related to curriculum, community, and culture.

Qualities and Attributes

The successful Associate Head candidate will be a strategic and empathetic leader with deep expertise in curriculum development and a demonstrated commitment to integrating SEL and DEIJ practices. They will possess exceptional emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills, enabling them to foster trust and collaboration across Keys’ K–8 community.

Additionally, the AHCCC will:

• Demonstrate experience building and sustaining inclusive communities while understanding the nuances of DEIJ work in K–12 schools.
• Embed SEL practices, with deep understanding of developmental stages K–8, across content areas and through community events.
• Bring a collaborative spirit and the ability to think generatively while respecting Keys’ strong foundation.
• Model a growth mindset while maintaining high standards for self and others.

Mission
Keys School challenges students to develop a keen intellect and a generous spirit, to advocate for themselves and others, and to honor curiosity and reflection in an increasingly hurried world.

Inclusivity and Diversity Statement
We know that a diversity of thoughts, experiences, and backgrounds is necessary for our students to learn deeply and engage meaningfully in the world. We work to build a supportive, respectful, caring community of adults and children that reflects and affirms all aspects of identity.

“Know and be known. Listen and be heard. Dive in…”

• Qualifications and Requirements
  Advanced degree in education or a related field, with 5+ years of teaching and 5+ years of school leadership experience.
• Expertise in curriculum development, SEL frameworks, and equity and inclusion.
• Experience leading complex initiatives and fostering innovation in educational settings.

About the School
Founded in 1973, Keys School is a K–8 coeducational school in Palo Alto, CA, that focuses on whole-child development. The school values curiosity, relationships, and academic excellence, integrating SEL into every aspect of learning.

Fast Facts

• Enrollment: 320 students
• Two campuses, approximately 1.5 miles apart
• 76 faculty/staff members
• Average class size: 18
• Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
• $1.3M+ in financial assistance allocated annually

Application Process

Application Deadline: Open until filled
Salary Range: $230,000–$240,000
Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter
• A resume
• A statement of educational philosophy
• Five references
• Submit applications at: Application Link

For questions, contact:
Email: maryrose@strategenius.org
Phone: 415-881-7105

Tagged as: K-6