Assistant Head of School for Faculty and Academics

The Taft School (Taft), one of the nation’s premier college-preparatory boarding and day schools, seeks a collaborative, empathetic, and strategic leader to serve as the first permanent Assistant Head of School for Faculty and Academics (AHFA). This is an exciting moment for Taft, as they introduce a new senior leadership role that will advance a variety of cross-functional strategic initiatives to ensure an integrated educational experience for students and a rewarding professional path for members of the faculty and staff. At the same time, this moment represents a new chapter for a closely knit and dedicated school community, and this leader must thus inspire trust and confidence in the face of cultural change, and believe deeply in a schoolwide culture of learning, growth, pedagogical experimentation, and reflection. 

The Taft School was founded in 1890 by Horace D. Taft who believed that character, above all else, determined success in life. Nearly 135 years later, Taft students, or Tafties as they are colloquially known, continue to live out the School’s motto of “Not to be served, but to serve” both in and out of the classroom. Collectively, Taft students and alumni seek to better the world around them on a local, national, and international scale through engagement in the Watertown community and contributions to global inquiry. Taft’s 583 students enjoy a beautiful Collegiate Gothic campus, exceptional faculty, a rigorous academic curriculum, and art and athletic programs that compete on a national scale. After Taft, they are admitted to the nation’s most prestigious institutions.  

Taft’s appeal is strong, as evidenced by its 1,650 annual applications and 16 percent acceptance rate. The campus attracts a mix of boarding and day students and prioritizes enrolling diverse classes: 42 percent of students identify as students of color; 19 percent are international students, hailing from 54 different countries; and 35 percent of the student body receives financial aid. As of June 2024, Taft boasts an endowment of $344 million, one of the top 15 boarding school endowments in the nation. Taft maintains an annual operating budget of approximately $51 million. The School’s strong tradition of alumni giving, with 34 percent of alumni donating annually, ensures its ability to sustain excellence for the coming generations. Additionally, more than 90 percent of Taft’s current parents contribute annually to the Parents’ Fund. 

In July 2023, the Taft School welcomed Peter Becker ’95 as its sixth Head of School. Mr. Becker, a Taft alumnus, is a strong believer in the transformative role a Taft education can play in the intellectual and moral formation of its bright and cordial student body. He is committed to strengthening Taft’s welcoming and inclusive educational community of diverse leaders and critical thinkers. The Assistant Head of School for Faculty and Academics will report directly to and work alongside Mr. Becker to write Taft’s next chapter and strategic plan. Serving as a crucial thought partner and advisor to the Head of School and senior leadership team, the AHFA will play a key role in advancing and integrating the educational mission throughout the full life cycle of the Taft experience. 

All inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications (resumes and letters of interest) should be sent electronically and in confidence below. The target salary range for this role is $200,000 to $230,000 and will be commensurate with experience. 

Carrie Alexander and Berkley Braden are leading this search with Arianna Williams and Marlyn Desire.

The Taft School is fully accredited by The New England Association of Colleges and Schools. The Taft School is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. It is the policy of The Taft School to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to age, gender, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, actual or perceived disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran's status, genetic predisposition, or any other class protected by law.