Head of School Search Process Overview and Stages

Agnes C. Underwood

Consultant

Stage I - Major TasksDecember and early winter 2005

Developing Search Plan

Determine situation, goals and leadership needs of the school

Develop leadership profile

Agree on pace and approach

Stage I - Major TasksDecember and early winter 2006

• Intensive Interaction with the School• Understand the school, its

challenges and opportunities

• Review Mission• Conduct interviews and focus groups• Lead Trustee Search Workshop• Define qualities for Head• Prepare Position Description

Stage II - Major Tasks Spring 2006

Determine marketing plan and channels

Building the candidate pool Place advertisements Communicate leadership profile Communicate appeal of school’s

unique identity, culture and mission E-mail colleagues and contacts Persuade strong candidates to apply Develop pool with colleagues on

weekly search call

Stage III - Major Tasks May and June 2006

Evaluating and narrowing the candidate pool

Generate complete candidate credentials (vitae, educational statement, references, cover letter, writing sample)

Evaluate candidate folders Personally interview all quarter-finalists Check references of all quarter-finalists Schedule and attend off-campus interviews Support search committee with customized interview questions Keep candidates aware of status

Stage IV - Major Tasks September-October 2006

Evaluating finalists

Making a successful appointment Arrange comprehensive interviews on campus/spousal support Support search committee reference check Manage pool Reach consensus Make an offer Negotiate the contract

Stage V - Major Tasks

Supporting the management transition

Provide transition tools Model job description Entry plan Board chair/new head team building Mentoring 100 day transition assessment

What the Candidate Can Do

Preparation Determine if you want to be a school head

Interview other heads, talk to your mentor

Write your resume Ask others to review (consultants will help) Try several models Be succinct, but thorough Don’t leave spaces

Prepare a statement of educational philosophy (1-2 pages)

What the Candidate Can Do Gather 5 references from different parts of the school community

Before submitting your materials for a search, be sure to check school position description, web site and other materials.

Make sure there are no errors

Determine the match

Polish any written work you have done for submission, if requested

Ask someone for a practice interview

Answers to your questions

Career paths in independent schools? administrative positions teaching demonstrated leadership in other areas advanced degrees

What makes one attractive to search firms and schools? Accomplishments Leadership Staying the course (don’t jump around too much) Energy Unusual interests/service to others Modesty Other things?

Answers to your questions

Is it critical to hold certain positions before becoming a head?

What different tracks can lead to advancement and headship? Yes, those that show leadership and familiarity with independent school

constituencies and situations

Pros/cons of staying on one position

What about non-academic positions?

What about teaching experience?

Other questions?

Other Thoughts

Do not be afraid to throw your hat in the ring.

It usually takes a number of tries to get your first head position.

Ask for feedback. Some consultants and search chairs will comply.

Use your networks and mentors

Search is all about fit!