Head of School
About Us:
Greater Portland Christian School (GPCS) is an independent, multi-denominational, college-preparatory day school for preschool through twelfth grade. We are a Christian institution, founded and maintained for God’s glory above all other considerations. To achieve our highest goal of directing our students to worship their Creator and Savior through learning, we partner with Christian parents and churches in training our students to view every subject and every aspect of life through the lens of God’s Word, the Bible—to think biblically about their world, and then to live in harmony with that biblical perspective.
GPCS parents choose this school for their children because of our Christian worldview; our competent, caring faculty who share their biblical values; the strong academic program; small class sizes; extracurricular opportunities; and supportive community atmosphere.
We are a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA).
Click HERE to read our statement of faith.
Our Core Values: Truth – Wisdom – Excellence – Stewardship – Servanthood
About the Position:
The Head of School (HoS) of GPCS is the Chief Executive Officer of the school under the authority and direction of the school’s Board of Directors. He/she also is the official spokesperson for the school and has daily interaction with faculty, students, and parents. This person has proven spiritual, moral, academic, and leadership qualities to effectively direct the mission of GPCS as it enters its second half century. The ideal candidate is a servant leader, who is a deeply caring and approachable problem solver and strategic visionary, leading the faculty and staff as one who guides a team of peers. While relating to others with compassion and grace, the HoS must also exhibit discernment and make hard decisions when necessary to support the school’s mission.
Salary: $65,000-$75,000 annually
Benefits: Leave: sick, personal, bereavement, professional, and jury, Student registration fee waiver and 90% tuition remission, Accidental death and dismemberment insurance, Life insurance, and Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Location: *South Portland, Maine
* Portland, ME ranks as one of the country’s “best places to live,” listed at No. 7 according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Job Duties
- Spiritual Leadership – serves both students and faculty as a role model who exemplifies an active obedience to the lordship of Jesus Christ, cultivates spiritual interest and growth among students and staff, and clearly articulates a Christian philosophy of education.
- Strategic Vision – collaborates with the Board of Directors to promote and cultivate the mission and strategic vision for the school and then carries out that vision on a day-to-day basis.
- Internal Relationships – manages the performance of all faculty, staff, and volunteers; fosters and maintains staff unity as it pertains to the school mission; oversees the cultural integrity of the school; maintains awareness of faculty needs; and interacts with GPCS parents to promote the school’s culture, vitality, and community.
- Student Enrollment — directs the admissions and recruitment efforts of the school, supervising and working with staff and volunteers to enhance enrollment, which is essential for the vitality of the school.
- Operations – Oversees administrative and other non-academic staff and ensures that daily operations are in capable hands.
- External Relationships – oversees interactions with the media, local churches, and other Christian schools; maintains professional relationships with local schools and accrediting agencies to enhance student and faculty advancement opportunities; and assists the board and/or development director to improve the financial basis of the school.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Skills and Attributes
The HoS candidate should meet the following requirements:
- At least a four-year undergraduate degree, with preference given to candidates with advanced earned degrees
- Demonstrated supervisory leadership experience
- A combination of seven (7) years or more of classroom teaching educational administration, or executive leadership experience
Additional qualifications desired but not required:
- An advanced degree and/or certification in Education, Educational Administration, or a related field
- Two (2) or more years of school leadership experience
The HoS candidate must agree with, promote, and function in alignment with:
- The GPCS Statement of Faith
- The GPCS Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Value Words
- The GPCS Constitution, By‐laws, Policy Manual
- The GPCS positions on theological, ethical, and moral commitments
The HoS candidate should possess and demonstrate:
- A saving relationship with Jesus Christ
- Ongoing spiritual growth, as characterized by a teachable spirit, leading a moral life according to the Word of God, and serving as a role model to students and staff
- Moral purpose, moral conviction, integrity, and ethics
- Humility, encouragement, adaptability, and patience
- Enthusiasm for and commitment to the mission of GPCS
- Active membership in an evangelical church
The HoS should possess strong abilities in:
- Collaborative leadership, mentorship, and team building
- Strategic thinking and discernment
- Educational supervision
- Biblical mediation
- Oral and written communication
- Interpersonal skills and relationship development
