Director of the Upper School

Director of the Upper School
William Penn Charter School | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

William Penn Charter School invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of Upper School to begin July 1, 2026. Penn Charter is a Quaker, all-gender, PreK-12 independent day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter is a community guided by Quaker testimonies and the central belief that there is "that of God" in every person. A school community that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented, and valued. The curriculum embraces a plurality of cultures and celebrates an array of voices, instilling in every student a deeper understanding and empathy for individuals in this community and the world.

As Penn Charter's mission states, the school values scholarship and inquiry, and holding excellence as its standard, challenges students through a rigorous program of academics, arts, and athletics. By fostering global connections, civic engagement, and a focus on environmental sustainability, Penn Charter inspires students to become thoughtful collaborators, creative innovators, and confident leaders.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of School, Dr. Karen Warren Coleman, the Director of Upper School is responsible for leading both the educational vision and the daily operations of the Upper School Division (grades 9-12), ensuring the school's mission is fully realized within the division and is complementary to the life of the school as experienced across the Lower and Middle Schools. Overseeing the day-to-day operations of Penn Charter Upper School, the Director serves as the educational leader for approximately 460 students and 80 faculty within a rigorous, rich, and college-preparatory curriculum. The next Director will partner with the Upper School leadership team and a cohort of talented, dedicated educators to shape and to guide the ongoing implementation of that vision, with a focus on excellence, innovation, and collaboration across the educational program. Moreover, the Director will model and cultivate positive relationships among all constituent groups, fostering a culture of continuous growth, learning, and shared purpose.

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics

• A comprehensive understanding of the field of education, including mind, brain, and education science, and a deep insight into the adolescent learner.
• A willingness to explore and embrace new pedagogical practices, technologies, and emerging trends.
• A sophisticated, creative educational leader with seasoned administrative experience.
• Strong sense of emotional intelligence; confident, competent, and skilled in both management and leadership.
• Must model and advance educational excellence, with an uncompromising commitment to high academic standards, rigorous instruction, and a culture of intellectual curiosity.
• Ability to build and maintain strong, inclusive relationships with parents and caregivers, faculty and staff, students, and colleagues across the leadership team.
• Cultural competence and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Application Process

Requested application materials include a letter of interest, current resume, statement of educational philosophy or leadership, and a list of three to five professional references, including contact information. References will not be called without explicit permission from the applicant.

Although applications will be welcomed until a new Director of Upper School is selected, for best consideration, all candidates should submit materials by March 1.

For more information about William Penn Charter School, please visit www.penncharter.com.

Katie Rockman and Tiffany Weber are leading this search with Mia Carpiniello and Maria Connor.

William Penn Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.