Director, Home Department

Director, Home DepartmentThe Director, Home Department advances Principia by creating and promoting an inclusive vision for the dormitory; managing, mentoring, coaching, and developing the co-ed team of houseparents and being proactive in ensuring the School Home Life program provides an inclusive atmosphere of love and trust, which supports and encourages the spiritualization of thought, character development, and serves the Cause of Christian Science. Reporting to the Upper School Principal & Student Life Director, this role plays a critical part in cultivating an environment and culture that helps students build leadership, responsibility, and healthy decision-making skills and collaborates closely with the Middle School Principal and will supervise the Assistant Director, Home Department, Lead House Parent, and dorm's team of Houseparents to lead teenagers into an ever-changing world while supporting them with the tools to be successful. Success in this role draws on the ability to radiate joy and enthusiasm for life and work, making you an integral part of the Principia community.At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to educationblending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia's team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole childintellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow's leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.Primary ResponsibilitiesProvides metaphysical support for Aron House and the campus as a wholePlans, organizes, and directs the boarding program, with an emphasis on providing a family atmosphere and promoting character growthEnsures that the dorm vision is visible to students, houseparents, parents, and the communityProvides direction, oversight, leadership, and training for the work of the houseparents; participates in and promotes professional development of skills, strategies, and direction for the department and its staff, always encouraging a metaphysical foundationProactively provides programming for the boarding program via speakers, empowering students to lead, various activities, etcCoordinates and/or co-leads character education experiences (e.g., speakers, workshops, trips, advisory/leadership development) to ensure consistent themes and language across student experiencesGathers feedback and relevant data to evaluate program effectiveness and recommends improvements that strengthen student character growth and sense of belongingProvides resources and coaching to home department staff (and, as appropriate, faculty) to reinforce shared character development goals, restorative practices, and student leadership skillsPartners with the houseparents in working with students, supporting their spiritual growth on a continuous basisSupports the Student Care providers in assisting students with their student care treatment choicesSupports students to develop habits for making positive life choicesPartners with the academic department to ensure the boarding program supports and promotes academic excellenceServes as a positive role model for the students and communityResponsible for student disciplinary action when necessary, working in cooperation with the houseparents, Principals, Assistant Director of Home Department, and the parents involved with these issues; sits on any disciplinary committee when appropriateCommunicates regularly with parents and families through phone calls, Zoom sessions, emails, technology, and publicationsMeets regularly with the Principal and Assistant Director, Home Department to develop consistency in the understanding and application of policies and proceduresDevelops and works with the Home Department student governing bodyServes as a member of the admissions committee, which makes decisions on all applicants to Principia SchoolCoordinates and collaborates with the International Student Director to support International Students during breaksCoordinates and collaborates with Sage around food needs for studentsCoordinates Belonging and Mattering initiatives and education in the dorm with staff and studentsSpecial Provisions and Requirements:Room and Board: An apartment is provided in the dormitory at no cost for the employee and their immediate family. Families are welcome in the dormitory; however, the employee must be free of primary care responsibilities for dependent children younger than 7th grade. When school is in session, meals are provided in the dining hall without chargeThe Director, Home Department is on duty every week that school is in session and, as necessary, on travel weekends when students are arriving and departing. The Director may be asked to support International Student travel days, which may have different schedules than those of domestic studentsOff-duty: Christmas break, summer break, and one week of spring break (except as indicated above on travel weekends)On-duty: One week of spring break, fall break (long weekend), Thanksgiving, and Martin Luther King Jr. DayAvailable at least a week prior to preseason training, a week after graduation, and periodically during school breaksMedical care training, first aid, and CPR certificates are required; Principia will provide trainingCDL classification expected; Principia will provide trainingCore CompetenciesPrincipia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia:Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.Leadership: Inspires and guides others with clarity, compassion, and accountability; supports individual and team growth in alignment with Principia's mission and goals.Culture & Team Building: Fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication; demonstrates genuine care for team members' well-being and development.Resource Stewardship: Manages budgets, time, and resources responsibly and strategically to achieve departmental and institutional objectives.Minimum QualificationsStudent of Christian Science; member of Christian Science Church and/or Organization, and completed Christian Science class instruction. If not currently a class-taught member of a Christian Science church, both are required within one year of the start date.Supportive of Principia's guiding statements as articulated here Bachelor's degree preferredValid driver's license; Encouraged to obtain and maintain a commercial driver's license and drive Principia School buses (Principia provides training); driving records must be in good standingAbility to successfully complete an extensive background check processRequired to obtain a