Head of School

Selwyn House School, one of Canada’s premier independent boys’ schools, is seeking an exceptional leader and educator as its new Head of School and invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest.

Taking office in the summer of 2020, the new Head will build on past achievements within a strong, stable school environment to lead Selwyn House to new levels of excellence.

Founded in 1908, Selwyn House provides 540 boys from Kindergarten to Grade 11 with an education of exceptional depth and scope. With a culture based on Veritas (being true to yourself, true to others, and true to your school), Selwyn House is a school where boys are known and loved. A dedicated, energetic team of educators and administrators foster academic excellence through an enriched curriculum, the development of critical and creative thinking, and the ability to communicate ideas. With a culture of excellence in all areas, a focus on best practices for boys, and a dedication to the French language and culture, Selwyn House strives to instill in students an intellectual curiosity and a lifelong commitment to learning. Selwyn House is located in Westmount, a residential community adjacent to downtown Montreal. For additional information, please visit www.selwyn.ca.

Accountable to the Board of Directors, the Head of School is responsible for all academic and administrative aspects of Selwyn House. This includes advising on strategic direction, developing and implementing appropriate action plans, maintaining high standards of teaching and learning, leading a high performing administrative and faculty team, and promoting a dynamic and inclusive school culture. As the face of Selwyn House, the Head of School will educate, communicate, build, and sustain positive relationships with its internal and external communities. Managing a more diverse student body, building the School’s endowment to maintain accessibility, and marketing Selwyn House to a broader community will be key elements of the Head’s role.

The new Head will be an outstanding educator with a proven track record of accomplishment in an independent school and the ability to command the respect of all Selwyn House stakeholders. Candidates should possess a perspective compatible with Selwyn House’s vision, mission, and values, and have the ability to communicate them effectively and lead the School towards their achievement. Excellent academic credentials, strong leadership, team building, and communication skills, creativity in building an exceptional educational program, experience with or an understanding of the importance of advancement, and an excellent rapport with students are all qualities desired in the Head. The ability to address and adapt to a community of both English and French speaking families will be required in the new Head.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue until the position is successfully filled. The School welcomes applications from both women and men for this role. Applications, including a letter of introduction, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without consent of the applicant), should be forwarded in confidence, to the School’s executive search consultants: Laverne Smith & Associates Inc. shs@lavernesmith.com