Director of People and Culture

The Athenian School

Director of People and Culture

Become Athenian’s first-ever Director of People and Culture to lead Human Resources and help shape the culture of Athenian. This is a senior-level position reporting directly to the head of school, and the position was created to meet a clear strategic priority.

Athenian is a vibrant, innovative, and values-based school. Parents report they are very satisfied with the educational experiences their children are receiving, both in and out of the classroom; teachers consider it a privilege to work on a campus that not only states a mission but lives it; and students thrive in a collaborative, dynamic, and engaging learning environment.

The school instills an appreciation of the reciprocal relationship between the individual and cultures, society and the natural world. It clearly values the power and beauty of multiculturalism within our diverse community, and embraces the principles of democratic governance, stewardship of the environment, respect for human dignity, and service as a way of life. At Athenian, the opportunities to explore leadership, social justice, equity and inclusion, world cultures, outdoor adventure, global perspectives, service, and personal passions are endless and key fabrics of our culture. 

Reporting to the Head of School and serving on the Head’s Advisory Committee (senior management team), the Director of People & Culture will develop strategies and ensure effective execution of programs and initiatives in talent acquisition, culture change, diversity and inclusion, performance management, talent management and development, employee relations, total rewards and recognition, training, change management, and organizational effectiveness. In support of those efforts, the position requires experience in all core aspects of Human Resources as well as administering and evaluating survey data across constituencies in order to understand the institutional needs regarding the school culture and educational program.

The position requires a highly experienced professional with a good understanding of how to lead in a complex environment, strong organizational skills, high emotional intelligence, the ability to collaborate across the organization and build trusting relationships, and prioritize effectively while managing multiple projects.

Important qualities and qualifications include change management/organizational leadership skills; experience in strategic HR, especially talent acquisition and management; demonstrated experience influencing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice work; and an ability to collaborate across internal/external DEIS channels to incorporate and influence organizational change. Strong written and communication skills with clear experience in helping to shape a positive culture and a great place to learn and work. For more information, please view the full position profile: https://assets.storbecksearch.com/files/resources/athenian-dirpeopleandculture-pd.pdf

Please send all nominations, applications including a cover letter and resume in confidence to:

Nishant Mehta, Partner & Independent Schools Practice Leader

Sherry Coleman, Partner

AthenianPeopleCulture@storbecksearch.com