Interim Head of School
Search being conducted by The Marylhurst School
Job Description
Interim Head of School | The Marylhurst School
The Marylhurst School | Oregon City, Oregon
Preschool-8th Grade | Independent Progressive School
Full-Time, Year-Round | Target Start Date: July 1, 2027
The Marylhurst School is seeking an experienced educational leader to serve as Interim Head of School and lead our school into its next chapter beginning July 1, 2027. The interim appointment is expected to span 1-2 school years.
Founded in 1972, Marylhurst is a small, independent progressive school located on a lush 38-acre wooded campus just outside of Portland, Oregon in Oregon City, where the school serves students from Preschool through 8th grade. For over 50 years, Marylhurst has evolved and practiced an educational approach based on the fundamental belief that children are naturally curious, creative, intelligent, and caring human beings. Our core principle is to guide children into becoming confident lifelong learners, courageous explorers, imaginative creators, and ethical and engaged community citizens. Our students learn through inquiry and experience, investigating big questions and collaborating on meaningful projects. We welcome you to learn more about Marylhurst at themarylhurstschool.org.
We are seeking an Interim Head of School who believes deeply in this kind of education, and who brings the organizational and strategic leadership skills necessary to strengthen Marylhurst and help determine and build its most sustainable path forward.
Who You Are
While prior Head of School experience is not required, our ideal candidate will bring a deep passion for progressive education and rich experience within education, along with demonstrated success leading and developing others. They will pair strong business acumen and critical thinking with curiosity and active listening, and bring the warmth, presence, and ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm in students, staff, current families, and those discovering Marylhurst for the first time.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer competitive pay, along with medical, dental, and vision benefits, and an FSA.
Opportunity Statement
Why Marylhurst?
Marylhurst offers a rare opportunity to lead a school with a deeply rooted educational philosophy, an engaged and caring community, and a meaningful opportunity for impact. For more than 50 years, Marylhurst has remained steadfast in its belief that children learn best through curiosity, inquiry, creativity, connection, and authentic experience.
The Interim Head of School will lead a school with exceptional strengths: dedicated educators, engaged families, a distinctive Preschool through 8th grade program, and a breathtaking 38-acre wooded campus that serves as an extension of the classroom. Marylhurst's community values relationships, collaboration, inclusion, and a shared commitment to helping children become confident learners and thoughtful global citizens.
At the same time, Marylhurst stands at an important moment in its history. The Interim Head of School will have the opportunity to partner with a committed Board of Trustees and a passionate school community to strengthen enrollment, build long-term sustainability, support continued academic excellence, and shape the future of progressive education at Marylhurst. For a leader inspired by mission-driven work and energized by the opportunity to guide meaningful growth, Marylhurst offers the chance to make a lasting difference.
The Opportunity
The Interim Head of School will join Marylhurst at a consequential moment in its history. Working in close partnership with the Board, faculty, staff, and school community, this leader will be charged with quickly developing a clear understanding of the school’s opportunities and challenges; establishing priorities; strengthening enrollment and retention; improving financial sustainability; and providing steady, transparent leadership through a period of significant transition. This is an opportunity for an experienced leader who is energized by complex challenges, comfortable making difficult decisions, and able to balance immediate organizational needs with thoughtful stewardship of a deeply valued educational mission.
A position profile with a complete overview of the role and requirements will be added soon.