Director of Lower School at Abington Friends

Abington Friends School Jenkintown PennsylvaniaNestled on a 50-acre tree-lined campus in Jenkintown Pennsylvania just north of Philadelphia Abington Friends School (AFS) is a vibrant Early Childhood (3 and 4 year-olds) through Grade 12 Quaker day school grounded in more than three centuries of educational leadership and innovation. Founded in 1697 AFS is shaped by the enduring testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) simplicity peace integrity community equality and stewardship which guide the daily life of students and educators alike.At AFS our mission is to cultivate intellectual excellence foster strength of character and support the growth of each students unique talents while nurturing the physical emotional social and spiritual well-being of the whole child. Our campus provides a rich environment for discovery supported by inspiring classrooms expansive green spaces robust arts and athletics programs and a community culture that honors both individuality and collective purpose.In this context the Director of Lower School plays a pivotal role in guiding the early years of students learning journeys ensuring that curiosity confidence agency and belonging take root in developmentally intentional and joy-filled ways.The Director of Lower School position is a full-time 12-month role beginningJuly 1 2026.The RoleAt Abington Friends School education is both academic and deeply human. The Director of Lower School serves as a leader of people a steward of program and a champion of young learners from Early Childhood (EC) through Grade 4. Working closely with faculty families and senior leadership the Director helps craft a joyful rigorous inclusive and mission-aligned experience for children during these formative years.The Lower School enrolls approximately 170 students across ECGrade 4 and is supported by 37 full- and part-time faculty and staff. The Lower School Director is a member of the schools Administrative Council collaborating with colleagues across divisions to shape schoolwide priorities and strategic direction.The Director is a relational presence in the life of the division visible in classrooms on the playground and in community gatherings engaging in the reflective conversations with families and faculty that sustain a thriving learning environment.Why This Role MattersThe Director of Lower School shapes the tone culture and direction of the division anchoring teaching and learning in the mission and values of the School while nurturing an environment where students faculty and families flourish.Collaborative leadership drives the life of the Lower School.The Director plays a central role in fostering trust professional partnership and shared purpose among faculty building a culture in which teachers feel supported empowered and engaged in the collective work of teaching and learning.The divisions pedagogical direction relies on thoughtful research-informed innovation.The Director champions experiential inquiry-driven approaches to teaching and learning ensuring that hands-on engagement authentic problem-solving and creative exploration remain core elements of the program.Mission alignment is strengthened through thoughtful stewardship.The Director helps sustain a Lower School environment grounded in Quaker values where relationships are honored reflection is encouraged and children feel genuinely known and valued.Schoolfamily partnership is integral to student achievement.The Director cultivates strong trusting relationships with families and ensures that they are essential partners in their childrens growth. Clear proactive and thoughtful communication about student progress and achievement is a central expectation of the role supporting each childs academic social and emotional development.Strategic coherence across divisions supports each childs progression.The Director collaborates with school leadership to create smooth transitions program alignment and shared accountability for student growth from Early Childhood through the Lower School and beyond.Key ResponsibilitiesThe Director of Lower School will:Lead the vision design and ongoing refinement of a developmentally responsive inquiry-rich and joyful Lower School program.Support mentor supervise and inspire Lower School faculty encouraging professional growth reflective practice and collaborative culture.Ensure curricular coherence and smooth transitions from Early Childhood through Grade 4 aligning pedagogy assessment and student support systems.Partner with the DEI Office and Student Support Team to cultivate inclusive identity-affirming learning environments for all students.Strengthen authentic family partnerships through clear communication thoughtful engagement and shared purpose.Oversee divisional operations including scheduling staffing budgeting and facilities planning with attention to detail and alignment with schoolwide priorities.Advocate for the Lower School within the broader school community ensuring that the needs and perspectives of the division help shape whole-school direction.Collaborate actively with the Admission and Marketing teams to support robust Lower School enrollment. Serving as an articulate ambassador for the division meeting prospective families participating in admission events and helping communicate the strengths and unique aspects of the AFS program.Qualities & Attributes of the Successful CandidateWe seek an educational leader who:Leads with warmth humility clarity and integrity.Builds trusting collaborative relationships with children faculty and families.Believes in the power of inquiry-driven experiential learning and the deep potential of young children.Holds a strong equity lens and a commitment to inclusive excellence.Brings strategic thinking paired with operational skill and follow-through.Communicates with empathy clarity and purpose.Engages joyfully in the daily life of school and reflects Quaker values in practice.QualificationsAdvanced degree in education educational leadership or a related field (or commensurate experience).Successful experience as an elementary educator and/or administrator ideally in an independent school setting.Demonstrated leadership in curriculum pedagogy child development and faculty development.Commitment to continual learning community engagement and equity-centered leadership.Experience in a Friends school or familiarity with Quaker education is not required but is a meaningful plus.Why AFSAbington Friends School is a community of thinkers doers creators and caregivers united by a belief in the goodness and potential of young people. You will join a school deeply committed to academic excellence social and emotional growth and the cultivation of purpose in every student.As Director of Lower School you will help shape the earliest experiences that guide children toward lifelong curiosity compassion resilience and meaningful engagement with the world.Application ProcessInterested candidates should submit the following materials:Cover letterRésuméStatement of educational philosophyContact information for three professional referencesAbington Friends School is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race ethnicity religion gender sexual orientation national origin age disability veteran status or any other status protected under local state or federal laws.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1