Head of School

Albany Academy ("the Academy") is seeking a visionary, community-oriented head of school to lead this prestigious independent institution into the future. The successful candidate will be tasked with upholding academic excellence while fostering a culture that values both community spirit and individual student development. The ideal applicant should possess a proven track record as an inspiring leader and adept fundraiser, with experience in aligning diverse stakeholders around a shared vision within complex institutional environments.

For over two centuries, Albany Academy has been a beacon of academic achievement, character development, and personal growth. It has rightfully earned its reputation as the Capital Region's premier – and sole – pre-K to post-graduate independent, college preparatory day school. The Academy's current structure, resulting from the merger of two single-sex schools, offers an innovative educational model. Students experience co-educational learning in the lower school (pre-K through grade 4) and upper school (grades 9 through post-graduate), while benefiting from single-sex education in the middle school (grades 5 through 8). The school's mission statement emphasizes the development of "diligent students of high character who become curious, critical thinkers" through a coordinated approach of single-sex and co-educational environments. The Academy's brand promise, "exceptional beyond measure," reflects its unwavering commitment to cultivating excellence in every student, nurturing limitless potential through individualized guidance, rigorous academics, and diverse opportunities.

Situated on an urban campus in Albany, New York, the Academy is home to 78 faculty and staff members and 636 students as of the 2024-2025 academic year. The institution takes pride in honoring its rich history and traditions while evolving to meet the needs of contemporary students.

The incoming head of school will join the Academy at an exciting juncture, following a realignment that transitioned the lower and upper schools to fully co-educational learning while maintaining single-sex education in the middle school. Building on this momentum, the new leader will be tasked with several key responsibilities:

1. Spearhead a comprehensive strategic planning process in collaboration with key stakeholders developing a unifying vision with clear priorities for the school's future.

2. Strengthen communication across the Academy community, fostering relationships built on trust and transparency with students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees.

3. Lead a collaborative leadership team, including three divisional heads and dynamic marketing, enrollment, and advancement teams.

4. Work effectively with the board to manage the school's finances while enhancing fundraising efforts and philanthropic successes.

5. Champion the school's longstanding commitment to inclusion and belonging, furthering efforts to create a welcoming, supportive, and proud school community.

6. Collaborate with the board of trustees to accomplish its goals and position the Academy for even greater achievements.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $300,000 - $350,000 annually. Albany Academy provides this salary as a good faith estimate of the starting pay range considering factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position and a candidate's work experience and education. In addition to the salary offered, the Academy offers a collegial and inclusive culture, and a benefits program, which includes a head of school residence (Leonard House), generous paid time off, paid holidays, and a retirement plan with Albany Academy contributions. 

Confidential inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications (resumes and letters of interest) should be sent  in confidence electronically below. 

Karen Avery and Katie Rockman are leading this search with Mia Carpiniello.

Albany Academy believes that the active expression of diverse perspectives and life experiences is vital to a thriving school community. Guided by its Mission Statement and Core Values, the Academy is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, equitable, and just environment that fosters excellence.