Director of the Upper School

William Penn Charter School invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of Upper School to begin July 1, 2026. Penn Charter is a Quaker, all-gender, PreK-12 independent day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter is a community guided by Quaker testimonies and the central belief that there is "that of God" in every person. A school community that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented, and valued. The curriculum embraces a plurality of cultures and celebrates an array of voices, instilling in every student a deeper understanding and empathy for individuals in this community and the world.

As Penn Charter’s mission states, the school values scholarship and inquiry, and holding excellence as its standard, challenges students through a rigorous program of academics, arts, and athletics. By fostering global connections, civic engagement, and a focus on environmental sustainability, Penn Charter inspires students to become thoughtful collaborators, creative innovators, and confident leaders—educating students to live lives that make a difference.

Reporting to the Head of School, Dr. Karen Warren Coleman, the Director of Upper School is responsible for leading both the educational vision and the daily operations of the Upper School Division (grades 9-12), ensuring the school’s mission is fully realized within the division and is complementary to the life of the school as experienced across the Lower and Middle Schools. Overseeing the day-to-day operations of Penn Charter Upper School, the Director serves as the educational leader for approximately 460 students and 80 faculty within a rigorous, rich, and college-preparatory curriculum. The next Director will partner with the Upper School leadership team and a cohort of talented, dedicated educators to shape and to guide the ongoing implementation of that vision, with a focus on excellence, innovation, and collaboration across the educational program. Moreover, the Director will model and cultivate positive relationships among all constituent groups, fostering a culture of continuous growth, learning, and shared purpose.

Desired qualifications and characteristics for the next Director of Upper School include a comprehensive understanding of the field of education, including mind, brain, and education science, and a deep insight into the adolescent learner. The ideal candidate demonstrates a willingness to explore and embrace new pedagogical practices, technologies, and emerging trends. This position demands a sophisticated, creative educational leader with seasoned administrative experience—someone with a strong sense of emotional intelligence; confident, competent, and skilled in both management and leadership; and attuned to the subtleties of motivating and guiding a diverse group of individuals. Above all, the Director must model and advance educational excellence, with an uncompromising commitment to high academic standards, rigorous instruction, and a culture of intellectual curiosity. They will lead a dynamic Upper School learning community where students are encouraged to explore broadly, reflect deeply, and grow both in intellect and character. Central to this role is the ability to build and maintain strong, inclusive relationships with parents and caregivers, faculty and staff, students, and colleagues across the leadership team. The Director must embody cultural competence and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, integrating these values into their leadership, decision-making, and interactions across the school community.

The search committee will begin accepting nominations and reviewing applications immediately. Requested application materials include a letter of interest, current resume, statement of educational philosophy or leadership, and a list of three to five professional references, including contact information. References will not be called without explicit permission from the applicant.

Although applications will be welcomed until a new Director of Upper School is selected, for best consideration, all candidates should submit materials by March 1.

For more information about William Penn Charter School, please visit https://www.penncharter.com/.

The William Penn Charter School has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist in the search for the Director of the Upper School. Katie Rockman and Tiffany Weber are leading this search with Mia Carpiniello and Maria Connor. 

William Penn Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.