Middle School Division Director 

Redwood Day 

3245 Sheffield Avenue

Oakland, CA 94602

www.rdschool.org

Redwood Day is a vibrant K-8 school learning together on our four-acre campus in the heart of Oakland. Everything we do is designed to keep every child engaged and growing. Academically, that means a world-class curriculum, the best teachers, and a focus on the individual student. Socially and emotionally, we teach students to work through challenges, respect each other’s differences, and honor their diverse community. We find great strength in multiple perspectives and embrace every opportunity to weave diversity in thought and action into our social, emotional, and academic lives.

Job Description and Desired Qualifications

Redwood Day seeks an outstanding Middle School Director to lead our program to the next level. The Director leads the Middle School Division (6-8) of approximately 200 students and 20+ faculty, commits to implementing the Redwood Day mission and core values, and demonstrates a love of teaching and learning with young people. The Middle School Director reports to the Head of School, has direct responsibility for all aspects of the operations of the Middle School, and is an integral member of a highly collaborative administrative leadership team. Depending on future needs, the Director may also oversee the high school placement process for rising 8th grade students and families. 

The ideal candidate possesses the following characteristics:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum); Master’s degree (preferred) 

• Demonstrated success as an senior administrator at the Middle School level or in K-8 program (a minimum of three years’ senior leadership experience)

• Core knowledge of developmental needs of children aged 11-14

• Knowledge of and/or passion for the local Oakland / East Bay educational market, or willingness to learn about this market

• Ability to work collaboratively in a high functioning team setting

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Deep understanding of culturally competent teaching and differentiated instruction

• Ability to coach teachers in continual instructional reflection and improvement

• Highly effective communication skills

Essential Job Functions – Middle School Leadership

• Acts as the primary steward of the Middle School community and culture through appropriate tone setting, role modeling, etc. 

• Acts as a chief communicator of all strategic initiatives that are Middle School focused

• Is a visible presence in all areas of the Middle School and regularly available to students, faculty, staff, parents/guardians to work toward a resolution of all issues - both routine and unique- as they arise

• Works collaboratively with Head of School, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and the Academic Team to make curriculum decisions impacting the middle school; directly supervises all Middle School faculty in implementing new curriculum

• Works collaboratively with the Middle School Deans, the Director of Equity and Belonging, Director of Student Life and Student Life Team to implement and monitor programs including, but not limited to: equity and inclusion groups, outdoor education programs, advisory curriculum, etc.

• Oversees the Middle School budget, ensuring that expenses are in line with approved budgets for various programmatic elements of Middle School

• Mentors new faculty in understanding Redwood Day culture and supports new faculty orientation in consultation with the Lower School Director, Leadership Team and Head’s Advisory Team

• Acts as the primary instructional leader of the Middle School through supervision, professional development, mentoring, and evaluation of all Middle School faculty

• Supervises Middle School Deans and Grade Level Deans to support a positive student experience including discipline, student life, advisory, and social emotional curriculum implementation

• Supervises the Middle School Learning Specialist to ensure that accommodations outlined in student learning plans in the Middle School are fulfilled; engages/leads high priority learning plan and SST meetings with parents/guardians when necessary

• Supervises Assistant to the Middle School Director, School Counselor, Athletic Director, Librarian, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction

• Communicates actively with parent/guardians about program, Middle School activities; and/or as requested by the Director of Marketing and Communications 

• Supports the Middle School Deans and Director of Student Life in addressing Middle School student discipline issues 

• Participates in all Middle School admissions related events; collaborates with Admissions Office in the admissions process

• Presents to Board of Trustees about Middle School Program when requested

• Leads hiring committees and makes recommendations to the Head of School regarding the hiring, retention, and assignment of faculty

• Conducts weekly faculty/staff meetings on Wednesdays

• In collaboration with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, oversees the grading and the reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement

• Serves as a consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures

• Prepares the Middle School class schedule, in collaboration with Assistant to the Middle School Director to assign teachers and students to classes and other obligations

• Serves on the School’s Leadership Team, support School re-accreditation process, strategic planning and other short- and long-term special projects

• Depending on School needs, may oversee the high school placement process for rising 8th grade students and families, including organizing high school campus visits, communicating with families regarding the application process, and advocating for students in the admissions process

• Other duties as assigned

Schedule and Hours

This is a full time, exempt position and begins July 1, 2026, or earlier depending on availability.

Pay Scale

Redwood Day offers highly competitive compensation and benefits. The anticipated salary range the school reasonably expects to pay candidates for the full-time position of Middle School Director is $145,000 - $185,000 depending on experience and education.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job responsibilities are meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities associated with the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with federal and state laws. Employment at Redwood Day is “at-will”. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Offers are contingent on passing a background check and TB assessment.

Apply
Please submit an electronic application at this link by 10/17/25. No phone calls, please.