St. Mary Academy Bay View seeks a mission-driven instructional and community leader to serve as Head of Lower School (Pre-K through Grade 5). This role advances the Mercy values of hospitality, service, justice, and dignity while nurturing a vibrant learning environment for our youngest students. Reporting to the Associate Head of School for Academics and working in close partnership with the Associate Head of School for Student Experience, the Head of Lower School provides daily leadership, supervision, and coordination of the PK5 program.
The Head of Lower School ensures that students experience a nurturing, mission-centered, and academically strong environment that supports both intellectual growth and personal development. The Head of Lower School cultivates a cohesive culture of belonging, strong instructional practice, and meaningful community engagement among students, faculty, and families. In alignment with the Academys strategic priorities, the role supports faculty growth, promotes student well-being, and helps advance the mission and values that guide the Bay View community.Our SchoolSt. Mary Academy Bay View is an all-girls, independent, Mercy Catholic school located in Riverside, Rhode Island, serving a diverse population of girls from Pre-K through Grade 12.
A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Education, St. Mary Academy Bay View fosters academic excellence in an innovative and creative learning environment. For more than 150 years, Bay View has empowered each student to be a confident, independent, compassionate, and socially conscious faith-filled young woman.Key Responsibilities: I. CULTURE, CLIMATE & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Build and sustain a Mercy-inspired school culture rooted in respect, compassion, inclusion, and joy for students, families, and faculty; Serve as the primary culture leader for the Lower School, ensuring consistent expectations for student behavior, adult professionalism, communication norms, and community engagement; Partner with the Associate Head of School for Student Experience to develop, implement, and uphold schoolwide systems including attendance procedures, restorativepractices, SEL supports, recess/lunch expectations, and daily routines; Maintain a strong presence during arrivals, dismissals, transitions, recess/lunch, and key community moments; and Support the implementation of mission-based programming, retreats, service experiences, Mercy traditions, and Critical Concerns work within the lower grades.II.
TEACHING, LEARNING & ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Implement curriculum and instructional initiatives in collaboration with the Associate Head of School for Academics; Conduct formal and informal teacher observations, ensuring alignment with academic expectations, mission, and best instructional practices; Support teachers in developing instructional strategies that promote curiosity, foundational skills, creativity, and holistic development; and Assist with curriculum mapping, assessment practices, grading expectations, and continuity of academic programming PK12.III. STUDENT SUPPORT & FAMILY PARTNERSHIPS Partner with Student Services to support students with SEL needs, behavioral challenges, attendance patterns, emerging concerns, and MTSS interventions; Communicate proactively with families regarding academic, behavioral, or social-emotional concerns; Coordinate restorative conversations, safety plans, and student support follow-up as needed; and Promote a child-centered approach that affirms each students dignity and supports whole-child growth.IV. FACULTY LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL CULTURE Lead faculty in building a culture of collaboration, professionalism, open communication, and mission alignment; Support new teachers through mentoring structures, culture onboarding, and instructional guidance; Work with the Associate Heads (Academics + Student Experience) to implement professional expectations, faculty goal-setting, and performance feedback; and Facilitate division-level meetings, ensuring alignment with schoolwide priorities and grade-level needs.V. DIVISION OPERATIONS & LOGISTICAL LEADERSHIP Participate in specific financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, in partnership with the President & Head of School and the Directorof Finance & Operations; Maintain fiscal responsibility while advancing the schools priorities; Under the direction of the Associate Head of School for Academics, ensures that all necessary academic materials (textbooks, workbooks, science kits, etc.) are orderedeach year; Oversee the daily operations of the Lower School, including: Room assignments Daily schedules Duties and coverages Field trip preparation Attendance follow-up Emergency procedures Arrival/dismissal routines; Coordinate and oversee special events (e.g., Back to School Night, Parent Conferences, Book Fair, Lower School ceremonies); Ensure consistent and timely communication to families and faculty regarding division happenings, expectations, and updates; and Support the Extended Day Program director and coordinate Lower School-specific needs.VI.
ENROLLMENT, ADVANCEMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS Participate in admissions efforts, including: tours, interviews, classroom visits, and applicant review; Partner with Development to strengthen community engagement, parent relations, and alumnae connections; and Serve as a positive ambassador of Lower School programs, mission, and achievements.VII. STRATEGIC & MISSION LEADERSHIP Contribute to MASST, Critical Concerns, Attendance Team, and other mission/culture committees. Support implementation of the Strategic Plan at the division level. Collaborate with leadership on long-term planning, program evaluation, and school improvement initiatives.Qualifications: Masters degree in education, educational leadership, or related field.
Successful experience in elementary education leadership, preferably in independent or Catholic schools. Deep understanding of child development, Mercy values, and whole-child learning. Strong relational, communication, and organizational skills. Commitment to fostering equity, belonging, diversity, and inclusion for all students.Required Skills & Attributes: Mercy-centered, mission-driven leadership.
Warm, approachable presence with students, faculty, and families. Skilled collaborator who partners effectively across divisions. Strong instructional insight paired with systems-thinking. Calm, empathetic, and clear decision-maker.
Commitment to the dignity and growth of every child.Benefits: St. Mary Academy Bay View offers medical insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, group retirement plan, and tuition remission for daughters, as well as paid vacation, personal, sick, and holiday leave.To Apply: Visit bayviewacademy.org/about-bayview/employment-opportunities and download the Teaching Application. The application, cover letter, Leadership Philosophy Statement, and resume must be submitted via email to: employment@bayviewacademy.org, or mail to: St. Mary Academy Bay View, Attn: Mrs.
Karen Barbosa, Associate Head of School for Student Experience, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915. All application materials due: Friday, April 10, 2026.An Equal Opportunity Employer, St. Mary Academy Bay View commits itself to maintaining a welcoming environment for all people and extends its welcome to thosewho may be vulnerable to discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, military status, or other legally protected status.
