Director, School Culture & Student Experience

Position Summary

The Director, School Culture & Student Experience is a hands-on and collaborative leader responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving NAIS's portfolio of research-informed programs, resources, and learning experiences related to student belonging, engagement, well-being, voice and agency, and school climate. Reporting to the Vice President of School Culture & Student Experience, the Director brings subject matter expertise and translates strategic priorities into practical support for independent schools.

The Director partners with the Vice President to shape portfolio priorities, identifies emerging needs, and works across NAIS to move initiatives from concept through implementation and evaluation. The role partners with colleagues across the organization so that content expertise, research, program design, and operational execution are aligned. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, synthesizer, relationship builder, and project leader who can turn ideas and insights into meaningful, practical, and sustainable offerings for members.

Key Responsibilities

Subject Matter Expertise & Field Engagement

• Support the Vice President in advancing priorities and implementing initiatives related to student belonging, engagement, well-being, voice and agency, and school climate. 
• Monitor research, field trends, and member needs to identify opportunities for new or improved programs, resources, and services.
• Apply subject matter expertise to the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of portfolio initiatives.
• Ensure programs and resources reflect varied school missions, communities, and educational contexts and align with NAIS priorities.
• Contribute to NAIS thought leadership by developing content and representing the portfolio through writing, presentations, convenings, and other field-facing opportunities. 

Portfolio, Program & Resource Development

• Lead the hands-on development and continuous improvement of programs, toolkits, guides, learning experiences, and other supports for member schools.
• Translate research, field insights, and school-based practices into practical resources and recommendations for educators and school leaders.
• Partner with Program Managers and cross-functional colleagues to build project plans, define deliverables, clarify roles, coordinate dependencies, and move complex initiatives from concept through implementation and evaluation.
• Provide content leadership for conferences, workshops, webinars, cohorts, Gather sessions, and other NAIS offerings related to school culture and student experience.
• Track progress, anticipate risks, resolve barriers, and communicate decisions and resource needs to support timely, high-quality execution.

Research Partnerships & Applied Insights

• Partner with the research team and other colleagues to identify research priorities and emerging questions related to the portfolio.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of survey and applied research methods, with experience using research, survey findings, evaluation, and stakeholder feedback to inform strategy, programs, or resources. Collaborate with research partners to interpret findings and identify implications, opportunities, and emerging trends for schools and NAIS.
• Apply research, member feedback, program outcomes, and field perspectives to develop and improve resources, learning experiences, and program delivery.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with colleagues across NAIS to align the portfolio with broader organizational initiatives, research, programming, communications, and member engagement goals.
• Build productive relationships with educators, students, researchers, practitioners, consultants, volunteers, and partner organizations that strengthen NAIS offerings and extend the reach of the work.
• Establish clear feedback loops and measures of success to assess relevance, quality, and impact and recommend improvements.
• Stay current on developments in student experience, youth development, school climate, belonging, and well-being, bringing forward ideas and practices that may benefit member schools.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and exceptional member service.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, educational leadership, psychology, youth development, public policy, research, social sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience in education, student experience, school climate, youth development, mental health or wellness, applied research, program leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas related to student belonging, engagement, well-being, school climate, youth development, mental health and wellness, or student voice and agency.
• Demonstrated success translating strategic priorities into programs, resources, or services from concept through implementation.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, including establishing work plans, coordinating stakeholders and dependencies, managing multiple priorities, and ensuring timely execution. Experience using research, surveys, evaluation findings, and stakeholder feedback to inform decisions and improve programs or resources.
• Excellent writing, synthesis, facilitation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and influence across functions without relying on direct authority.
• Experience across varied K–12 educational contexts. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and web-based collaboration tools.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience in K-12 independent school contexts.
• Knowledge of independent schools, professional associations, and the broader education landscape.
• Experience developing research-informed resources, professional learning experiences, or field-facing thought leadership.

Competencies

• Communication: Understands and communicates effectively with others using a variety of contexts and formats, including writing, speaking, reading, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Business Acumen: Uses strategic thinking and an understanding of organizational priorities, member needs, and operations to guide decisions and recommendations.
• Judgment: Exercises critical thinking, analyzes information and implications, identifies patterns and connections, and applies sound judgment to complex situations.
• Organization: Establishes priorities, develops plans, coordinates resources, and manages multiple initiatives to achieve desired outcomes.
• Problem Solving: Breaks down complex issues, identifies root causes, and develops practical solutions.
• Interpersonal Awareness: Understands and responds thoughtfully to the needs and perspectives of diverse stakeholders.
• Fostering Teamwork: Builds collaborative relationships and works effectively across departments, volunteers, partners, and member communities to achieve shared goals.
• Customer Service: Demonstrates a commitment to understanding and meeting member needs through responsive, high-quality service and support.
• Innovation Management: Applies continuous learning, adaptability, and critical thinking to improve programs, resources, and member experiences.
• Dependability: Meets commitments, accepts accountability, adapts to change, and maintains high standards of performance

Position Attributes

• HR Role: Director
• Status & Classification: Regular, Full-time, Exempt
• Business Unit: School Culture & Student Experience
• Supervisor: Vice President, School Culture & Student Experience
• Location: Remote in the United States
• Physical Requirements: Ability to operate in an office environment and travel as needed.
• Travel: Moderate travel required.

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Disclaimer: This document describes the position currently available. It is not an employment contract. NAIS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time, as determined by the needs of the organization.