DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING

Moravian Academy seeks a Director for Community, Inclusion and Belonging for the 2023-2024 school year. 

The Position:

The Director for Community, Inclusion and Belonging is a full-time, 12-month position that provides strategic leadership and programmatic vision around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the community. The Director works in partnership with the senior leadership team to shape and sustain a welcoming community that finds strength in its community values to create a truly inclusive community that is respectful and affirming of all its members. The Director for Community, Inclusion and Belonging plays a vital role in creating and implementing strategy and long-term plans for DEIB that mirrors, supports, and extends the strategic vision of the school. The Mission and Vision of Moravian Academy is characterized by a belief in the value of all individuals and a commitment to multiple perspectives, deep listening, and respectful dialogue. The Director supervises an Assistant Director and leads a team of three Teacher/DEIB Coordinators. The Director reports to the Head of School and serves on the School’s Senior Leadership Team.

Essential Functions

Strategy, Vision, and Leadership 

• Facilitate the development of a vision and develop a strategy for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at MA that aligns with the school’s strategic vision 
• Serve as staff support for the Board DEIB committee and the school Justice, Belonging and Love Committee to advance strategic goals to create a more inclusive community where all feel a sense of belonging
• Work with campus DEIB coordinators to ensure a community where all identities are respected and valued
• Serve as a resource for the administration, faculty and staff regarding diversity, inclusion and belonging topics and personal and professional growth opportunities

Curriculum and Instruction 

• Collaborate with campus leaders and faculty to support the development of inclusive and culturally appropriate curriculum and learning spaces across divisions 
• Serve as a resource for faculty to manage complex conversations with students and families 

Student and Family Support 

• Collaborate with campus directors, counselors, and other departments to provide support for underrepresented students at MA to make sure they are thriving academically, athletically, and socially in our community 
• Provide oversight for students in scholarship/special programs through delegation or direct supervision 
• Meet regularly with leadership of the diversity themed clubs; develop student leadership potential 
• Serve as a resource and advocate for families from underrepresented groups in the MA community 

Professional Development 

• Attend the NAIS People of Color Conference and other DEI workshops / institutes on an annual basis 
• Maintain active local and national networks, staying abreast of relevant content in the area of DEIB work, and serving as a public face for MA
• Seek out opportunities for faculty and staff, as well as design and facilitate professional development opportunities for faculty, staff, students and families

Hiring and Recruitment 

• Work with the Associate Head of School to recruit and retain faculty of color 
• Develop and implement a multi-pronged, year-round recruitment strategy 
• Attend recruiting fairs and develop relationships with local college and university placement centers 

Other Responsibilities 

• Assist with developing inspiring DEIB programing to ensure that Moravian Academy attracts and retains a diverse student body
• Develop thoughtful programming and school-wide practices that reflect the school’s commitment to DEIB and lead the community to new levels of understanding 
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Marketing to partner on website, social media and communication efforts
• Collaborate with the Director of Institutional Advancement and the Alumni Office to foster relationships with alumni of color
• Possibly teach a section per semester based on skills and background as determined in consultation with the Head of School

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 3+ years DEI related experience, ideally in an independent school
• Demonstrated ability to effectively facilitate and engage in difficult conversations regarding race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age and other identifiers
• An empathetic and collaborative leadership style; ability to work with broad constituencies in an approachable and diplomatic manner
• High integrity, commitment to confidentiality, and the ability to handle sensitive information with a high degree of discretion
• Ability to develop and sustain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Experience in conflict resolution and ability to manage discomfort and tension that may arise when addressing issues of rae and other disparities with all school constituencies
• Experience providing strategic direction on developing relationships with underserved/underrepresented communities, communities of color, and LGBTQ community members
• A team builder who brings joy, kindness, maturity, and flexibility to the school environment, calling individuals into the work and supporting them in their development
• A deep appreciation for the development of young people and a desire to engage with students as a part of their work
• Enthusiasm for embracing the independent school model of mentoring, advising and supporting students outside the classroom
• A very high level of energy, creativity, and flexibility
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills as well as a proven ability to work with a diversity of colleagues and stakeholders at all levels
• Enthusiasm for professional development
• Experience with Google Workspace for Education (preferred)
• Comfortable using technology
• Able to use basic office equipment

The School:

Founded in 1942, Moravian Academy is the ninth oldest independent school in the United States, and is a highly regarded, co-educational college preparatory school for students from 3 years old through 12th grade.  Located on three campuses in the beautiful Lehigh Valley, conveniently accessible to Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York as well as the picturesque Pocono Mountains.  Moravian Academy comprises over 900 students and 200 employees from across the region on three campuses, each one tailored to a distinct student experience and culture:

• Moravian Downtown Campus for Grades PS-8, inside the national historic landmark in the heart of the City of Bethlehem;
• Swain School Campus for Grades PS-8, a 22-acre contemporary campus in the beautiful west end of Allentown;
• Merle-Smith Campus for Upper School, Grades 9-12, situated on 120 acres of bucolic green expanse in Bethlehem Township.

School Mission:

Moravian Academy’s mission empowers us to become limitless learners as we discover new ideas and create new self-expressions. We do more than check boxes; we celebrate the unique potential of every individual.  Our path to academic excellence harnesses the teachable moments of both success and failure, as we explore the complexities of our world with curiosity, confidence, and compassion. Our commitment to courageous conversations means that we actively learn from and support the different identities we embody, we respect each other’s views, and we lead with head and heart. Immersed in an environment of love and understanding, our students answer the questions: Who am I and who can I become?

POLICY OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Moravian Academy is an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, order of protection status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge from military service, or citizenship status, or any other legally protected category in connection with its activities as an employer. Moravian Academy also subscribes to the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (“PAIS”) and the National Association of Independent Schools’ (“NAIS”) principles of good practice regarding employment of personnel. 

Start Date:  July 1, 2023 [The current Director is retiring on December 15, 2022, so we are also open to an earlier start date depending on the availability of the successful candidate.]

To Apply:

For best consideration, please send a cover letter and resume with three references ASAP but no later than December 31, 2022, to:  employment@moravianacademy.org.  

About Moravian Academy

Moravian Academy, located in historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a PK through 12th grade coeducational college preparatory school and the ninth oldest independent school in the United States. Founded in 1742, Moravian Academy continues to be a school in motion. After a recent merger with The Swain School, Moravian Academy comprises 900 students and 200 employees. The extensive facilities are located on three campuses which together are the premier choice for independent education in the Lehigh Valley region. Each campus possesses a distinct culture and setting: The Downtown Campus for Grades P-8 inside the national historic landmark district that is at the heart of the City of Bethlehem; The Merle Smith Upper School Campus for Grades 9-12, situated on 120 acres of green expanse in Bethlehem Township, approximately 7 miles from downtown Bethlehem; The Swain School for grades PK-8 with a 22-acre contemporary campus in the beautiful west end of Allentown, approximately 25 minutes from the Bethlehem campuses.

Connections working at Moravian Academy