BACKGROUND:
The Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS), a non-profit, voluntary membership association of 95 accredited and candidate schools, is the leader in advancing and advocating for independent education in Virginia. Guided by core values of independence, excellence, and community, VAIS offers services in accreditation, professional development, and advocacy.

Established in 1973, VAIS is an affiliate of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and a member of the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE) and the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA). With its office in Richmond, Virginia, VAIS serves a diverse membership of schools across the Commonwealth. Included in its membership are single-gender, co-ed, boarding, day, religiously-affiliated, and military schools, as well as schools that serve students with specific learning differences, and schools which follow certain educational philosophies such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia. Schools vary in size and grades which are served, from pre-school through 12th grade.

VAIS offers a full menu of professional development programs throughout the year. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, programming has been virtual for the 2020-2021 academic year. While certain elements of online offerings will be sustained, a return to in-person gatherings is expected to build community and collaboration amongst member schools.

Professional development for most employees of independent schools is offered, including heads, business officers, nurses and counselors, admissions and marketing directors, residential life staff, business officers, and division directors. While faculty are primarily served through an annual conference, growing support of and connectivity between teachers is an area of desired growth for the Association. Programming is also available for trustees, both on-site at individual schools and through virtual and in-person gatherings.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
VAIS seeks its next Director of Professional Development, the thought leader in developing programs that will be of greatest interest to our member schools. Understanding the diversity of VAIS member schools through direct connection and the lens of accreditation reviews is critical to this role. Planning committees assist the Director in identifying program content, but ultimately it is the Director who is responsible for overseeing the development, coordination, marketing, implementation, and evaluation of programs. Working with the Executive Director to garner corporate support is necessary to make professional development affordable to member schools.

 KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Identifying the needs of independent school professionals through participation in affinity group gatherings, review of accreditation reports, travel to individual schools, and current national and international trends in education.
• Determining where VAIS might best serve its schools in a crowded professional development marketplace.
• Establishing and overseeing program budgets and helping to secure corporate support to make programs affordable.
• Identifying and engaging volunteer members of professional development planning committees.
• Designing programming and securing speakers.
• Working closely with the Director of Program Logistics and Data Management to coordinate programs, initiate contracts for program locations, and ensure accurate databases for marketing.
• Developing marketing materials to attract maximum attendance at programs using print, email, website, social media, and direct marketing strategies.
• Attending and monitoring all VAIS programs and working to ensure a successful learning and networking experience for attendees. 
• Measuring effectiveness of programs through evaluation surveys and identifying strategies for improvement.
• Providing regular progress reports and implementing strategies to reach all member schools.
• Networking with professional development staff from other associations and participating in training to stay current on professional development design, delivery, and marketing.
• Performing related tasks as assigned.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.A. or B.S. degree required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in independent schools required; knowledge of all divisions (early childhood, lower, middle, and upper) preferred.
• Understanding of independent school operations; administrative experience preferred.
• Understanding the needs of the adult learner.
• Excellent technology skills, including Google Suite applications and video conferencing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in creative and graphic design.
• Detail-oriented with effective time management and organizational skills.
• Experience in formulating and managing budgets.
• Flexibility to travel as required for programs and networking with member schools.
• Demonstrated commitment to high professional and ethical standards.
• Personable, responsive, and service-oriented.
• A creative, flexible, and consummate problem solver and team player.

VAIS is an equal opportunity employer.  It is the policy of VAIS to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. VAIS complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding discrimination in employment. 

This is a full-time, 12-month position based in Richmond, Virginia.

Materials submitted through the career center will not be reviewed.

TO APPLY:
For consideration, candidates should submit applications to Southern Teachers Agency (SouthernTeachers.com) along with a current resume and a cover letter explaining their interest in and qualifications for this position.

Questions may be directed to:
Mr. Jamie Estes
Estes@SouthernTeachers.com
434-295-9122

Please do not contact VAIS.