The Leffell School - Head of School

Introduction

The Leffell School is a premier kindergarten through twelfth grade independent Jewish day school, set apart by its comprehensive, intellectually rigorous curriculum that empowers and cultivates each student in mind, body, and soul. Located on two lush, 25-acre campuses in Westchester County and drawing students from the Tri-State area and metro New York City, The Leffell School serves more than 800 students and attracts families who choose from among many of the top schooling options in the world. Through the teaching of Jewish values, interdisciplinary critical thinking, and openness to new ideas, The Leffell School inspires its students to achieve academic and personal excellence, preparing them for college and lives of purpose, leadership, and impact.

The Leffell School is a caring community that fosters the joyful practice of Jewish life. The school brings together families from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds and affiliations, united by a shared commitment to Jewish learning, community, love of Israel, and tradition. For nearly 60 years, The Leffell School has instilled in its graduates the confidence to navigate life's journey with a strong moral compass and to apply their passions, knowledge, and skills to the betterment of the Jewish people, the United States, Israel, and the broader world.

Following thirteen years of exceptional leadership under Dr. Michael Kay, who has been selected to lead UJA-Federation of New York, The Leffell School seeks a Head of School who can build upon an extraordinary foundation while helping define the school's next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving and mission-driven institution at a moment of both stability and possibility—preserving all that makes Leffell special while shaping its future in a rapidly evolving Jewish and educational landscape.

The Leffell School, a Kindergarten through 12th grade independent Jewish day school, is set apart by our comprehensive, intellectually rigorous dual curriculum that empowers and cultivates each student in mind, body, and soul. Through the teaching of Jewish values, critical thinking, and openness to new ideas, we inspire our students to achieve academic and personal excellence, preparing them for college and the ever-changing world beyond.

We are a kehilah, a caring community that fosters the joyous practice of Jewish life. We instill in our graduates the confidence to navigate life's journey with a strong moral compass and apply their passions, knowledge, and skills to the betterment of the Jewish people, the United States, Israel, and the world.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep appreciation for Jewish education and a demonstrated ability to lead a complex, mission-driven institution with vision, humility, and integrity. The Head of School will balance a commitment to academic excellence with the joyful practice of Jewish life, build community across a broad range of Jewish backgrounds and perspectives, and inspire the community around a shared vision for Leffell's future. Desired qualifications and attributes include:

• Demonstrated success in a senior leadership role within an educational, Jewish communal, or mission-driven organization.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire confidence across diverse constituencies.
• A proven ability to recruit, develop, inspire, support, and retain outstanding faculty and staff.
• Strategic leadership experience, including the ability to articulate vision, lead change, and execute effectively.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, including experience overseeing budgets, long-term planning, and institutional resources.
• A proven ability to serve as the public face of an institution, partner with trustees, engage alumni, and cultivate donors to advance institutional priorities.
• A commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and innovation in teaching and learning.
• An appreciation for the diversity of the Leffell community and an ability to foster a culture of belonging, respect, and collaboration.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, humility, resilience, and a genuine love of working with students and families.
• A visible, warm, and accessible leadership style aligned with the values and culture of The Leffell School.

DRG is conducting this search on behalf of The Leffell School. Interested candidates should submit, as soon as possible, materials including the following:

• A cover letter
• A current resume
• A statement of leadership philosophy

Application materials should be uploaded directly on the DRG website by visiting The Leffell School listing.

Application Status: Accepting Applications Start date: July 2027

This position description is based upon material provided by The Leffell School, an equal-opportunity employer.