Careers

The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion reports directly to the Head of School; is a member of the Senior Administrative Team and the Administrative Forum; chairs the Committee of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and is charged with informing the Academy’s strategic direction in areas of school life that pertain to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Essential Responsibilities
In collaboration with members of the Senior Administrative Team and other administrators, faculty, and staff members:

• Reviews and refines annually Thayer Academy’s Diversity Plan, including the associated Strategic Plan for Racial Equity and Justice. 
• Promotes discussion and implementation of multicultural and inclusive curricular programs across both divisions.
•  Plans, develops, and markets diversity and inclusion-focused programs and events for students and families as well as professional development workshops and programs for faculty and staff.
• Ensures effectiveness and success of recruiting and retaining diverse faculty and staff.
• Recruits and supports students from diverse backgrounds and implements and reviews mentoring programs for those students and their families on an annual basis.
• Acts as liaison to the various diversity and inclusion-related groups in the school.
• Networks with diversity coordinators at other independent schools as well as leaders of relevant organizations.
• Pursues professional development opportunities and attends conferences and professional meetings to remain current with diversity and inclusion issues.
• At the request of the Head of School, assumes responsibility for special projects that relate to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Consistent with other administrators, assumes other important responsibilities which result in broader engagement in the life of the school while still dedicating time to devote to the aforementioned areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree and significant professional experience in matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ideally in independent schools.
• Collaborative approach to responsibilities coupled with excellent organizational,  writing, speaking, and relevant technology skills.
• A pronounced passion for DEI work and a demonstrated record of high purpose and initiative.

Application Process

Carney Sandoe & Associates is managing this search on behalf of Thayer Academy. Those interested in applying for this position should submit a cover letter and resume to Search Consultant Lawrence Alexander: lawrence.alexander@carneysandoe.com
 

Thayer Academy is an Independent day school, founded in 1877 in Braintree, MA, serving students in the 5-12 grades. Thayer Academy's mission is to inspire a diverse community of students to moral, intellectual, aesthetic, and physical excellence so that each may rise to honorable achievement and contribute to the common good. In its hiring practices, Thayer Academy seeks candidates who come from a broad range of backgrounds and can contribute to a more diverse community, who love working with young people, who thrive when engaged in multiple arenas of the school’s life, and who welcome professional growth.

Description/Summary
The Assistant Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, in tandem with the Director of DEI, will work collaboratively with faculty and staff, Division Heads and Department Heads to further the goals of the DEI office including implementation of The Strategic Plan for Racial Equity and Justice. This person will be a community builder and program leader who develops strong relationships with students and faculty and other constituents to foster a sense of belonging and create a supportive and inclusive environment at Thayer Academy.

Duties and responsibilities will include:

• Assist in planning, developing, and implementing diversity and inclusion-focused education, programs, and events for faculty, staff, students, and families
• Support and develop programs and initiatives to ensure systemic and structural support for students, faculty, staff, and families regarding belonging, access, and inclusion; such as facilitating US/MS Diversity Day programming, organizing and leading affinity groups for students and faculty, and serving on faculty committees
• Assist Alumni Relations in the community building and development of identity-based alumni networks to support students more broadly
• Collect and track relevant data associated with DEI initiatives
• Chaperone regional and national events such as the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference, Middle School AISNE Students of Color Conference
• Will attend professional development opportunities and remain current with diversity and inclusion issues that may affect the school
• Will teach and/or coach in either MS/US

Strong candidates will have:

• A Bachelor’s degree with a Master’s degree preferred
• A desire to understand diverse attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and practices and incorporate a global perspective into teaching and learning
• Experience attending DEI trainings, and leading DEI initiatives (in a school setting preferred)
• Experience in and/or understanding of independent schools preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability in moving between multiple tasks/projects
• High organization and time management skills
• Experience and skills in computer technology, database, website management, spreadsheets, video conferencing, and other computer programs
• Self-starter and independent worker with strong and creative problem-solving skills as well as a keen attention to detail

Candidates interested in this position should submit a cover letter and resume to Jenn Welch, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (jwelch@thayer.org).

Position start date: July 1, 2021.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY
Thayer Academy is an equal opportunity employer. The Academy complies with and adheres to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws with respect to its employment practices. Thayer Academy does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin or ancestry, age, or disability, or any other category protected under state or federal law. This policy extends to recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, assignment, working conditions, promotions, transfers, termination, re-employment, education, tuition assistance, employee treatment, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. All employment-related decisions are made on a nondiscriminatory basis so as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity.

Thayer Academy seeks a full-time School Counselor/College Counselor for its Upper School (grades 9-12) to begin in August 2021. Candidates should be well versed in both adolescent social/emotional health issues and also in academic/college/career guidance. The Counselor and College Counselor will work closely with the Upper School Counselor, The Upper School Director, and the College Counseling Department.

Thayer Academy’s mission is “to inspire a diverse community of students to moral, intellectual, aesthetic, and physical excellence so that each may rise to honorable achievement and contribute to the common good.” In its hiring practices, Thayer Academy seeks candidates who come from a broad range of backgrounds and can contribute to a more diverse community, who love working with young people, who thrive when engaged in multiple arenas of school life, and who welcome professional growth.

School Counselor Role duties and responsibilities:

• Provide short-term and crisis counseling for students individually or in small groups.
• Screen students for symptoms of more serious mental health concerns and help parents find appropriate outside mental health providers.
• Assist with improving the School’s ability to meet the needs of students from historically underrepresented identity groups.
• Work with Upper School Counselor to design and implement psychoeducational programs for parents, students, and faculty/staff.
• Teach some of the eleventh grade Decisions classes.

College Counselor duties and responsibilities:

• Work with a group of juniors and seniors as they navigate the college application process.
• Establish relationships with colleges and universities to help promote Thayer Academy and its students.
• Work with the Director of Project RISE to support RISE students in the college application process.
• Run college planning workshops for students in grades 9-11
• Develop resources for historically underrepresented students and their families, including the identification of special college programs, scholarships, and opportunities.
• Liaison for first-generation families when they enter Thayer's Upper School.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in social work, counseling, or clinical psychology
• Direct experience working with high school age children (especially from historically marginalized identities), their parents, and their teachers
• Knowledge of the college application process and college application databases (Scoir, Naviance, etc.)
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• An appreciation of and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Approachability and trustworthiness

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, a resume, and a statement of teaching philosophy to Highley Thompson, Upper School Director (hthompson@thayer.org).

Thayer Academy seeks a full-time Mathematics teacher for its Upper School (grades 9-12) to begin in August 2021. Candidates should be able to teach a variety of levels of math, from basic algebra through calculus. Upper School teachers teach four sections of classes, serve as advisors to a group of 7-8 students, and participate in the life of the school and students by coaching and/or leading student activities.

Thayer Academy’s mission is “to inspire a diverse community of students to moral, intellectual, aesthetic, and physical excellence so that each may rise to honorable achievement and contribute to the common good.” In its hiring practices, Thayer Academy seeks candidates who come from a broad range of backgrounds and can contribute to a more diverse community, who love working with young people, who thrive when engaged in multiple arenas of school
life, and who welcome professional growth.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in mathematics or related field
• 1-3 years teaching experience
• Passion for working with adolescents
• Commitment to working in and fostering an inclusive community
• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and the impact it has on the classroom climate and curriculum
• High levels of comfort and experience with technology
• Willingness to work on a team in a collaborative department
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and families

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, a resume, and a statement of teaching philosophy to Highley Thompson, Upper School Director (hthompson@thayer.org).

Academic Years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023

The Thayer Academy Teaching Fellows Program provides aspiring educators from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds a two-year commitment to learn and teach at an excellent private school. Fellows will become familiar with all aspects of Thayer’s extensive academic and extracurricular programs and will work closely with a professional mentor in the assigned areas of responsibility, which may fall in the Middle School, the Upper School, or both. 

Initially, Fellows will observe classes and assist with individual and group projects. As the year progresses, Fellows will take on more respon­sibility, typically culminating in teaching classes. As part of a broad introduction to independent school life, Fellows will also visit classes outside their chosen disciplines on a consistent basis; they will have both regular and informal meetings/conversations with Thayer staff regarding educational issues, curricula, and topics relevant to teaching at the middle and sec­ondary levels in independent schools. Other responsibilities will include participating in family/teacher conferences, attending faculty meetings, and fulfilling other occasional duties, such as coaching or leading electives/activities.

In addition, the Academy expects Teaching Fellows to work with the assigned mentor to develop a two-year professional development plan that will include, but not be limited to, enrollment in a Master’s program. Thayer Academy will fully fund these activities during the Fellow’s employment at the Academy.
 
While it may very well be the case that Thayer Academy will seek to hire Fellows as full-time teachers upon conclusion of the program, the Academy will commit to providing guidance and support for other future professional opportunities that Fellows may pursue following the conclusion of the program.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree with a major in an area related to English, Mathematics, Foreign Language, Social Studies, Science, or Physical Education.

Compensation: A stipend of $30,000 and fully supported professional growth opportunities during the Fellowship, including enrollment in a master’s program. In addition, there is rent-free, on-campus housing available.

Thayer Academy (www.thayer.org) — Founded in 1877 and located in Braintree, Massachusetts — enrolls approximately 700 students, one-third in the Middle School (Grades 5-8) and two-thirds in the Upper School (Grades 9-12). The faculty numbers 106, including 60 in the Upper School. Average class size is 14-16 students. The mission of the Academy is “to inspire a diverse community of students to moral, intellectual, aesthetic, and physical excellence so that each may rise to honorable achievement and contribute to the common good.” 

For more information and To Apply: Please email TeachingFellow@thayer.org. Applications should include a cover letter, a resume, and a list of three references. 
 

Reports To: Director of Development

Description last revised: 3/29/21

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Director of Parent Giving reporting directly to the Director of Development, will oversee all aspects of parent giving and programming at Thayer Academy. They will work with parent volunteers to build parent engagement, raise Annual Fund support as well as capital and restricted money from current parents, past
parents as well as grandparents. The Director will oversee both the Senior and Middle School Legacy programs as well as coordinate volunteers for parent giving initiatives for each class. Working closely with the Director of Development and the Campaign Director, the Director of Parent Giving will ensure that we are maximizing parent giving and will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of individuals capable of making gifts of $5,000 and above to support the mission of Thayer Academy. This person will create strategies for existing supporters, as well as new prospects to move them along the continuum of giving to achieve annual financial goals. Additionally, they will work closely with the Thayer Academy Parents Association (TAPA) to provide management and support to their efforts to enhance the Thayer experience for both parents and students.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Will develop a comprehensive strategy to best engage current parents, former parents and grandparents to maximize giving potential from each of these major constituencies.
• Working closely with class giving representatives, the Director will continue to build upon the class- giving program for parents. With a goal of building stronger participation (82%) and higher total Annual Fund giving ($1.1M) in FY21 from parents.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward prospects for General’s Council level Annual Fund gifts of $1,877 and above and Campaign gifts of $25,000 and above, with a goal of steadily increasing parent giving to both the Annual Fund as well as The Campaign for Thayer Academy. Develop a portfolio of ~150 prospects capable of General’s Council giving annually.
• Ensure all parents and guardians are personally contacted regarding Annual Fund support through 1:1 outreach and the strategic use of parent volunteers.
• Strategize with faculty, senior leadership and fellow development staff on the appropriate engagement of prospects.
• Participate in ~8 TAPA meetings annually, offering support and guidance as needed. Liaise with internal staff on behalf of TAPA as needed; ensure TAPA section of Thayer’s parent site is current and up to date. Assist the Executive Board with the coordination of TAPA sponsored annual events and the management of volunteers.
• Participate in cultivation and stewardship events, including possible travel events and General’s Council events.
• Launch a grandparent giving program with engagement strategies including a revamping of our annual Grandparents Day as well as potential events in Florida and Cape Cod.
• Steward donor relationships so that donors feel highly appreciated by Thayer Academy.
• Prioritize work to have primary focus on face-to-face meetings and solicitations with current and prospective donors.
• Research new parents each year to identify potential donors.
• Identify organizational needs, innovations and other funding opportunities that would appeal to appropriate donors.
• Support the Special Event's Alumni Giving Officer in recruiting parents for special event volunteer committees. This includes making recommendations and helping with outreach where a personal relationship exists.
• Responsible for data integrity in Raiser’s Edge donor files including updating all personal information, keeping actions and proposals up to date and ensuring all notable information is recorded.
• Work with the gift processing team to ensure integrity of donor files, records, tracking, pledge reminders and communication.
• Attend and assist with all Development Special Events (occasionally on weekends or evenings).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 3-5 years of a proven track record in major gifts fundraising relationship building for a non-profit.
• Proven ability to identify, cultivate and solicit major gifts ($10,000 and above).
• Work earnestly in a team environment, and possess the ability to give and receive feedback.
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgment to handle confidential information sensitively.
• Natural ability to establish rapport with donors and the parent/grandparent community.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Working knowledge of The Raiser’s Edge software, Microsoft Office Suite, preferred.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Superb written and oral communication skills are essential.
• The ability to communicate to diverse constituencies in an effective and compelling manner.
• The ability to build successful professional relationships with faculty, staff, and external constituents.
• Mature professional judgment.
• Analytical thinking capacity.
• Ability to work independently in a self-directed manner and in collaboration with others.
• Superior follow-through and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Unflinching integrity seasoned with humor, perspective and curiosity.

The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or skills of personnel so classified.

To Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, and three references with phone and email contact information to Melissa Forger, Director of Development, at mforger@thayer.org.