Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago
Head of School
Chicago, IL
Introduction
“Schechter is more than a school. It is a community for life”
Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago (Schechter) is an ISACS accredited, National Blue Ribbon award-winning school with the Sager School (K-8) and the Ginsburg Early Childhood Center.
For over 60 years, Schechter has served as a vital institution within the Chicagoland Jewish community, fostering a nurturing and dynamic environment that integrates academic excellence with Jewish life, learning, and values. Located in Northbrook, Illinois, Schechter is known for being a joyful, supportive, and deeply devoted multigenerational community, including many alumni who are parents and grandparents to current students.
Schechter has thrived and grown stronger under the leadership of current Head of School, Dr. Lena Kushnir. The school has a strong foundation of financial stability, a growing endowment, talented and passionate tzevet (faculty), dedicated lay leadership, and steady enrollment.
Now, Schechter seeks a new Head of School to begin in the summer of 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity to build on the school’s legacy and lead the community into an exciting future. The Schechter community is excited to welcome a Head of School who is deeply committed to the mission, vision, and core values of the school and eager to inspire the lives of its many constituents.
Schechter at a Glance
Mission
At Schechter, we ignite our students’ Jewish souls, educate them to their highest potential, and empower them to use their knowledge, skills, and creativity to enrich our world.
Vision
Generations of engaged Jewish citizens who make our community and world a better place.
Schechter is affiliated with the Conservative Movement. We embrace and value our diverse community, and our families represent a broad spectrum of religious observance and affiliation.
Values
Celebration • Simcha
Responsibility• Achrayut
Journey • Masa
Exemplary • Dugma
In the image of G-d • Btzelem Elohim
Community • Kehillah
Israel • Yisrael
Facts and Figures
Founded: 1962
Enrollment: 441
§ Preschool: 45
§ Elementary School (Kindergarten -4th): 211
§ Middle School (5th-8th): 185
Employees: 103
Operating Budget: $11M
Average Class Size: 16.5
Accreditation: Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).
On the Web: schechter.org
On Instagram: instagram.com/schechterchicago
The Program
Schechter offers a comprehensive dual curriculum from preschool through 8th grade, fostering critical thinking, self-confidence, and mutual respect among students. The learning environment encourages innovation and risk-taking, allowing students to explore and grow in both general and Judaic studies. A prime example of innovation at Schechter is The Big Idea Program where seventh and eighth graders design month-long, interdisciplinary courses based on their own interests and passions. This unique approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning, explore diverse subjects in depth, and showcase their knowledge through creative, real-world projects like Shark Tank-style pitches or developing a comprehensive plan for their business interests.
Joyful Judaism is also a major point of emphasis at Schechter. The school celebrates the rhythm of the Jewish calendar, with students coming together for weekly Likrat Shabbat and holiday observances that foster a deep appreciation for Jewish traditions, joy, and spirit.
Schechter also fosters a powerful connection to Israel, culminating in an eighth-grade trip where students engage in immersive experiences that deepen their relationship with the land, history, language, and people of their Jewish homeland.
The Tzevet
Dedicated and high-quality teachers are a hallmark of the Schechter experience. The school enjoys unique levels of professional continuity and retention amongst the tzevet, reflecting the devotion of its educators to the institution and its students. A commitment to lifelong learning and collaboration is deeply embedded in the faculty culture, with ample opportunities for peer collaboration and professional development. Teachers engage in regular discussions focused on differentiation, student support, and parent communication, fostering a cohesive and ever-evolving learning environment.
Schechter’s tzevet is devoted to a whole-child approach, addressing all aspects of student development—academic, social-emotional, physical, creative, spiritual, and cognitive. This comprehensive approach lays the groundwork for students to become well-rounded, healthy individuals equipped with the education and life skills necessary to reach their full potential. By prioritizing relationship-centered learning and differentiated instruction, Schechter ensures that the diverse developmental needs of every student are met.
Position
The Head of School opportunity is an exciting and critically important role for Schechter. As the professional leader, the Head of School carries responsibilities in the following areas:
· Reporting to the school's Board of Directors (“the Board”), the Head of School has ultimate responsibility for ensuring the articulation, implementation and advancement of Schechter’s vision and mission, upholding Schechter’s values, and providing an outstanding education to the school's students. The Head of School should be a dynamic, strategic, relational leader who will empower, inspire, and motivate the entire school community to set the course for sustainable growth and success.
· The Head of School oversees the senior leadership team, bearing overall responsibility for all operations of the school, including curriculum and instruction, business affairs, student life, fundraising, enrollment, Board relations, and the building and maintaining of communal relationships and partnerships. A key focus will be on growing the endowment, increasing enrollment, and developing creative strategies to continue making Schechter an affordable option for families. The Head of School plays a crucial role in donor stewardship, fostering strong, lasting relationships with benefactors to ensure that their contributions are valued, celebrated, and aligned with the school’s mission and long-term vision.
· The Head of School is expected to advance the school's commitment to the highest educational standards in general studies, Judaic studies, Hebrew language learning, and Israel education, as well as the spiritual and mental well-being and growth of students. The Head of School will partner closely with Schechter’s leadership team to institute real and innovative modifications to the school by providing training, leadership, and motivation to faculty. The Head of School is responsible for attracting and retaining outstanding faculty and will play a pivotal role in shaping, nurturing, and maintaining the overall tone and culture of Schechter.
· This position will require a dedicated student-centered educator who will demonstrate a genuine passion and appreciation for each student and their well-being. The Head of School will serve as an advocate for the school and community, which is welcoming and respectful of students and their families. The Head of School must also have exemplary communication skills and a high emotional quotient.
The Ideal Candidate
Additional Qualifications
· A visionary and strategically minded leader who will work with the Board of Directors, administration, and faculty to set and execute a clear course for the future.
· Passionate advocate for Jewish education, Jewish life, and for the State of Israel.
· Proven track record as an organizational leader and/or educational administrator.
· Ability to inspire, energize, and mentor teachers while fostering a healthy work/life balance.
· Comfort with soliciting input from others while still being decisive; willing to delegate appropriately to well-qualified teachers and administrators.
· Dynamic relationship builder who displays a sincere interest in each student, teacher, donor, parent, and community member, and engages others in the values and ethos of the school.
· An outgoing and enthusiastic participant in school life who will be visible and engaged in all aspects of the Schechter experience, inside the school and in the broader Chicago Jewish community.
· Ability to set clear priorities from amongst a number of diverse tasks and needs, meeting predetermined schedules and laying out a timely course of action to address issues and problems.
· Experience developing and implementing a successful advancement strategy, and experience with donor cultivation.
· Excellent communication skills, in writing and public speaking before groups of different sizes and constituencies.
· Financial acumen: able to oversee budgets and set financial priorities.
Benefits and Compensation
The salary for this position aims to be competitive and commensurate with experience. Schechter offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement.
Application Requirements
DRG is conducting this search on behalf of Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago. Interested candidates should submit, as soon as possible, materials including the following:
· A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position
· A current resume
· A statement of leadership philosophy
Application materials should be uploaded directly on the DRG website (www.drgtalent.com) by visiting the Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago listing.
Application Status: Accepting Applications Start date: July 2026
This position description is based upon material provided by Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago, an equal-opportunity employer.
To apply for this position, please click HERE.
Tani Weissman, Principal, tweissman@drgtalent.com
Shanna Jadwin, Talent Consultant, sjadwin@drgtalent.com