Head of School at Aliso Viejo Christian School and Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool Share on X      Print Application Deadline

1/30/2026 11:55 PM Pacific

Date Posted 8/27/2025 Contact Paul Harrell
-949-389-0300 Number of Openings 1 Salary Length of Work Year 12 months Employment Type Full Time Job Summary Job Summary

Head of Schools – Aliso Viejo Christian School & Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool The Head of Schools serves as the lead educator and administrator, responsible for advancing the mission, vision, and distinctives of both Aliso Viejo Christian School (K-8) and Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool. Reporting to the Senior Pastor and School Board of Directors, this full-time leader oversees daily school operations, builds and mentors faculty, manages finances and enrollment, ensures accreditation standards, and shepherds the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of every student. Ideal candidates will hold a Master’s degree in education or a related field, have classroom and leadership experience in Christian schools, and demonstrate a servant-leadership style rooted in faith, excellence, and collaboration. The Head of Schools plays a vital role in uniting church, school, parents, faculty, and students in a Christ-centered community of learning and growth.

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Comments and Other Information Aliso Viejo Christian School and Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool Head of Schools Position Lutheran Church of the Cross Senior Pastor and School Board of Directors, together with the Head of Schools and other members of school leadership, are responsible for preserving and achieving the Distinctives and mission of Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School and shepherding the school in model, vision, mission, and advancement. As Lead Educator and Administrator of the school, the Head of Schools is responsible for the daily life and operations of the school and for implementing the vision and mission of Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School. The Head of Schools builds, trains and leads a highly qualified faculty and staff, and together they attend to the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical growth of each child. Administratively, the Head of Schools will supervise the effective development of Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School’s educational program, increase enrollment and retention, manage finances, and provide input to the Senior Pastor and School Board of Directors on these initiatives. The Head of Schools will almost always be on campus during regular school hours, overseeing day-to-day operations, while prayerfully and discreetly helping to mitigate any conflict that arises within the school community. The Head of Schools will also be an asset to the School Board of Directors and other members of school leadership as a resource and strategic visionary, with an ex officio, nonvoting seat on the School Board of Directors. The Head of Schools is a full-time employee of Lutheran Church of the Cross, working an average of 40 hours a week during regular school hours, evenings, and some weekends, throughout the school year. A competitive compensation package will be commensurate with experience. IDEAL EXPERIENCE • Master’s Degree in a related field is required. • Several years of experience as a classroom teacher, ideally in a K-8 school setting. • Demonstrated history of effectiveness in leadership of a Christian school. • Demonstrated acumen for mentoring and guiding the professional development of classroom teachers. • Proven record of quickly assimilating into new environments, identifying areas for improvement and affecting change, while cultivating positive relationships. SKILLS AND QUALITIES • As a committed Christian, maintains a vibrant relationship with God and fully agrees with and embraces the Lutheran Church of the Cross statement of faith. • As a life-long learner, possesses a growth mindset and eagerness to explore new ideas and approaches. • Demonstrates a dedication to the cultivation of children’s intellectual, spiritual, social, physical, and emotional development. • Demonstrates an ability to effectively instruct, inspire and assess children in a variety of areas (academic, intellectual, spiritual, social, physical, among others) through creative, purposeful, and age-appropriate methods. • Has a servant leadership management style. Leads with transparency and is receptive to an appropriate level of accountability. Welcomes and acts upon constructive feedback. • Maintains high standards of excellence in all work and takes responsibility for positive outcomes. • Possesses strong and compelling written and verbal communication skills. Has a gentle and gracious way with others while also energizing and inspiring staff and community to positive ends. • Possesses strong administrative and organizational skills and demonstrates a facility with managing multiple tasks and parties through effective use of time and resources. • Effectively collaborates with Lutheran Church of the Cross on shared initiatives. OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES • As the Lead Educator and Administrator of the school, the Head of Schools helps teachers, staff, parents, and students understand and implement the mission, vision and differentiated model of education in the classroom and in all activities that involve the Lutheran Church of the Cross the school community. • Shepherds Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School in model, vision, mission, and advancement. • Attends to the intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical growth of each child and partners with faculty and each child’s parent(s) in these efforts. • Builds and trains a highly qualified and effective faculty and staff. • Actively manages Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School educational program, operating finances, facility, administrative staff, and duties. • Oversees day-to-day operations, while mitigating any conflict within the school community. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Organizational Leadership • As an employee of Lutheran Church of the Cross, reports to the Senior Pastor and the Board of Directors of Aliso Viejo Christian School and Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool. • As a non-voting member of the School Board of Directors, provides key status updates and collaborates with the School Board of Directors to refine long term strategic plans and establish policies and processes to accomplish the mission of Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School • As Lead Educator and Administrator of the school, helps the teachers, staff, parents, and students to understand, embrace, and implement the Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School distinctives. • Provides visible, relational, and spiritual leadership for the faculty, students, and overall school community. • Supports admissions events and contributes to community outreach efforts by collaborating with the church and school committees and task forces. • Ensures best practices are achieved in all aspects of the daily operation, instruction, and other activities of the school. • Works collaboratively with the Director of Operations to provide input to the School Board of Directors for creation and direction of fiscally sound operating and capital budgets and financial plans (including tuition, compensation, capital expenditures, among others). • Coordinates activities and implementation with the Director of Operations, Associate Head of Schools, and Preschool Director. 2. Executive Administration • Oversees the daily overall operation of the school, administrative staff and office functions. • Conducts daily “walk abouts” to observe teachers and students in action, connect quickly with parents serving in various roles, redirect student behavior, and help ensure safety of all. • Actively engages with teachers, students, parents, and staff to understand and proactively manage issues and concerns before they escalate. • Communicates openly with appropriate School Board of Directors committees (e.g., in monthly committee meetings) and involved parties to ensure all are aware of issues. Consults with and seeks consensus with appropriate leadership before taking action that impacts community, enrollment, or staffing. • Oversees the development of technology (i.e., RenWeb/FACTs) for instructional and administrative purposes. • Creates the yearly Calendar in collaboration with Leadership and Staff. Coordinates with appropriate leaders at Lutheran Church of the Cross and actively communicates to confirm events throughout the school year. • Works with the Director of Operations to ensure the safety of the school environment and facilities. • Facilitates good stewardship of and necessary improvements to the physical building aesthetic by reporting issues to the Director of Operations and School Board of Directors as needed. • Supports Admissions Director by meeting with prospective students and parents, assessing student readiness and providing recommendations to the admissions team. • Writes monthly School Board of Directors reports highlighting accomplishments, progress toward goals, specific concerns, and general updates. • Actively participates in School Board of Directors meetings on a scheduled, monthly basis. • Oversees ongoing ACSI and WASC accreditation requirements. 3. Curriculum and Program • Remains connected to current educational research and collaborates with faculty to implement evidence-based principles into the curriculum and overall program. • Establishes and executes a plan for Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School to maintain accreditation with appropriate organization(s) and ensures that accreditation standards are executed. • Oversees the Associate Head of School in the implementation of established curriculum for each level. Frequently evaluates strengths and weaknesses of current curriculum and program with appropriate faculty; provides leadership and support for the development and implementation of new curricular components and programs, as necessary. • Focuses energy on adjustments that will ensure Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School’s remain relevant and excellent. • Recruits highly qualified and capable faculty members and staff who will manage and direct existing academic programs and lead creative development efforts of new academic programs. Engages with and supports the HR Committee and Hiring Team throughout the hiring process. • Oversees the Associate Head of School who supervises the administration of standardized testing and evaluates trends in standardized test scores with appropriate faculty members. 3. Faculty Development • Possesses the gifts and experience to build a high performing team and to effectively lead and mentor a dedicated, energetic faculty. • Designs and leads regular training during faculty development meetings on topics such as effective class- room management, lesson design and implementation, assessment methods, and differentiated instruction. Given frequent observations of teachers as they instruct and interact with students, the Head of School ensures these trainings address areas that will develop faculty in key skills and mindsets. • Mentors faculty to ensure understanding and effective implementation of specific curriculum. • Creates appropriate tools (i.e. observation forms, rubrics) to encourage and measure development of faculty and staff over time; establishes procedures and general timelines for faculty and staff goal setting and evaluations; evaluates the performance of the faculty and staff; meets with faculty and staff individually to share evaluation and chart courses for continued professional development as a LCC Preschool or AVCS teacher. • Provides opportunity for teachers and staff to participate in a performance- based bonus plan that supports shared goals. • Leads faculty and staff devotions on a regular basis. • Designs and leads professional development during the two scheduled End of School and Beginning of School faculty training weeks. • Recruits and oversees the hiring and dismissal process and procedures. 4. Students • Ultimately responsible for managing the academic and intellectual progress of students and regularly reviews student assessment data with teachers. • Articulates and helps enforce school-wide student behavioral expectations. Responsible for student disciplinary decisions, in collaboration with the Associate Head of Schools and teaching staff. • Develops relationships with individual students to ensure each child’s uniqueness is nurtured and character is developed. • Leads the spiritual development of the Aliso Viejo Christian School students and the integration of a Biblical World View into every classroom. 5. Parents and Community • Reinforces school culture, mission, distinctives, and principles at Parent Orientations, newsletters, and other communication to strengthen community understanding of and commitment to LCC Preschool and AVCS. • Encourages, counsels, and teaches LCC Preschool (support PS Director) and AVCS parents in topics related to pertinent aspects of their children’s growth and development. • Provides a sounding board for parents to voice ideas, questions, and concerns about LCC Preschool and AVCS through both an “open door” policy and scheduled opportunities (e.g., parent coffees). Prayerfully and discreetly helps to mitigate any conflict that arises between parents, parents/teachers, parents/students. • Participates in parent/teacher conferences as needed. • Makes recommendations to parents for evaluation of student speech, behavior, and learning needs, as necessary. • Engages in the daily life of the LCC Preschool and AVCS school and community (attends school functions such as the Family Nights, school concerts, and evening community-building events; leads or actively participates in Back-to-School Nights). • Communicates with parents regarding significant events, policy changes, and curricular issues/changes/enhancements. • Collaborates with and supports the Conqueror Connection Coordinator throughout the year to ensure that all parent opportunities are covered well and that parent talents are matched with service opportunities as much as possible. • Maintains an open-door policy to ensure parents feel welcome to discuss ideas and concerns; holds periodic Parent Coffees. For more information or to apply for the Head of Schools position, please contact Kathleen Gordon, President of the School Board of Directors, at kgordon@avchristianschool.org and include a resume and a personal testimony of faith. Comments and Other Information
Aliso Viejo Christian School and Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool Head of Schools Position Lutheran Church of the Cross Senior Pastor and School Board of Directors, together with the Head of Schools and other members of school leadership, are responsible for preserving and achieving the Distinctives and mission of Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School and shepherding the school in model, vision, mission, and advancement. As Lead Educator and Administrator of the school, the Head of Schools is responsible for the daily life and operations of the school and for implementing the vision and mission of Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School. The Head of Schools builds, trains and leads a highly qualified faculty and staff, and together they attend to the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical growth of each child. Administratively, the Head of Schools will supervise the effective development of Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School’s educational program, increase enrollment and retention, manage finances, and provide input to the Senior Pastor and School Board of Directors on these initiatives. The Head of Schools will almost always be on campus during regular school hours, overseeing day-to-day operations, while prayerfully and discreetly helping to mitigate any conflict that arises within the school community. The Head of Schools will also be an asset to the School Board of Directors and other members of school leadership as a resource and strategic visionary, with an ex officio, nonvoting seat on the School Board of Directors. The Head of Schools is a full-time employee of Lutheran Church of the Cross, working an average of 40 hours a week during regular school hours, evenings, and some weekends, throughout the school year. A competitive compensation package will be commensurate with experience. IDEAL EXPERIENCE • Master’s Degree in a related field is required. • Several years of experience as a classroom teacher, ideally in a K-8 school setting. • Demonstrated history of effectiveness in leadership of a Christian school. • Demonstrated acumen for mentoring and guiding the professional development of classroom teachers. • Proven record of quickly assimilating into new environments, identifying areas for improvement and affecting change, while cultivating positive relationships. SKILLS AND QUALITIES • As a committed Christian, maintains a vibrant relationship with God and fully agrees with and embraces the Lutheran Church of the Cross statement of faith. • As a life-long learner, possesses a growth mindset and eagerness to explore new ideas and approaches. • Demonstrates a dedication to the cultivation of children’s intellectual, spiritual, social, physical, and emotional development. • Demonstrates an ability to effectively instruct, inspire and assess children in a variety of areas (academic, intellectual, spiritual, social, physical, among others) through creative, purposeful, and age-appropriate methods. • Has a servant leadership management style. Leads with transparency and is receptive to an appropriate level of accountability. Welcomes and acts upon constructive feedback. • Maintains high standards of excellence in all work and takes responsibility for positive outcomes. • Possesses strong and compelling written and verbal communication skills. Has a gentle and gracious way with others while also energizing and inspiring staff and community to positive ends. • Possesses strong administrative and organizational skills and demonstrates a facility with managing multiple tasks and parties through effective use of time and resources. • Effectively collaborates with Lutheran Church of the Cross on shared initiatives. OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES • As the Lead Educator and Administrator of the school, the Head of Schools helps teachers, staff, parents, and students understand and implement the mission, vision and differentiated model of education in the classroom and in all activities that involve the Lutheran Church of the Cross the school community. • Shepherds Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School in model, vision, mission, and advancement. • Attends to the intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical growth of each child and partners with faculty and each child’s parent(s) in these efforts. • Builds and trains a highly qualified and effective faculty and staff. • Actively manages Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School educational program, operating finances, facility, administrative staff, and duties. • Oversees day-to-day operations, while mitigating any conflict within the school community. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Organizational Leadership • As an employee of Lutheran Church of the Cross, reports to the Senior Pastor and the Board of Directors of Aliso Viejo Christian School and Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool. • As a non-voting member of the School Board of Directors, provides key status updates and collaborates with the School Board of Directors to refine long term strategic plans and establish policies and processes to accomplish the mission of Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School • As Lead Educator and Administrator of the school, helps the teachers, staff, parents, and students to understand, embrace, and implement the Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School distinctives. • Provides visible, relational, and spiritual leadership for the faculty, students, and overall school community. • Supports admissions events and contributes to community outreach efforts by collaborating with the church and school committees and task forces. • Ensures best practices are achieved in all aspects of the daily operation, instruction, and other activities of the school. • Works collaboratively with the Director of Operations to provide input to the School Board of Directors for creation and direction of fiscally sound operating and capital budgets and financial plans (including tuition, compensation, capital expenditures, among others). • Coordinates activities and implementation with the Director of Operations, Associate Head of Schools, and Preschool Director. 2. Executive Administration • Oversees the daily overall operation of the school, administrative staff and office functions. • Conducts daily “walk abouts” to observe teachers and students in action, connect quickly with parents serving in various roles, redirect student behavior, and help ensure safety of all. • Actively engages with teachers, students, parents, and staff to understand and proactively manage issues and concerns before they escalate. • Communicates openly with appropriate School Board of Directors committees (e.g., in monthly committee meetings) and involved parties to ensure all are aware of issues. Consults with and seeks consensus with appropriate leadership before taking action that impacts community, enrollment, or staffing. • Oversees the development of technology (i.e., RenWeb/FACTs) for instructional and administrative purposes. • Creates the yearly Calendar in collaboration with Leadership and Staff. Coordinates with appropriate leaders at Lutheran Church of the Cross and actively communicates to confirm events throughout the school year. • Works with the Director of Operations to ensure the safety of the school environment and facilities. • Facilitates good stewardship of and necessary improvements to the physical building aesthetic by reporting issues to the Director of Operations and School Board of Directors as needed. • Supports Admissions Director by meeting with prospective students and parents, assessing student readiness and providing recommendations to the admissions team. • Writes monthly School Board of Directors reports highlighting accomplishments, progress toward goals, specific concerns, and general updates. • Actively participates in School Board of Directors meetings on a scheduled, monthly basis. • Oversees ongoing ACSI and WASC accreditation requirements. 3. Curriculum and Program • Remains connected to current educational research and collaborates with faculty to implement evidence-based principles into the curriculum and overall program. • Establishes and executes a plan for Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School to maintain accreditation with appropriate organization(s) and ensures that accreditation standards are executed. • Oversees the Associate Head of School in the implementation of established curriculum for each level. Frequently evaluates strengths and weaknesses of current curriculum and program with appropriate faculty; provides leadership and support for the development and implementation of new curricular components and programs, as necessary. • Focuses energy on adjustments that will ensure Lutheran Church of the Cross Preschool and Aliso Viejo Christian School’s remain relevant and excellent. • Recruits highly qualified and capable faculty members and staff who will manage and direct existing academic programs and lead creative development efforts of new academic programs. Engages with and supports the HR Committee and Hiring Team throughout the hiring process. • Oversees the Associate Head of School who supervises the administration of standardized testing and evaluates trends in standardized test scores with appropriate faculty members. 3. Faculty Development • Possesses the gifts and experience to build a high performing team and to effectively lead and mentor a dedicated, energetic faculty. • Designs and leads regular training during faculty development meetings on topics such as effective class- room management, lesson design and implementation, assessment methods, and differentiated instruction. Given frequent observations of teachers as they instruct and interact with students, the Head of School ensures these trainings address areas that will develop faculty in key skills and mindsets. • Mentors faculty to ensure understanding and effective implementation of specific curriculum. • Creates appropriate tools (i.e. observation forms, rubrics) to encourage and measure development of faculty and staff over time; establishes procedures and general timelines for faculty and staff goal setting and evaluations; evaluates the performance of the faculty and staff; meets with faculty and staff individually to share evaluation and chart courses for continued professional development as a LCC Preschool or AVCS teacher. • Provides opportunity for teachers and staff to participate in a performance- based bonus plan that supports shared goals. • Leads faculty and staff devotions on a regular basis. • Designs and leads professional development during the two scheduled End of School and Beginning of School faculty training weeks. • Recruits and oversees the hiring and dismissal process and procedures. 4. Students • Ultimately responsible for managing the academic and intellectual progress of students and regularly reviews student assessment data with teachers. • Articulates and helps enforce school-wide student behavioral expectations. Responsible for student disciplinary decisions, in collaboration with the Associate Head of Schools and teaching staff. • Develops relationships with individual students to ensure each child’s uniqueness is nurtured and character is developed. • Leads the spiritual development of the Aliso Viejo Christian School students and the integration of a Biblical World View into every classroom. 5. Parents and Community • Reinforces school culture, mission, distinctives, and principles at Parent Orientations, newsletters, and other communication to strengthen community understanding of and commitment to LCC Preschool and AVCS. • Encourages, counsels, and teaches LCC Preschool (support PS Director) and AVCS parents in topics related to pertinent aspects of their children’s growth and development. • Provides a sounding board for parents to voice ideas, questions, and concerns about LCC Preschool and AVCS through both an “open door” policy and scheduled opportunities (e.g., parent coffees). Prayerfully and discreetly helps to mitigate any conflict that arises between parents, parents/teachers, parents/students. • Participates in parent/teacher conferences as needed. • Makes recommendations to parents for evaluation of student speech, behavior, and learning needs, as necessary. • Engages in the daily life of the LCC Preschool and AVCS school and community (attends school functions such as the Family Nights, school concerts, and evening community-building events; leads or actively participates in Back-to-School Nights). • Communicates with parents regarding significant events, policy changes, and curricular issues/changes/enhancements. • Collaborates with and supports the Conqueror Connection Coordinator throughout the year to ensure that all parent opportunities are covered well and that parent talents are matched with service opportunities as much as possible. • Maintains an open-door policy to ensure parents feel welcome to discuss ideas and concerns; holds periodic Parent Coffees. For more information or to apply for the Head of Schools position, please contact Kathleen Gordon, President of the School Board of Directors, at kgordon@avchristianschool.org and include a resume and a personal testimony of faith. CalSTRS Links Not all postings qualify for CalSTRS. Informational Only. CalSTRS Info for New Educators

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