opportunity description uwc-usa president international senior secondary residential school seeking to change the world seeks passionate educational leader with shared ambitions (montezuma, nm) uwc-usa.org page 1 of 9
About UWC, the movement UWC schools, colleges and programmes deliver a challenging and transformative educational experience to a diverse cross section of students, inspiring them to create a more peaceful and sustainable future. UWC was founded in 1962 with the vision of bringing together young people whose experience was of the political conflict of the cold war era, offering an educational experience based on shared learning, collaboration and understanding so that the students would act as champions of peace. We remain committed to this goal today yet have expanded our reach to embrace the tensions and conflicts that exist within, as well as between, societies and have also worked hard to embed environmental sustainability in all aspects of the UWC educational experience. UWC was a founding force behind the International Baccalaureate diploma, a rigorous academic standard which UWC continues to champion today. Global UWC footprint UWC has 12 schools and colleges educating students aged between 2 and 19. The education at UWC schools and colleges is underpinned by shared guiding principles. UWC short programmes offer a condensed UWC experience and take UWC s mission and values to a wider audience. UWC schools, college and programmes all have distinctive characters but share the same commitment to UWC s mission and values. Unparalleled diversity UWC depends on the dedication and expertise of an active volunteer based network called national committees. National committees operate in more than 140 countries to recruit, select and prepare more than 1000 students every year to join our colleges, schools and short programmes. uwc-usa.org page 2 of 9
We welcome students from a deliberately diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. At UWC, diversity extends to differences in socio economic background, culture, race and religion as well as nationality. UWC students are united in their commitment to positive social action to build a more equitable and fairer world. A UWC education reaches far beyond a student s time at a UWC school or college or on a UWC short programme. Our students share a lifelong commitment to our values. Many see their time in our classrooms and on our campuses as the beginning of their UWC journey: a transformational time in which they find ways to achieve a more peaceful and sustainable future a commitment that will continue throughout their adult lives as UWC alumni. About UWC-USA Based in Montezuma, NM, UWC-USA is one of the 12 UWC campuses and the sole UWC campus in the USA. A two-year residential school, UWC-USA serves students age 16-19 who typically represent more than 70 different countries. They participate in a unique program that combines academic challenge with an experiential, hands-on approach to learning. UWC-USA distinguishes itself through its robust Wilderness Program, the Bartos Institute for Constructive Engagement of Conflict, and its deep relationship with the local community of Las Vegas, N.M., where students participate in array of service projects. UWC-USA is accredited through the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), the International Baccalaureate Organization, UWC, and the state of New Mexico. In 2013, UWC-USA had 211 students representing 73 countries, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Twenty-four students come from countries identified as conflict regions. Representation within our student body includes: Africa 12%, Asia 19%, Europe 26%, North America 24%, South America 7%. At the end of the 2 years programme, those students are awarded the prestigious International Baccalaurate diploma (IB) and most go on to leading universities around the world, including many of the top US institutions. 3,000 UWC-USA alumni are spread across the globe. North America 48%, Europe 24%, Latin American & Caribbean 11%, Africa & Middle East 6%, Pacific 2%. Operating as a 501(c)3 non-profit independent school, UWC- USA relies on the generosity of donors, such as philanthropist Shelby Davis who recently created a $40 million endowment which each year provides 50 U.S. students with full two year scholarships to attend a UWC. Our donor base is spread worldwide and alumni play a fast growing role in the school s financial sustainability. uwc-usa.org page 3 of 9
UWC mission and values UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future UWC schools, colleges and programmes deliver a challenging and transformational educational experience to a diverse cross section of students, inspiring them to create a more peaceful and sustainable future. UWC believes that to achieve peace and a sustainable future, the values it promotes are crucial International and intercultural understanding Celebration of difference Personal responsibility and integrity Mutual responsibility and respect Compassion and service Respect for the environment A sense of idealism Personal challenge Action and personal example uwc-usa.org page 4 of 9
UWC education UWC schools and colleges offer life defining experiences for young people, enabling them to discover the possibility of change through courageous action, personal example and selfless leadership. A UWC education enshrines a commitment to the balanced development of the whole person and encourages an integrated development of human potential across a range of different dimensions, including the intellectual, moral, aesthetic, emotional, social, spiritual and physical. All schools and colleges share UWC s mission and values and each school and college responds to the UWC mission statement within the context of its location which creates distinctive identities based upon local resources and opportunities. UWC s guiding principles are founded on seven educational principles inspired by Kurt Hahn (German educationalist, founder of Salem School, Gordonstoun, Outwardbound, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and UWC). Though set within the context of Hahn s original thought, it reflects experience gained from our 50 years history as well as current educational thinking. Underpinning these principles is the pursuit of peace and justice as the founding aim of UWC. These are the seven basic principles from which the practice of education at UWC schools and colleges is derived: That this education should take place within a diverse college community. The selection of students should ensure representation from regions and social groups that reflect the wide range of tensions among and between peoples. That this education requires active promotion of intercultural understanding and the development of genuine concern for others founded on shared life experiences, and cooperative and collaborative living. This includes reflective dialogue on global issues and critical and courageous engagement in the pursuit of peace. That physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle are integral to the balanced development of the whole person. Unhealthy lifestyles limit human potential and hinder progress in all dimensions of development. That community interaction is placed at the heart of college/school life. This requires the full and active participation of all members of the school or college. That students are able to engage in continuing, positive action towards issues of sustainability, on both an institutional and individual level. uwc-usa.org page 5 of 9
That opportunities for students to practice personal initiative, self discipline and responsibility, to manage risk and embrace challenge must be provided. Where appropriate, these opportunities are supported by a reassuring adult presence. That recognition is given to the fact that each individual possesses unique talents and abilities. Programmes should exist in each college which enable all selected students to fulfill their potential. uwc-usa.org page 6 of 9
The Position UWC-USA is currently seeking to fill the position of President. Since its inception in 1982, there have been three distinguished Presidents: Ted Lockwood (1982-1993), Phil Geier (1993-2005) and Lisa Darling (2005-2013). The President is the chief executive officer of the College and reports to the Board of Trustees. The President works in close collaboration with a wide range of constituencies and provides overall leadership and direction for the school both on and off campus, maintaining and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders: donors, alumni, the wider UWC movement as well as with the IB organization, accrediting bodies, state, federal and local regulatory agencies. The UWC-USA President embodies, and advocates for, the mission of UWC, as well as articulating and implementing its vision for the future. A thought leader, he or she is ready to further incubate pioneering education concepts that in the past have led to innovations such as the IB programme. The President is assisted in his/her duties by the Vice President of Finance and Operations, the Vice President of Advancement, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Director of Admissions and the various other constituencies that form the basis of the Montezuma,NM - based campus. Specific day-to-day responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Educational leadership and student programs ensuring all elements of student experience (curriculum, classroom, co-curricular, residential) support the UWC mission and deliver outstanding outcomes Staffing and organizational development - hiring, evaluation, development and support of employees. and, when warranted, discipline and /or dismissal of employees. Building a strong team and culture to execute agreed plans and provide for succession planning Finance - the implementation of budgets approved by the board of trustees and advancing the general financial operation of the school Fundraising - setting and meeting annual, capital, and major gifts goals; and nurturing the College s various constituents on a global basis uwc-usa.org page 7 of 9
External relations on behalf of the college - overseeing marketing, student and employee recruitment, communications, neighbor relations, relationships with accrediting bodies, colleges and universities, state, federal and local regulatory agencies, volunteers and the college s role in the international UWC movement Key Attributes Strong international orientation and experience Strong educator, with demonstrated school leadership at a high level Capacity to embrace the UWC-USA mission, including the IB diploma, at a deep level Personal attributes sense of adventure ability to connect well with students and faculty stamina for a global role appreciation for diversity of thought and background international and intercultural understanding appetite for fundraising inspirational presence and character hungry to develop in a dynamic environment Strong communicator and public speaker Leadership skills are valued above managerial skills, although both are necessary Opportunities and Challenges Opportunities UWC-USA represents an exciting and unique platform to develop educational thought leadership: UWC has historically been an incubator of groundbreaking educational paradigms, pioneering the development of the IB programme. This incubator role is a major opportunity Committed and passionate community: opportunity to further embrace radical transparency, involving staff, faculty, students, parents and supporters The school has 30 years of successful fundraising behind it and while challenges remain, it operates on a solid financial platform ($100m endowment, succession of generous patrons, growing alumni commitment) This position is bigger than the campus at its core, it is a global role with significant impact beyond campus: role offers the opportunity to impact the wider UWC movement. uwc-usa.org page 8 of 9
At the core of it are the students. Candidates who have track-records of channelling student energy, including them in the leadership model will thrive This role could be suitable for a couple, with opportunities for an educationminded partner UWC-USA aspires to be a dynamic, growing and adaptable institution, leveraging the best the US can offer to further the UWC mission Our ambition is to recruit leaders who regard their profession as a vocation, who are experts and enthusiasts in the academic field as well as passionate about educating the whole person Challenges The candidate needs to envisage a multi-faceted role that will include both onsite and off-site responsibilities On-site: running the school to high standards, being grounded in campus life, encouraging student participation, keeping main residence on campus Off-site: relationships with external community, donors, education world, wider UWC movement and thought leadership on a global stage UWC-USA is often described as the best-kept secret in US education: this will represent a marketing challenge when reaching out to new communities Academic delivery is still largely classroom based: educational technologies are emerging but largely untapped, although the core infrastructure has been put in place (campus-wide wifi internet access, computer lab, online IB courses, etc) Fundraising is a key aspect of this role, and a proven track-record is a must The Montezuma NM location, despite its unparalleled beauty and historical setting can be an obstacle to attract and retain top teaching talent, especially families UWC is a global movement and as such the candidate will have to manage interactions with the international board as well as with other UWC school heads Faculty professional development needs to be ongoing This is a rewarding but challenging job requiring large amounts of personal energy. A sense of joy, humor and humility are key to succeed A strong educator dimension is important and cannot be delegated * * * uwc-usa.org page 9 of 9