The Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS), a non-profit, voluntary membership association of 96 accredited and candidate schools, is the leader in advancing and advocating for independent education in Virginia. Guided by core values of independence, excellence, and community, VAIS offers services in accreditation, professional development, and advocacy.

Established in 1973, VAIS is an affiliate of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and a member of the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE) and the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA). With its office in Richmond, Virginia, VAIS serves a diverse membership of schools across the Commonwealth. Included in its membership are single-gender, co-ed, boarding, day, religiously-affiliated, and military schools, as well as schools that serve students with specific learning differences, and schools which follow certain educational philosophies such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia. Schools vary in size and grades which are served, from pre-school through 12th grade.

 VAIS offers a full menu of professional development programs throughout the year and within reasonable travel distance of member schools. Included are learning experiences for most employees of independent schools, including nurses, counselors, coaches, residential life staff, administrators, division directors, and heads. Programming is also available for trustees, both on-site at the individual schools and through an annual Heads and Trustees Day. While faculty are primarily served through an annual conference, this is an area of desired growth for the Association.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

VAIS seeks its next Director of Professional Development, the thought leader in developing programs that will be of greatest interest to our member schools. Understanding the diversity of VAIS member schools through direct connection and the lens of accreditation reviews is critical to this role. Planning committees assist the Director in identifying program content, but ultimately it is the Director who is responsible for developing, coordinating, marketing, implementing, and evaluating programs. Working with the Executive Director to garner corporate support is necessary to make professional development affordable to member schools.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Studying trends and issues affecting independent schools and the needs of professionals working within them.
• Determining where VAIS might best serve its schools in a crowded professional development marketplace.
• Establishing and overseeing program budgets and helping to secure corporate support to make programs affordable.
• Identifying and engaging volunteer members of professional development planning committees.
• Developing programming and securing speakers.
• Working closely with the Director of Program Logistics and Data Management to coordinate programs, initiate contracts for program locations, and ensure accurate databases for marketing.
• Marketing programs for maximum attendance using print, email, website, social media, and direct marketing strategies.
• Attending and monitoring all VAIS programs and working to ensure a successful learning and networking experience for attendees.
• Measuring effectiveness of programs through evaluation surveys and identifying strategies for improvement.
• Providing regular progress reports.
• Networking with professional development staff from other associations and participating in training to stay current on professional development design, delivery, and marketing.
• Utilizing the Educator Exchange platform to connect member schools and as a resource of professional development.
• Performing related tasks as assigned.

 SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree required. Masters degree preferred.
• Independent school classroom experience; knowledge of lower, middle, and upper school education.
• Understanding of independent school operations and professional development; administrative experience preferred.
• Excellent technology skills, including the Google Suite applications and video conferencing; graphic design knowledge helpful.
• Detail-oriented with effective time management and organizational skills.
• Experience in formulating and managing budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility to travel as required for programs and networking with member schools.
• Demonstrated commitment to high professional and ethical standards.
• Personable, responsive, and service-oriented.
• A creative, flexible, and consummate problem solver and team player.

VAIS is an equal opportunity employer. VAIS and its member schools comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding discrimination in employment. Applications from all qualified individuals for whom the position might be appropriate are welcomed.

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