Supporting Independent Schools through Leadership Transition

IndySchool Consultancy knows that terrific independent schools are anything but predictable. Our expertise in problem-solving and evaluating complexity allows us to find top talent and assemble a strong candidate pool despite expected and unexpected challenges.

With experience navigating all types of issues, we thrive under pressure and have mastered managing situations such as accelerated timelines, unexpected leadership departures, schools in crisis, or out-of-the-way campuses.

No matter the magnitude or intricacies, we have the expertise to handle potential roadblocks.

Head of School Search

Our Unique Approach

  • Step 1: Comprehensive Discovery and Deep Dive

    At IndySchool Consultancy, we believe that every school is unique and deserves a leader that understands the culture, climate, tradition, history and future. We will leverage our in-depth knowledge of independent schools to create an individualized search process tailored to finding the perfect fit for your community. We will engage in a comprehensive process of discovery to create your search committee, survey various stakeholders, and create a Profile of the Leader and Position Statement using our competency-based method, that will resonate and attract candidates that align.

  • Step 2: Assemble a Diverse & Deep Candidate Pool

    Our competency-based Profile of the Leader aims to not only assist the school in identifying their next leader, but also it draws candidates from unexpected places. We use traditional and non-traditional methods to connect with potential candidates, developing a pool that is 100% unique and personalized to each school.

  • Step 3: Candidate Review

    Before a candidate pool is presented to the search committee, we conduct an extensive recorded interview, review their submitted materials, personally check all references, and conduct a social media scan. We use the Profile of the Leader to assess each candidates alignment with the competencies sought. Schools choose IndySchool Consultancy because of our personalized service, attention to detail, and assessment analysis of the candidate pool.

  • Step 4: Presentation of Candidates & Semi-Final Interviews

    IndySchool Consultancy is alongside the school for the entire process. We meet with the search committee to review the candidate pool, assist in scheduling semi-finalist interviews, sit in on the interviews, and assist the committee in narrowing down the list to a small group of finalists. We can assist in helping the committee with potential interview questions and a rating method to ensure the process is comparable to each interview.

  • Step 5: Tailor Made Finalist Visit Experience

    The finalist visit to campus is the opportunity for everyone to learn. On-campus visits are times when the school community will truly identify the next leader. IndySchool Consultancy partners with each search committee to design a unique and rich experience. The campus visit experience that we design will ensure the school makes a terrific first impression, while the candidates gain valuable insight on their potential dream job.

  • Step 6: Partnership Through the Transition

    The time between the announcement of the new head of school and their official start date is one of the most important times for the new head and the school. As part of IndySchool Consultancy’s head of school search package, all head-elects will receive executive coaching and mentoring during the transition months and for the first four months of the job. Why? because we believe that giving the head-elect the resources to excel is vital to a long-term, happy and productive headship.

Launch your search today