RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and School Culture
+ Role: The Head of School (HOS) acts as the CEO and leader of the Senior Leadership Team, supervising all school personnel.
+ Reporting: Reports directly to the Board Chairman and Trustees, interfacing with parents, faculty, staff, administrators, students, and community representatives.
+ Team Building: Strengthen the leadership and administrative team, consolidating coordination and cohesion.
+ Organizational Culture: Cultivate a culture of inclusivity, curiosity, compassion, collaboration, independence, and respect, to empower students to become ethical and responsible leaders who contribute positively to their communities.
+ Relationships: Establish relationships with relevant organizations in Panama. Maintain and strengthen existing positive relationships with educational and community authorities.
Strategic Planning and Financial Management
+ Business Acumen: Demonstrate fluency in business and finance by developing and managing annual budgets and providing financial updates to the Board.
+ Strategic Planning: Develop and execute strategic plans to keep MDA at the forefront of education, aligned with the school’s objectives and core values.
+ Data-Driven Decisions: Use data to tailor MDA’s services to student needs and enhance programming.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
+ Parent Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, addressing concerns and making decisions that benefit the school community.
+ Community Engagement: Actively participate in school and community events, fostering belonging and integration.
“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.”
– Bob Talbert
+ Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication within the school and with external stakeholders, strengthening the school’s reputation and relationships. Oversee all communications and take direct responsibility for public statements made by school employees regarding educational matters, policies, procedures, and school-related incidents or events.
+ Communicate with prospective families: clearly articulate MDA’s identity, philosophy, and objectives to prospective students and their families, while outlining the school’s expectations for both upon acceptance.
+ Expertise in educational advancement and fundraising: Demonstrated expertise in cultivating donor relationships and achieving philanthropic objectives, driving institutional growth and enhancing educational impact.
Educational Leadership and Innovation
+ Academic Excellence: Inspire students to achieve their dreams and adapt to a changing world, equipping them with the skills to lead responsibly and positively impact their communities.
+ Curriculum Development: Lead the creation of a cohesive curriculum from Preschool through High School, emphasizing academic rigor, inquiry led learning, student well-being, and leadership development, all based on Jewish and universal values.
+ Program Strengthening: Enhance the AP program, develop the AP Capstone, and oversee College Counseling. Update educational technology to support modern teaching practices.
+ Judaic Integration: Work with the Judaic Director to integrate Judaic themes into the secular curriculum, emphasizing values that foster responsible citizenship and leadership.
Human Resources Management
+ Staff Development: Mentor and inspire staff, providing training and professional development. Build the school’s reputation as an attractive employer.
+ Performance Supervision: Evaluate the performance of section principals and coordinators, ensuring high standards are maintained.
+ Personnel Management: Oversee recruitment, retention, and development of faculty and staff, ensuring effective deployment of personnel.
School Identity and Jewish Values
+ Cultural Alignment: Uphold and communicate the school’s identity, balancing tradition with innovation. Ensure compliance with Jewish customs, including observance of Shabbat and holidays and kosher restrictions in all school events.
+ Reputation Management: Maintain and enhance the school’s reputation, adapting its identity to changing times while preserving its core values.
+ Positive Leadership: Support and foster activities that develop students into thoughtful, compassionate leaders who respect their heritage and are committed to making a difference.
Board Relations
+ Collaboration: Maintain a positive working relationship with the Board of Trustees, offering advice and acting as a thought partner in strategic planning.
+ Meeting Participation: Attend board meetings, present proposed changes, and implement board decisions.
+ Agenda Preparation: Prepare meeting agendas and provide reports to support informed decision-making.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
MDA has partnered with Search Associates to assist in the search process.
Interested candidates should send their application as an email attachment to Rajiv Bhat of Search Associates (rbhat@searchassociates.com) including all the items below, collated together in a single pdf, to arrive as soon as possible, and no later than November 11, 2024:
1. A letter of application, outlining concisely why the candidate wishes to be a contender for this position and what specific skills, qualities and experience they could offer.
2. A CV (no more than two pages)
3. A statement explaining their educational philosophy (one page)
4. The names and full contact details of at least three professional referees who have served as the candidate’s immediate supervisors – one of these should if possible be the leader of the candidate’s current organization.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
1. The Head of School will report directly to the Board of Directors.
2. All staff members, including Business Manager, Pre-School Principal, Elementary Principal, Secondary Principal and Judaic Director report to the Head of School.
3. On Judaic curriculum, traditions, and other related matters, the Judaic Director has a certain autonomy and reports to the board, working in broad collaboration and coordination with the Head of School.
COMPENSATION
Salary and benefits are competitive and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
The Board of Directors will have yearly evaluations of job performance based on contract and Board Policies
OUR MISSION
MDA is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience that integrates Jewish values, critical thinking skills, and the latest technological advancements. Our mission is to foster academic excellence while instilling a strong sense of Jewish identity and social responsibility. By building a supportive and inclusive community, we empower students to embrace innovation, thrive in their academic pursuits, and develop into compassionate leaders who are ready to positively shape society.
“Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning.” -Unknown
OUR VISION
At Magen David Academy, we envision a vibrant learning environment where students are inspired to achieve their full potential academically, socially, and personally. Our graduates will leave equipped not only with academic success, but with the Jewish values, skills, and mindset necessary to confidently navigate an ever-evolving world. With integrity, compassion, and a deep connection to the state of Israel, MDA students will be prepared to become leaders who contribute to their communities locally and globally. As a leading institution in Jewish education, we are committed to shaping the future through educational excellence and communal responsibility.
ACADEMIC APPROACH
MDA emphasizes a holistic, student-centered approach that blends rigorous academics with innovative teaching methods. Our curriculum integrates Jewish studies with secular subjects, encouraging critical thinking, inquiry based learning, collaboration, and creative problemsolving. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and are supported in their personal and academic growth. From early childhood to high school, MDA promotes the development of lifelong learners who are prepared to adapt and succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Teacher and Staff Development at Magen David Academy:
With a teaching staff of 150+, a 6:1 student/ teacher ratio and 17 nationalities, at Magen David Academy (MDA), we recognize that ongoing teacher and staff development is essential for maintaining an innovative, nurturing, and academically rigorous learning environment. Through a variety of professional
development opportunities, mentorship programs, and collaborative learning initiatives, we aim to cultivate a dynamic educational community where educators thrive and grow.
Technology and Innovation:
Magen David Academy is committed to integrating technology into education. We believe that technological literacy is essential for success in the 21st century, and our students benefit from cutting-edge resources that enhance their learning experiences. At the same time, our classrooms are free of distractions like cell phones, ensuring students are fully engaged in their learning.
Jewish Identity and Values:
Jewish values are at the core of MDA’s educational philosophy. Through a robust Judaic curriculum, students develop a strong sense of identity, a connection to their heritage, and a deep bond with Israel. Our students celebrate our traditions, engage in meaningful religious study, and participate in community service activities that emphasize the importance of social responsibility, ethical leadership, and tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Community and Leadership:
MDA fosters a close-knit community where students, teachers, and families work together to create an environment of mutual respect, collaboration, and support. Leadership development is a key focus at MDA, with students being encouraged to take initiative, lead by example, and participate in both local and global community-building activities. Our graduates emerge as compassionate leaders who are well-prepared to make a lasting impact on society.
Global Citizenship:
With a strong emphasis on global citizenship, Magen David Academy equips students with the skills and mindset to navigate an interconnected world. We cultivate an understanding of diverse perspectives and encourage students to engage in meaningful dialogue and action on both local and global issues. This global focus, combined with our deep commitment to Jewish and universal values, empowers students to lead with confidence and integrity in any environment.
Special Programs:
At Magen David Academy, we are continually enhancing the educational experience for our staff, students, and parents through a variety of extracurricular and special programs. Some standout initiatives include:
+ LATET Program: This year-long volunteer initiative engages each grade in a meaningful community service project, including Make-A-Wish, Public School visits, and hospital visits among others.
+ FAMILY ACADEMY: This educational program offers parents and staff the opportunity to attend conferences led by national and international professionals in education and parenting.
+ Sports: Our MDA HAWKS compete in a growing selection of after-school sports programs and participate in national interschool leagues, promoting teamwork and physical fitness.
+ Academic and School Clubs: Students also have the chance to engage in leadership and academic excellence through clubs such as STUCO (our student government), the National Honor Society, and the English Honor Society, fostering both personal growth and academic achievement.
These programs reflect our commitment to holistic development, ensuring our community thrives both in and outside the classroom.
College Admissions:
MDA graduates go on to leading colleges in the US and Europe. Our 2023-2024 graduating class of 28 students had: 8 Ivy League Acceptances, 4 acceptances in top 10 schools, 9 acceptances in top 20 schools, 25 acceptances in top 30 schools, a total of 104 acceptance letters and 30 scholarships offered.
Our Facilities:
Magen David Academy currently operates across two campuses. The first, established in 2008, is located in Panama Pacifico and serves students from 1st to 12th grade. Our second campus, founded in 2021, is situated in Panama City and accommodates students from PreKindergarten (PK-1) through kindergarten. Both campuses feature cafeterias, modern learning laboratories, athletic facilities, and playgrounds designed to support students’ physical and educational development.
Looking to the future:
MDA is excited to announce the development of a new, state-of-the-art campus that will unite students from PK-1 through 12th grade. This facility is being carefully designed to meet the evolving needs of our growing student body, providing a space where learning, creativity, and well-being can thrive. With a focus on security and thoughtful design, the new campus will be a place where students feel safe, inspired, and engaged.
MDA is an active member of the following associations: