The Qualities We Seek.

At last night's Board meeting, the Board of Trustees spent time analyzing what it believes Kadima needs in a new Head of School. We had a great discussion as we considered what we wanted Kadima to become under its new Head of School and what skills and characteristics we'd ultimately want from a new Head of School.

We all agreed what we want Kadima to continue its present successes and have the new Head of School ensure that Kadima is a sustainable, effective, visionary, and preeminent center of Jewish education. We want Kadima to be a locus of the Jewish community; a place where people not only know that their kids are receiving the best in secular and Jewish education, but a place where they can be part of a nurturing and committed Jewish community.

We hope to hire a Head that will build upon our history, continue it, and advance it.

The Board also talked about the following characteristics and talents of the new Head of School:

• Charisma, Communications, and General Leadership. We want a Head of School that will inspire our stakeholders and encourage our community to send their children to Kadima. We need a Head that will continue the legacy of trust, inspiration, and belief that has allowed Kadima to exist for nearly 40 years. We want a Head of School that will be an embodiment of a Kadima education; an individual who will present an image of bold and confident leadership to the public, as well as demonstrating the menschlekeit that is emblematic of Kadima.
• Educational Leadership. We want a Head of School that will serve as the guarantor of the Educational philosophy and educational results expected and desired of a Kadima education. While the Head of School will not handle the details of educational management--a principal will ultimately do that--the Head will oversee the educational product and make sure that it comports to the vision the Head is charismatically presenting to our community.
  
• Management Capacity and Skill. We want a Head of School that can effectively build, oversee and manage the entire school operation; an executive that can also raise the means necessary to keep the school sustainable.
• Board Mentoring and Stewardship. The Board wants a Head of School that will work closely with the Board and the stakeholders to develop and refine Kadima's vision and Mission.
  

If you know of anyone who meets these qualifications, be sure to let us know at kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com.

It was a great meeting.