Head of School

The Calgary Jewish Academy (CJA) is a Jewish Day school that was founded in 1987 as a result of the amalgamation of the Calgary Hebrew School (1912) and the I.L. Peretz School (1927). The CJA has over a century-long legacy educating children who have and will continue to shape the future of Calgary, Canada and beyond. From Nursery through to Grade 9, CJA provides a safe, supportive and challenging environment. Their goal is to explore with students the concepts of Jewish community, identity as well as put Jewish values and beliefs into action. CJA students are challenged in a rigorous dual curriculum program focused on Alberta Curriculum and Judaic Studies.
CJA is seeking a new leader for the role of Head of School. The Head of School will be the driving force behind the institution’s vision, ensuring its continued growth, sustainability, and academic excellence. This leader will work in close partnership with the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance and operational oversight while cultivating an inspiring and innovative educational environment. With a commitment to Jewish values and educational excellence, the Head of School will spearhead curriculum development, faculty leadership, and financial stewardship to build a thriving and future-focused institution. This individual will serve as the ambassador of CJA, strengthening relationships with students, parents, educators, donors, and community leaders to foster a culture of engagement, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
The Head of School will play a pivotal role in positioning CJA as a leader in Jewish education by developing and implementing strategic initiatives that support academic advancement, institutional sustainability, and strong community partnerships. This includes spearheading fundraising efforts, forging meaningful connections with donors, and expanding CJA’s presence within the Jewish and broader Calgary communities. A dynamic and inspiring leader, the Head of School will oversee faculty recruitment, professional development, and curriculum innovation, ensuring a high standard of excellence in both secular and Jewish education. As the primary spokesperson and advocate for CJA, this leader will represent the school’s mission at regional and national levels, elevating its reputation and influence within the broader educational landscape.
The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree in Education, Administration, or a related field and have a minimum of ten years of leadership experience in an educational setting, including senior administrative roles. The successful candidate will have strong financial acumen, with experience in budget management and fundraising, a visionary and strategic mindset, and the ability to build strong community relationships.

About Calgary
Recently ranked the most liveable city in North America and 5th in the world (2024) by The Economist Intelligence Unit, and possessing one of the youngest populations of major cities in Canada, Calgary is home to world-class attractions, sporting amenities and public infrastructure that supports a healthy lifestyle, making it a great place to raise a family (https://www.jewishstaffing.com/t/pl/67eb1ef19f784bbed8570bed/1743462181 Situated where the Canadian plains reach the sunny foothills of Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a major urban centre surrounded by an area of profound beauty with an awe-inspiring mountains, lakes, rivers and gorgeous prairie.
Consistently rated by the United Nations as the world’s best country to live in, Canada is the world’s second largest country by total area and is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations. Canada ranks among the highest in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, and education.
Janet Soles and Associates has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of the Calgary Jewish Academy. For more information about this opportunity or to apply, please send your curriculum vitae and letter of interest with the Subject Line – “Head of School – CJA” in confidence to post-67eb1ef19f784bbed8570bed-1743462180@apply.jewishstaffing.com .