Watkinson School, providing inventive teaching and learning since 1881, seeks a full-time Head of Middle School.

Reporting to the Head of School and a member of the Senior Leadership team, the Middle School Head leads the faculty, students, and parents within Watkinson’s middle school through oversight of the academic program, through support and evaluation of the school’s professionals, and overall guidance and direction for the division. The successful candidate will be an experienced and culturally competent educator and leader, well versed in seeking out, hiring, supporting and sustaining excellent teachers.

In addition, the Head of Middle School will have demonstrated experience and success in program development, design thinking, and leading through change. The Middle School Head will be a proven leader in the development of curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices within a context of mixed-age, heterogeneously grouped students and an increasing focus on interdisciplinary learning. Watkinson’s program balances the elements of personalized learning and a strong commitment to being a collaborative learning community.

The next Head of Middle School will bring knowledge and experience with student advisory programs and a deep understanding of the developmental needs, gifts, and particulars that make middle school students who they are. The Head of Middle School takes a lead role in working with teachers on the continual examination and improvement of teaching practice, including goal setting, professional development, and engaging adults in ongoing and meaningful learning that makes a difference for students. An Essential School, Watkinson School is committed to the ideas expressed by the 10 Common Principles as articulated by Theodore R. Sizer.

Watkinson School is an equal opportunity employer and an open and affirming community. We seek candidates of diverse backgrounds. This position commences July 2020, and is a twelve-month position. Qualified candidates please send a letter of interest, resume, and a list of no fewer than four references to: MSHeadPosition@watkinson.org

Watkinson School, offering inventive teaching to Hartford and surrounding communities since 1881, seeks a full-time Controller. Reporting to and working directly with the Director of Finance and Operations, the Controller will be responsible for oversight and preparation of all accounting, payroll, independent auditing and reporting activities.  

Responsibilities include:

• All accounts, ledgers and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements; including but not limited to timely filing of all federal, state and local schedules
• Preparation of monthly financial statements and monthly bank reconciliation
• Manage organizational cash flow forecasting and reporting
• Prepare and manage the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Director of Finance
• Support the Human Resource functions of the School in conjunction with the Director of Finance
• Oversee the accounting and reporting of Watkinson’s accounts payable, accounts receivable, gift tracking, endowment, capitalization and depreciation of fixed assets.
• Prepare semi-monthly payroll and reconcile to employee contracts and offers.
• Oversee Health Savings Accounts and calculate semi-monthly retirement contributions.
• Coordinate and be responsible for all audit activity–annual audit and 403(b) audit
• Prepare all periodic surveys and reports for school trade organizations
• Maintain loan documentation, recording loan payments and reconciliation of loans
• Work with the business office team to create or update written procedures for each position and develop cross-training initiatives to ensure Business Office bench strength.
• Ability to assess internal controls and ensure that the Business Office’s practices ensure the integrity of the financial and accounting information and practices are promoting accountability and fraud prevention
• Broad knowledge of accounting policies and tasked with keeping up-to-date regarding changes affecting the School
• Special projects as assigned by the Director of Finance

Applicants should come with enthusiasm for working in a dynamic environment as a key member of an effective team with the following key skills and qualifications defining the successful candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in business/accounting or a related discipline, CPA preferred
• Five or more years of accounting and financial management experience, preferably in an educational institution or other non-profit organization
• Detail-oriented, with strong organizational, analytical and planning skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, with demonstrated strong skills in Excel. Ability to analyze and organize financial data to enable effective institutional decision-making
• Experience with accounting computer systems and analysis essential. Experience with Sage 100 a plus
• Experience with human resource and payroll systems essential. Experience with ADP/Workforce Now a plus
• Strong professional and interpersonal skills coupled with strong verbal and written skills
• Time management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize work, ability to meet multiple and often competing deadlines
• Ability to learn new software quickly and easily
• Capable of maintaining discretion and confidentiality
• Strong work ethic and positive outlook
• Ability to evaluate and improve processes and leverage technology

Watkinson School is an equal opportunity employer and an open and affirming community. We seek candidates of diverse backgrounds. This position commences as soon as possible and is a year-round position. If interested, please send a letter of application, resume, and three letters of recommendation to businessofficeposition@watkinson.org.

Watkinson School, offering inventive teaching to Hartford and surrounding communities since 1881, seeks a summer-only full-time elementary school teacher. SPHERE is a non-profit, five-week program for 80 Hartford and East Hartford youth entering grades 1-5 on the campus of Watkinson School.

Classes are aligned with the Common Core State Standards which includes teaching literacy, math, science, reading, and technology. Successful applicants will demonstrate creative approaches to instruction and a commitment to reaching all students. Applicants must possess enthusiasm for working in a dynamic environment, teaching heterogeneously grouped classes and developing and sustaining positive relationships with parents, students, colleagues and other summer program staff.

A bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and proven successful experience teaching at this level is required.  In addition to classroom teaching responsibilities, this position includes supervising high school student counselors assisting in the classroom and occasionally moderating an afternoon activity.

Watkinson School is an equal opportunity employer and an open and affirming community. We seek candidates of diverse backgrounds. This position commences on June 24^th and concludes on July 31^st and is a summer only position. If interested, please send cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation to sphere@watkinson.org.