Careers at Tower

Tower School is an independent Beginners–Grade 8 school located in Marblehead, MA. Our mission is to teach students to think critically and creatively, to develop joyful curiosity, to embrace challenge and apply knowledge with confidence, and to thrive within a community rich with diverse perspectives and talents.

With an enrollment of 270 students and 65 faculty and staff, the School is situated on an 11-acre campus consisting of a 70,000 sq ft building, turf field, greenhouse, and student gardens. 

Tower seeks administrators, faculty, and staff who demonstrate an interest in participating fully in the life and activities of a highly engaging elementary and middle school and will contribute to furthering Tower’s mission. Successful candidates will exhibit a strong work ethic, a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, excellent written and verbal communication skills, a good sense of humor, and an ability to inspire young people.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) is responsible for managing all financial and operational aspects of the school. The DFO is a mission-driven strategic thinker who provides innovative financial and organizational leadership. Reporting to the Head of School, the DFO serves as the Head of School’s strategic business partner, providing fiscal and operational analysis and support.  The DFO is a member of the school’s senior leadership team and works collaboratively with the Board of Trustees to ensure that the school’s financial and operational functions support Tower’s mission, core values, and strategic direction.

Roles & Responsibilities 

Managerial Responsibilities

• Supervise the operation of the business office, including but not limited to accounts payable and accounts receivable, general ledger, monthly and annual reporting.
• Supervise the work of the business office personnel to ensure compliance with all applicable accounting procedures and standards per Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the rules of the Financial Accounting Services Board (FASB)
• Oversee management of human resources, including employee relations, benefits and compensation, and safety for employees.
• Effectively supervise and mentor key professional staff, including the Director of Information Technology, Controller, Building & Grounds Supervisor, Director of Auxiliary Programs, and Receptionist.

Operational Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare forecasts of the financial condition of the School. Report to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee on the present and future operations results, including overseeing the ongoing maintenance and updating of a long-term financial model.
• With the Controller, prepare operating statements for the Head of School and the Board of Trustees and provide timely and accurate budget vs. actual reports to the budget managers and notify these users when budget variances suggest potential issues.
• Establish an effective financial modeling system for strategic planning to aid the administration and the Board of Trustees in making strategic decisions.
• In concert with the Finance Committee, establish a plan and schedule to prepare the annual budget that will permit the setting of the succeeding year’s tuition and compensation.
• Oversee the School’s purchasing and contracts, banking activities, payroll, benefits program, and financial investments, including the endowment. Implement the investment decisions of the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• With the Controller and Audit and Risk Management Committee provide for the securing of an annual audit of the School’s financial records and financial positions.
• In concert with the Director of Development, ensure proper receipt, accounting, and spending of designated gifts.
• Manage tuition assistance, including preparation of materials, compilation of data for Tuition Assistance Committee, record keeping, notification, and follow-up.
• Communicate and support parents regarding sensitive and complex financial situations.
• Establish, review, revise, and ensure legal compliance and risk mitigation with all federal and state laws concerning human resource management, benefits, payroll, wage and hour, and personnel (including but not limited to ACA, FLSA, FMLA, PFMLA).
• Serve as liaison to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees on all facilities planning initiatives. With Controller and Building & Grounds Supervisor, manage fixed assets and construction in progress.
• Manage transportation systems and contracts.
• Report and collect data to and from school associations (NAIS, AISNE, JBSA, etc.) and manage surveys of data from benchmark groups. Communicate risks, opportunities, and trends by creating, researching, and participating in surveys.
• Represent the School at various regional, state, and national associations relative to the role of a CFO/Business Manager.
• Act as the School’s liaison with appropriate local officials. Serve on committees, task forces, and study groups as needed.
• Provide the financial information and planning that builds understanding and trust among the faculty, administration, the Board of Trustees, and families.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree or MBA preferred.

• 7-10 years’ financial management experience at a senior level preferred.

• Proven track record in developing and executing cross-functional operational plans.
• Experience in strategic pricing to drive enrollment and meet market demand and expertise in optimizing financial aid.
• Ability to lead strategic initiatives to completion while anticipating issues and identifying practical solutions across the school.
• Experience developing long-range capital and operational budget planning
• Experience in gathering, synthesizing, and analyzing data to provide metrics key to guiding prudent decision making.
• Exceptional written/verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to distill complex topics and then communicate them effectively to varied audiences.
• Significant experience supervising other personnel and managing multiple projects and programs.
• A high level of integrity and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to integrate effectively into the culture of a not-for-profit independent school while implementing strategies and tactics necessary for successful operations of the business.
   

Tower School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Tower does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and need.
 

To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email, and as separate PDF documents, the following materials:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position
• A curent resume
• An annotated list of five professional references with name, phone number, and email address (references will be contacted only with prior candidate approval).
   

All materials should be sent via email to:

Tucker Hastings
Senior Search Consultant
Big Back Pack LLC

tucker@bigbackpack.org
617-653-0844

View or download the full position profile.

Tower School is an independent Beginners–8th grade school located in Marblehead, MA. Our mission is to teach our students to think critically and creatively, to develop joyful curiosity, to embrace challenges and apply their knowledge with confidence, and to thrive within a community rich with diverse perspectives and talents. 

Tower seeks a full-time English teacher who is deeply committed to teaching and working with middle school age groups and has a passion for English and writing. 

We seek applicants who are able to foster intellectual curiosity in students, and will engage them in thinking critically about the world, and who embrace a pedagogy that uses a variety of modalities to meet the needs of a diverse range of learners. In addition to outstanding work ethic, Tower seeks an inquisitive, self-directed, and team-oriented teacher who will contribute to furthering Tower’s mission. 

A focus on strong verbal and written communication skills is essential. The successful applicant will teach English for 6th and 7th grade beginning late August 2025. An additional stipend is available for coaching responsibilities. 

Preferred candidates will have: 

● Conducts English language assessments and tailor instruction to meet individual student needs. 

● Utilizes innovative teaching methods to enhance language acquisition and student engagement. 

● Incorporate goals, competencies, and objectives into lesson plans that directly apply to students' lives. 

● Two or more years teaching experience in elementary/middle school grades

● Experience writing student progress reports and holding conferences with parents

● Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice 

● Takes on other work-related duties as needed (faculty meetings, lunch duty, recess duties, homeroom coverage, advising, service programming, etc.) 

Tower School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Tower welcomes candidates who would add to the racial, cultural and gender balance of the School community. A classroom teaching position is physically demanding and qualified candidates will need to exhibit appropriate abilities. Appropriate accommodations can be made where necessary. 

Please email a resume and a statement of your teaching philosophy to Patti Gillis, Academic Administrative Associate at patti.gillis@towerschool.org.

Summer at Tower’s counselors are kind, reliable, energetic, creative thinkers, with a good sense of humor and good verbal communication skills. Successful candidates possess a great work ethic, are devoted to making camp a joyful experience for every child, and can connect and engage with others. Both introverts and extroverts thrive here. If you want to develop your leadership skills while creating lasting summer experiences, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 16 years of age
• Must be available for 2-day orientation
• Must pass a CORI background check
• Upon hire, successful completion of First Aid and CPR certification
• Prior experience working with children, a plus
• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in summer camp activities such as hiking, team-building initiatives, physical games, and activities

Responsibilities

• Follow guidance from the Camp Director to plan, engage, and lead campers in group activities 
• Ensure the safety of campers; remain aware and attentive at all times
• Create a positive environment for campers and staff
• Participate in developing and implementing high-quality educational and recreational opportunities and enjoyable experiences for campers each day
• Positively represent the camp when interacting with parents and community members
• Maintain a high standard of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff

Please apply with your resume and cover letter to this link: summerattower.campbrainstaff.com

We are looking for a dynamic person to join our Club T.E.D. Extended Day that will represent the Tower School as a member of their afternoon program. In this setting this person should be able to collaborate as a member of a teaching faculty, supervising students and encouraging social, physical, and intellectual growth within students. Ultimately a Club T.E.D. teacher should be a friendly, approachable individual with a passion for teaching.

Hours
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Monday-Friday, must work at least 2 days per week

Extended Day Teacher Responsibilities:

● Participate in developing and implementing high-quality educational, recreational opportunities and enjoyable experiences for students each day
● Oversee daily lesson plans and activities that focus on developing a student’s social emotional and gross motor skills.
● Assists in supporting positive behavior of students in a respectful manner
● Focus on safety, cooperative play, and fun
● Assist students with assignments and homework.
● Prepare materials and equipment as needed.
● Interact with students to provide guidance, emotional support, and motivation to complete tasks.Maintain an organized and clean classroom environment.
● Ensure that all school rules, policies and guidelines are followed.
● Maintain overall professional personal appearance

Extended Day Teacher Qualifications:

● Experience in education, or degree preferred but not required.
● Experience working in a school setting.
● Prior experience working with children, a plus
● Ability to foster a fun and safe classroom environment conducive to learning.
● Knowledge of child behavior.
● Communicates and interacts regularly and appropriately with students, parents, and staff, maintaining positive relationships.
● Ability to work with children in a friendly, calm and patient manner.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
● Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
● Ability to set rules and guidelines.
● Organizational skills.
● Must be a minimum of 16 years of age
● Must pass a CORI/SORI background check
● Upon hire, successful completion of First Aid and CPR certification

Application Process

Email your resume and a brief cover letter expressing your interest to clubted@towerschool.org
Add “Club T.E.D. Extended Day Teacher” to the subject line.
We look forward to receiving your resume/cover letter and will respond to each applicant to confirm receipt.

Tower School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Tower welcomes candidates who would add to the racial, cultural and gender balance of the School community. A classroom teaching position is physically demanding and qualified candidates will need to exhibit appropriate abilities. Appropriate accommodations can be made where necessary.

Founded in 1912, Tower School is an independent PreK-8 school located in Marblehead, MA. Our mission is to teach our students to think critically and creatively, to develop joyful curiosity, to embrace challenge and apply their knowledge with confidence, and to thrive within a community rich with diverse perspectives and talents. 

Tower seeks substitute teachers who demonstrate an interest in participating fully in the life and activities of a highly engaging elementary and middle school and will contribute to furthering Tower’s mission. 

Tower is hiring substitute teachers to start immediately on an as-needed basis for both classroom and extended day program coverage.  

Preferred candidates will have:

• A bachelor’s degree

• Experience working with children 

• CORI check will be provided following interview with Division Heads

Tower School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Tower does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and need.

Please email a resume to patti.gillis@towerschool.org.