Job Description
Job Title: Head of School
Location: Columbus, OH
Reports To: Regional Vice President
Start Date: August 2025
About New Story Schools
At New Story Schools, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. We serve students ages 5–21 with autism spectrum disorder, emotional disabilities, and other complex learning needs across Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Our flagship campus in Columbus, OH, brings this mission to life, serving 200+ students and supported by a dedicated team of 100+ educators, clinicians, and behavior support professionals. Together, we partner with families, school districts, and clinical teams to deliver highly individualized educational experiences that prepare students for successful reintegration into home districts or a confident transition into adulthood.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a people-first, outcomes-focused leader to serve as our next Head of School at the Columbus campus. Whether you're a seasoned school principal or a clinical leader with a BCBA and experience in education, this role offers a rare opportunity to lead one of the most impactful campuses in our network during an exciting period of growth and reinvention.
This is not a traditional principal role. It’s a pivotal leadership position where your ability to inspire cross-functional teams, drive outcomes, and lead with both heart and rigor will directly impact the lives of hundreds of students and families.
The Head of School will oversee the academic, behavioral, and operational functions of the campus. Ensuring that every team member is empowered, every student is progressing, and every system is aligned to our mission.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and coach a large, multidisciplinary team including academic, clinical, and operational staff, around shared goals and student impact.
Build a high-trust, high-accountability culture that balances structure with empathy.
Partner with families and school districts to ensure strong communication, trust, and student-centered planning.
Ensure fidelity to our educational and behavioral models, including IEP implementation, instruction, and behavioral supports.
Oversee operational execution, including staffing, scheduling, enrollment, compliance, and budget.
Use data to drive decision-making, monitor student and staff performance, and continuously improve outcomes.
Foster professional growth through targeted coaching, feedback, and development planning.
Who You Are
We welcome candidates from both school leadership and clinical leadership backgrounds who share our belief that strong teams, clear systems, and deep relationships are the foundation for student success.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Education, Behavioral Science, or Leadership preferred.
Minimum 5 years in special education or related setting, including 4+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Ohio Department of Education license (Intervention Specialist preferred), or equivalent experience in behavioral/clinical education settings.
Proven ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams toward ambitious goals.
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills with families, staff, and external stakeholders.
Clinical fluency or behavioral expertise (e.g., BCBA certification) highly preferred but not required.
You Will Thrive Here If You...
Lead with clarity, compassion, and accountability
Value both autonomy and collaboration
See data as a tool for empowerment, not control
Are energized by change, growth, and building something great
Champion equity, inclusion, and student-centered design
Believe that leadership is about coaching—not controlling
Why Join Us?
At New Story Schools, you’ll be part of a growing network of special education schools committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. As Head of School, you’ll have the resources, autonomy, and support to build a high-functioning campus culture and lead a mission that matters.
This is your chance to shape the future for students with complex needs and to do so alongside a team that’s all in.
Full-time