Summertime Discovery Head

Title:

Summertime Discovery HeadDepartment/Location:

Preschool/Lower School, St LouisPosition Type:

On-call, full-time during Summertime Discovery sessionsSummaryThe Summertime Discovery Head advances Principia by leading the planning, organization, and implementation of the Summertime Discovery program, including related childcare offerings throughout the year. Reporting to Director of Auxiliary Programs, this role plays a critical part in designing engaging programming, managing logistics and staffing, and ensuring accurate administrative and financial processes. Success in this role draws on strategic thinking, maintaining a positive and welcoming environment, and organization. Significant advance planning and training are essential to ensure smooth program execution during active camp weeks.

Who We AreAt our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to educationblending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principias team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.

At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole childintellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life.

We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities.

Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrows leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create acollaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary ResponsibilitiesProgram Planning & DevelopmentDevelops and organizes,along with leads,weekly summer themes, including activities, field trips, crafts, games, snacks, and special guestsPrepares materials and program supplies in advance, ensuring items are organized and labeled by theme for efficient use during campPlans and coordinates programming for winter break, spring break, and employee care daysCollaborates on timelines for summer program communication and website updatesLearns and uses camp registration and attendance softwareEnrollment & StaffingTracks enrollment and monitors trends to determine appropriate staffing levelsPlans and schedules staff to support daily operations, special events, and non-school-day programmingCoordinates communication for employee care days, including notices, registration, and payment processesProgram OperationsOversees daily program execution, ensuring a safe, organized, and engaging experience for childrenMaintains a structured and welcoming environment aligned with Principias values Responds to parent inquiries, including requests for attendance informationAttendance & Administrative ManagementTracks daily attendance and maintains accurate written and digital recordsCompiles weekly attendance totals and prepares monthly summaries for Student BillingMaintains organized records to support parent requests and internal reportingFinancial ManagementUploads receipts to the online credit card system and reconciles expenses monthlyAssigns appropriate budget codes to expenses and supports overall budget trackingCore Competencies Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at

Principia:

Continuous Learning &Expertise:

Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.

Accountability & Results Orientation:

Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.

Problem Solving & Judgment:

Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.

Proactivity & Ownership:

Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.

Excellence & Attention to

Detail:

Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.

Service Orientation:

Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Collaboration & Collegiality:

Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.

Communication:

Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.

Inclusion & Belonging:

Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.

Leadership:

Inspires and guides others with clarity, compassion, and accountability; supports individual and team growth in alignment with Principias mission and goals.

Culture & Team Building:

Fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication; demonstrates genuine care for team members well-being and development.

Resource Stewardship:

Manages budgets, time, and resources responsibly and strategically to achieve departmental and institutional objectives.

Minimum QualificationsStudent of Christian Science preferredSupportive of Principias guiding statements as articulated herehttps://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statementsExperience working with children in a school, camp, or childcare settingStrong organizational and administrative skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and plan ahead effectivelyDemonstrate support of Principias mission and philosophy by promoting a positive image of the school at all timesThe statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia. Equal Opportunity Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status. In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principiaas an institution with a religious missiongives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.