Head of School Searches

Head of School Searches

Selecting new leadership is both a significant responsibility and a unique opportunity to shape your institution’s future. At RG175, we help you maximize this opportunity to strengthen your organization’s leadership. Our experienced and successful consultants provide personal, consistent attention throughout the recruitment and selection process, listening closely to understand your institution’s needs.

From identifying a diverse, highly qualified pool of candidates to ensuring a seamless transition for your chosen leader, our approach is tailored to align with your vision and goals for the future.

Our Search Process Starts By Identifying Your Needs

Every search is a chance to engage your institution in meaningful dialogue about its future. We start by listening to key stakeholders, including the search committee, board of trustees, faculty, senior administrators, staff, and others identified by the school. Based on these conversations and a comprehensive survey that is sent to all constituents, we craft a comprehensive position profile that reflects your institutional priorities and serves as an effective recruitment tool.

Recruiting Qualified Candidates

We value diversity in all its forms and recognize that exceptional candidates can come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. To offer you the broadest selection of qualified leaders, we conduct a thorough and inclusive recruitment process that includes:

• Outreach to an extensive network for nominations and applications.
• Engaging with potential candidates from higher education, business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
• Access to a diverse candidate database, featuring successful leaders from both independent schools in the U.S. and international schools worldwide.

Evaluating and Selecting the Right Candidate

Thorough due diligence is essential for a successful search. While interviews are an important part of the process, a candidate’s track record carries even more weight. We work closely with the search committee to gain a comprehensive understanding of each candidate’s past performance, conducting in-depth reference checks and thorough background investigations.

Overseeing the Transition

A successful transition is key to ensuring a new leader’s tenure strengthens the school. After a leader is appointed, we provide a year of ongoing support to the new executive throughout the transition, including:

• Advising the Board of Trustees on forming a transition committee and defining its responsibilities.
• Coordinating the introduction of the new executive to the campus community.
• Guiding the head-elect in developing a comprehensive entry plan.
• Offering leadership and transition mentoring as needed.