Careers at SJK
St. John’s-Kilmarnock (SJK) School is an independent day and boarding school in the Waterloo Region of Ontario. SJK offers a world of learning where we embrace innovation, diversity and internationalism. Our expectations are high; students are encouraged to find balance through academics, sports, arts, service and leadership. We have dedicated and inspirational educators, attentive to the needs of individual students and their families. The School’s co-ed Boarding Residence is located in close proximity to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. Our graduates take their passions to the world as leaders and global citizens.
Current Administration Opportunities
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Associate Director, Advancement (Maternity Leave)
Job Title: Associate Director, Advancement (Maternity Leave)Location: St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (SJK)Position Summary:St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (SJK) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to join our Advancement Team as the Associate Director, Advancement. In this role, you will be pivotal in cultivating and strengthening donor relationships while overseeing the annual fund, prospect research, stewardship activities, and community engagement events. Reporting to the Executive Director, Advancement, the Associate Director will collaborate with all departments to ensure an integrated fundraising and donor relations approach. We seek a strategic thinker and excellent communicator with a passion for philanthropy and a strong commitment to building meaningful, long-term partnerships with donors.
Start Date: February, 2025Contract: Full Time, Contract.Qualifications and Experience:- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising, focusing on donor relations, annual fund campaigns, and event management.
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals and fostering long-term donor relationships.
- Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging and inspiring a wide range of stakeholders.
- Proficiency in donor management software and databases; experience with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge is an asset.
- Ability to think strategically, analyze data, and make informed decisions to enhance donor relations and fundraising outcomes.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with donors, board members, and community partners.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as required for donor events and meetings.
- A genuine passion for the School’s mission and a commitment to philanthropy.
Responsibilities:- Major Gifts
- Collaborate with the Executive Director, Advancement to develop and implement major giving strategies aligned with the School’s fundraising goals.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of prospective major donors, building strong, lasting relationships that maximize philanthropic potential.
- Conduct targeted prospect research, prepare tailored gift proposals, and coordinate donor outreach efforts to align donor interests with the School’s priorities.
- Track and analyze major gift activities, providing regular updates and recommendations to refine solicitation strategies and ensure revenue targets are met.
- Donor Relations and Stewardship
- Cultivate, nurture, and grow relationships with existing and prospective donors, ensuring a personalized and meaningful donor experience.
- Develop and implement comprehensive donor stewardship strategies, including recognition programs, targeted communications, and personalized outreach.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director, Advancement to create tailored engagement opportunities that deepen donor connections with SJK’s mission, vision, and values.
- Oversee donor acknowledgments and ensure timely, consistent, and thoughtful follow-up.
- Prospect Research
- Conduct thorough research to identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential major gift prospects.
- Prepare comprehensive donor profiles and wealth assessments to inform cultivation and solicitation strategies.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date prospect information within the donor database.
- Community Events
- Coordinate and manage fundraising and community engagement events (e.g., galas, auctions, donor appreciation events), ensuring alignment with donor relations goals.
- Work closely with internal teams and external vendors to plan, organize, and execute events that inspire and engage donors.
- Oversee event logistics, budgets, and volunteer coordination to deliver impactful donor experiences.
- Collaboration and Relationship Building
- Partner with all departments, program directors, board members, volunteers, and community partners to integrate fundraising strategies.
- Serve as a key point of contact for donor-related communications, ensuring consistent messaging and high-quality interactions.
- Support the Executive Director, Advancement in identifying and stewarding major gift donors and developing pipelines for new prospects.
- Reporting and Analysis
- Track and analyze fundraising metrics related to donor engagement, retention, and overall fundraising performance.
- Prepare regular reports on donor relations efforts, fundraising progress, and event outcomes, providing strategic recommendations to enhance results.
- Ensure the donor database is accurately maintained and updated, utilizing data to inform decision-making and strategy development.
School Description:SJK is the leading co-educational independent school in the Waterloo Region of Ontario. The School, which was founded in 1972, is located on a beautiful 36-acre natural campus offering enriched educational programming for day students from JK-Grade 12 and international boarding students from Grades 9-12 through our accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The School’s co-ed Boarding Residence is near the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.SJK offers a world of learning where we embrace innovation, diversity and internationalism. We have dedicated and inspirational educators, attentive to the needs of individual students and their families. Our expectations are high; students are encouraged to find balance through academics, sports, arts, service and leadership. As the only accredited IB World Continuum School in Southwestern Ontario, our students love to learn and graduate as confident, well-rounded individuals fully prepared for post-secondary education and life beyond. Our graduates take their passions to the world as leaders and global citizens.As a community, we believe in the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. We strive to be a place where every student, faculty and staff member, parent and alumni feels welcomed and valued. We achieve this by living our core values and by appreciating that our learning community is enhanced by human differences. We value the unique experiences that each individual brings to our community and the myriad of perspectives that our diversity provides. We also recognize that it is our common humanity that binds us together as a community. We welcome applications from individuals who could positively contribute to our diverse community.To Apply:Interested and qualified candidates are invited to forward by email a letter of application and a résumé to Cheryl Boughton, Head of School by Wednesday, February 12, 2025, to: employment@sjkschool.org.The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date. Candidates are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Please be aware that the successful candidate must submit a vulnerable sector check.SJK is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including participation in the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan if eligible and opportunities for professional development in a vibrant, collegial work environment.Thank you for reading our job posting and considering whether applying to SJK is the next step in your career journey. While we appreciate all applications, we can only contact those selected for interviews.Note: This job description is intended to convey essential information about the scope and requirements of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support the organization’s fundraising and donor relations efforts. -
Director, Upper School
Job Title: Director, Upper SchoolLocation: St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (SJK)Position SummaryReporting to the Deputy Head of School, the Director, Upper School at St. John’s-Kilmarnock School is a strategic leader dedicated to advancing the School’s mission as a leading IB continuum school. This role is pivotal in driving teacher efficacy, fostering a culture of collaboration, and ensuring optimal student learning outcomes. The Director collaborates closely with the Director, Lower School to implement a seamless, whole-school approach that enhances the student and community experience. Additionally, the Director is responsible for ensuring the effective day-to-day functioning of the Upper School, while driving academic and operational excellence and innovation across all programs (education, pastoral care and student and community life). The successful candidate will work as part of the School Leadership Team under the direction of the Deputy Head of School, and will also have regular contact with members of the Executive Leadership Team, including the Head of School.Start Date: July 2, 2025Contract: Full Time, PermanentKey ResponsibilitiesEducational Leadership- Serve as the educational leader of the Upper School, overseeing daily operations and guiding faculty and support staff in their duties.
- Articulate the Upper School’s programs, expectations, and behavioural guidelines to ensure all constituencies are well-informed.
- Drive faculty efforts to enhance the learning environment to meet the needs of 21st-century learners.
Teaching and Learning- Serve as the expert administrator on all Ontario’s Ministry of Education directives, policies, processes and legislation.
- Provide effective leadership for the teaching and learning in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), ensuring alignment with IB standards and working closely with the IB programme coordinators and academic department heads.
- Develop and implement strategies that build collective teacher efficacy, enhance professional collaboration, and establish clear and challenging goals for students and teachers.
- Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of signature pathways and academic offerings unique to SJK.
- Support faculty in delivering innovative and rigorous curriculum and assessment practices that foster student engagement and achievement.
- Observe, supervise, and evaluate faculty in delivering the instructional program, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning.
- Lead the development of annual professional growth plans for all Upper School faculty.
Operational Leadership- Ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the Upper School, including schedules, events, and resource allocation.
- Responsible for creating the Upper School timetable to meet the strategic and operational goals of the division, and to support student learning and teacher efficacy.
- Effectively manage the Upper School’s budget, staffing, and facilities to support strategic and operational goals.
- Lead and oversee accreditation and compliance efforts (CAIS, CIS Ontario, IB, Ministry of Education in Ontario, and school policies), ensuring adherence to all relevant policies, standards and indicators of effective practice.
- Implements systems and structures that support the operational efficiency of the Upper School.
Student Experience and Well-Being- Champion a positive and inclusive school culture that prioritizes student well-being and personal growth.
- Build rapport with all students in the Upper School by being visible, approachable, and engaged in their daily experiences.
- Set and enforce high standards for decorum, etiquette, and civility through clear expectations for behaviour, uniforms, and discourse, modelling these values consistently.
- Through a collaborative circle-of-care model and in partnership with the Manager, Student Health and Wellbeing, monitors students' educational, physical, social, and psychological needs, developing plans and ensuring proactive and responsive follow-through on interventions to meet these needs.
- Provide academic guidance, maintain comprehensive academic records, and oversee grading and reporting standards through working closely with the Executive Assistant, Teaching and Learning.
- Oversee student discipline and support systems in alignment with SJK’s values and policies.
- Collaborate closely with the Director, Boarding to ensure the success, thriving and integration of students in SJK’s boarding program.
Community Engagement- Lead strong partnerships among faculty, students, and parents to build a vibrant and inclusive school community in collaboration with the Associate Director, Student and Community Life, and the SJK Parents’ Association.
- Communicate regularly about school programs, events, and activities that celebrate school life and inform parents of educational and developmental issues.
- Lead the development and execution of a best-in-class approach to Upper School assemblies and community engagement, working closely with their leadership team to establish regular, curated, and student-led programming that elevates the student and community experience.
- Lead the planning of Upper School opening ceremonies, closing ceremonies, commencement activities, grade-level trips, and other school-related events.
Qualifications and Experience:- Demonstrated success in strategic educational leadership, ideally within an IB or independent school context.
- An undergraduate teaching degree and eligibility for teacher certification in Ontario.
- A Master’s degree in Education, Leadership, or a related field (preferred).
- Strong knowledge and experience with the IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.
- Deep understanding of teacher efficacy research and its application to school improvement.
- Well-honed tact, diplomacy, intuition, care and sensitivity in working with parents and other school stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate programs, expectations, and guidelines to various constituencies.
- A commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the school community.
- Proven track record of fostering a climate of professional growth and teaching excellence.
- Experience in aligning academic programs with whole-school strategies and priorities.
School Description:SJK is the leading co-educational independent school in the Waterloo Region of Ontario. The School, which was founded in 1972, is located on a beautiful 36-acre natural campus offering enriched educational programming for day students from JK-Grade 12 and international boarding students from Grades 9-12 through our accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The School’s co-ed Boarding Residence is near the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.
SJK offers a world of learning where we embrace innovation, diversity and internationalism. We have dedicated and inspirational educators, attentive to the needs of individual students and their families. Our expectations are high; students are encouraged to find balance through academics, sports, arts, service and leadership. As the only accredited IB World Continuum School in Southwestern Ontario, our students love to learn and graduate as confident, well-rounded individuals fully prepared for post-secondary education and life beyond. Our graduates take their passions to the world as leaders and global citizens.
As a community, we believe in the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. We strive to be a place where every student, faculty and staff member, parent and alumni feels welcome and valued.We achieve this by living our core values and by appreciating that our learning community is enhanced by human differences. We value the unique experiences that each individual brings to our community and the myriad of perspectives that our diversity provides. We also recognize that it is our common humanity that binds us together as a community. We welcome applications from individuals who could positively contribute to our diverse community.To Apply:Interested and qualified candidates are invited to forward by email a letter of application and a résumé to Cheryl Boughton, Head of School by February 19, 2025, to: employment@sjkschool.org.The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date. Candidates are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Please be aware that the successful candidate must submit a vulnerable sector check.SJK is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including participation in the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan if eligible and opportunities for professional development in a vibrant, collegial work environment.Thank you for reading our job posting and considering whether applying to SJK is the next step in your career journey. While we appreciate all applications, we can only contact those selected for interviews.
Current Faculty Opportunities
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Lower School and Upper School Supply Teachers
Position Summary:
SJK is seeking highly motivated and committed supply teachers to be added to our Supply Teacher List. The successful candidates will be enthusiastic and innovative teachers who appreciate working in a collaborative environment, dedicated to the highest standards of teaching and learning.
Start Date:
Available to work during the current academic year.
Contract:
Temporary Supply Teaching
Qualifications and Experience:- A Bachelor of Education Degree
- Primary, Junior, Intermediate and/or Senior Divisional Qualifications
- An Ontario College of Teachers Certificate, or eligibility for teacher certification in Ontario
- OCT Membership in good standing
- Experience teaching in the Primary, Junior, Intermediate and/or Senior Divisions is an asset
- Experience teaching the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP, DP is an asset
- Independent school experience is an asset
Competencies:- A positive, enthusiastic, and encouraging approach to learning and all aspects of school life
- Collaborative and solution-focused, with a passion for teaching
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
- A proven ability to build a caring rapport with students
- Effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues
- An ability to instruct using a range of differentiated teaching strategies and technology
- A dynamic, dedicated team player with a strong work ethic
- Capacity to contribute to SJK’s co-curricular program
- Willingness to learn, and commitment to personal growth and development
To Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to forward by email a letter of application and a résumé to Cheryl Boughton, Head of School as soon as possible to: employment@sjkschool.org.
SJK is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development in a vibrant, collegial work environment.
While we appreciate all applications, we can only contact those individuals selected for interviews. As a condition of employment, a vulnerable sector screening will be required.
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