Harvester Christian Academy Head of School Opportunity Profile

Opportunity Profile

Head of School

DOUGLASVILLE, GEORGIA

www.jobfitmatters.com

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TRAINING MINDS TO LEAD

AND HEARTS TO SERVE

Dear Prospective Head of School Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in Harvester Christian Academy’s Head of School position. We hope this

Opportunity Profile will provide you with an understanding of the mission of Harvester Christian Academy,

as well as the key qualities and characteristics we are seeking in our next Head of School.

For thirty-seven years, Harvester Christian Academy has been known for its Christ-centered education,

academic rigor, small class sizes, and its family atmosphere.

Our next Head of School will lead and serve with an eye to the future. Harvester’s motto is “training minds

to lead and hearts to serve.” We seek a Head of School who will live out this motto and strive to build upon

the strong legacy of the school. Harvester was founded upon and thrives today because of fervent prayers.

The next Head of School must be willing to lead and shepherd the faculty, students, and parents with

wisdom and courage that can come only from Christ.

We encourage you to read through this Opportunity Profile and explore the website at https://www.

harvesteracademy.org. If your spiritual gifts, talents, and experience qualify you as a candidate, we invite

you to review the Process of Candidacy section and follow the instructions provided. If you have questions,

please contact Laura Coverstone or Ed Poff (615.261.4623), the JobfitMatters consultants who are leading

this search.

Thank you for considering us. We are confident that as we pray and seek the Lord together, He will provide

for our needs. We recognize and acknowledge that God orders our steps as we seek His will. Please be in

prayer as you engage with this profile and know that we, in turn, have been praying for each person who

considers the servant leadership and spiritual maturity Harvester Christian Academy’s Head of School

role will require.

Sincerely,

Harvester Christian Academy

Board of Directors

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OVERVIEW

Harvester Christian Academy (HCA), located in the vibrant community of Douglasville, Georgia, is seeking

a visionary and spiritually grounded leader to serve as its next Head of School. For more than 37 years, HCA

has built a legacy of spiritual development and academic rigor, fostering a close-knit family atmosphere

where students grow in mind, body, and spirit. Guided by five core pillars— Scholarship, Leadership,

Worship, Sportsmanship, and Fellowship—the school remains committed to providing a Christ-centered

education that prepares students to lead and serve in their communities and beyond.

HCA’s next chapter offers exciting opportunities alongside meaningful challenges. The school boasts a

strong foundation with its dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and a robust sense of community. It has also

embraced an increasingly diverse student body, reflecting the broader population of the area. However,

critical decisions lie ahead to continue the school’s identity as a covenantal institution. Financially, the

school must address $2.5 million in debt and $1.2 million in investments and nurture a stronger culture of

giving to sustain growth and further enhance its offerings. Additionally, HCA is committed to expanding its

academic rigor and extracurricular options—such as advanced placement courses, electives, and athletic

facilities—to attract and retain students, particularly at the high school level.

The next Head of School will play a pivotal role in shaping HCA’s future by providing strategic vision, financial

stewardship, and Christ-centered leadership. This individual will need to unify stakeholders, develop and

implement a clear long-term plan, and build strong relationships across the school and the West Metro

Georgia community. They will also be expected to inspire excellence in academics and extracurricular

programs, ensuring HCA remains a top-tier college preparatory choice for families seeking a faith-based

education.

Douglasville, just 20 miles west of Atlanta, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and metropolitan

convenience. Its historic downtown, recognized as a National Main Street city, features a rich arts and

cultural scene alongside outdoor attractions like Sweetwater Creek State Park. Affordable living, strong

community connections, and access to Atlanta’s professional and cultural opportunities make Douglasville

an appealing place to live and work.

For a servant leader passionate about integrating faith, education, and community, Harvester Christian

Academy offers both a rewarding challenge and an extraordinary opportunity to impact lives for Christ.

We invite you to learn more through this Opportunity Profile and Harvester’s website at https://www.

harvesteracademy.org/.

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MISSION & GUIDING PILLARS

MISSION

HCA exists to provide a quality education for each student in a safe, diverse, and God-centered environment.

HCA is dedicated to preparing students for a successful and meaningful life of maximum contribution

to the cause of Christ, either in Christian service or in their career fields, where they are guided daily by

honesty, discipline, and awareness of others.

FIVE GUIDING PILLARS

The goal at HCA is to provide a completed educational experience, preparing students for life beyond the

classroom. HCA has identified five major pillars that are vital to this process.

Scholarship

Leadership

Worship

Sportsmanship

Fellowship

Scholarship is the belief that Christ is our primary audience and that excellence is the only acceptable

standard. All truth is God’s truth, and Scripture provides the Biblical standard by which we measure

all other claims to truth. It is achieved through a college-preparatory program of study taught with a

Biblical worldview by caring and skilled educators.

Leadership is the act of moving people toward godliness, worship, honoring Jesus, and loving others.

Qualities are developed through our Senior Role Models program, independent study, praise band,

mission trips, volunteer projects, and service clubs.

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MISSION & GUIDING PILLARS

Worship is to know God truly, and with joyful satisfaction, offer acts of praise and love in serving others

for the sake of Christ. It is at the heart of daily Bible lessons, Christian faculty and staff, weekly chapel,

and service to the community, as students learn that everything is in some way an act of worship.

Sportsmanship is a consistent modeling of Christ in our behavior and actions. It is learned through

character building athletic and academic competitions, where students have the chance to

consistently show love and respect like Jesus did, win or lose.

Fellowship is a deep bond between Christ and Christians resulting in eternal relationships with one

another. Opportunities allow students to use their God given talents to benefit HCA and the local

community as they grow in becoming servant leaders.

Woven through each of the core values is RESPECT. As

disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called upon to demonstrate

‘high regard’ for ourselves and for others. Regardless of

roles, positions or titles, we are called to LOVE one another.

Students, teachers, administrators and parents shall

exemplify these attributes in all aspects of their lives.

The Harvester’s Motto is

“TRAINING MINDS TO

LEAD AND HEARTS

TO SERVE.

”

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HISTORY

HCA opened its doors in 1987, initially with kindergarten through third grade. The community’s warm

reception led to rapid growth of both facilities and the student body. By 1996, HCA was educating students

in K4 through high school.

Since then, the campus has expanded to include a gymnasium and upgraded classroom spaces to

accommodate quality instruction with desirable teacher/student ratios as well as a STEM lab, computer

lab, physical and life science labs, media center, and art studio.

Harvester has celebrated several landmarks in its history, including the first graduating class in 1998,

enrolling exchange students in 2009, and welcoming international students in 2014. Through each of

these seasons, Harvester has continued to be known for its Christ-centered education, academic rigor,

small class size, and family-friendly community.

In 2016, Harvester Christian Academy and Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church disbanded their relationship.

HCA became its own entity while maintaining residence at its current location off Central Church Road.

The HCA Board of Directors is a self-governing elected board. In 2017, modular buildings were brought

onto campus west of the main building. In doing so, the main building continued to be the elementary

school. Middle school stayed in the building east of the main building. High school took residence in the

new modular building.

2019 brought the COVID-19 pandemic. In an unprecedented move, all classwork moved to a virtual

classroom format for the first half of 2020. This pandemic forced the cancellation of all in-person interaction

(academically, socially, athletically).

Since 2020, Harvester has experienced significant growth from 229 to 354 students, and the increasing

demand continues today.

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HARVESTER

INTERNATIONAL

HCA educates international students from multiple countries. The convenient proximity to the Atlanta

airport, quality instruction by caring teachers, and unique family environment are just a few of the many

factors that make HCA International an attractive option for those who meet the application and academic

standards for admission. Host families are committed to the care and protection of each international

student.

The Harvester International program focuses primarily on grades 8-12 and is fully authorized to issue

I-20 forms to eligible students. HCA is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International

(ACSI) and Cognia. Harvester graduates have been accepted at dozens of major universities and colleges

throughout the United States. In 2019, HCA entered into a unique partnership with the International

University Alliance (IUA) to support HCA’s international graduates in the college application and

matriculation process.

To date, HCA has served international students from Australia, Brazil, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Nigeria,

Thailand, Germany, Vietnam, China, and South Korea, as well as local students representing Douglas,

Paulding, Carroll, Fulton, and Cobb counties in Georgia. During the 2024-2025 school year, Harvester is

serving 5 international students from China, Vietnam, and Australia.

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STATEMENT OF FAITH

• We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God (2

Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21).

• We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis

1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30).

• We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35), His

sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26), His miracles (John 2:11), His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians

15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9), His resurrection (John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:4), His ascension to the

right hand of God (Mark 16:19), and His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11).

• We believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the

exceeding sinfulness of human nature, and that men are justified on the single ground of faith in the

shed blood of Christ, and that only by God’s grace and through faith alone are we saved (John 3:16-19,

5:24, Romans 3:23, 5:8- 9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5).

• We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection

of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29).

• We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12-

13, Galatians 3:26-28).

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STATEMENT OF FAITH

• We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to

live a godly life (Romans 8:13-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30, 5:18).

• We believe that the term marriage has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a

single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Genesis 2:18-25).

• We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are

married to each other (1 Corinthians 6:18, 7:2-5, Hebrews 13:4).

• We believe that God’s command is that there be no sexual intimacy outside of or apart from marriage

between a man and a woman. We believe that God wonderfully foreordained and immutably created

each person as either male or female in conformity with his/her biological sex. These two distinct yet

complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Rejection of

one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

• We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior,

bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matthew

15:18-20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

This Statement of Faith is not exhaustive of all of HCA’s beliefs. The Bible, as the inspired and infallible Word

of God, speaks with absolute authority regarding the proper conduct of mankind and is the unchanging

foundation for all belief and behavior.

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AT-A-GLANCE

ENROLLMENT 2024-2025

ETHNIC DIVERSITY OF STUDENTS

163 K4 - 6TH

TOTAL

ENROLLMENT

354

43%

40%

8%

95 7TH - 8TH

96 9TH - 12TH

3%

3% 3%

FINANCIAL

$

YEAR

STUDENT/FACULTY

RATIO

ANNUAL BUDGET 2024-25: $3.4M

2023-24 GIVING: $301K

TOTAL DEBT: $2.5M

ASSETS: $1.5M CASH

+ $9.4M FIXED ASSETS

FINANCIAL AID

ENROLLMENT

2020-2021 229

2021-2022 282

2022-2023 363

2023-2024 372

2024-2025 354

TOTAL FACULTY

& STAFF (FT & PT) 60

10:1

AFRICAN AMERICAN

CAUCASIAN

BI-RACIAL

TUITION 2024-2025

HISPANIC

ASIAN

OTHER

$5,315 — K4 HALF-DAY

$7,270 — K4/5 FULL-DAY

$9,245 — 1ST - 5TH

$10,420 — 6TH - 8TH

$11,265 — 9TH - 12TH

CLASS OF 2024 - 18 STUDENTS

100% GRADUATION RATE

100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE RATE

(220+ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITIES)

SAT AVERAGE: 1080

140 HCA STUDENTS RECEIVED FINANCIAL AID FOR THE CURRENT 2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR, REPRESENTING

98 FAMILIES. MORE THAN $475,000 IN FINANCIAL AID WAS AWARDED IN THE 2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR.

GEORGIA EDUCATION TAX SCHOLARSHIPS REPRESENTED ANOTHER $235,000 OF TUITION.

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AT-A-GLANCE

COLLEGE MATRICULATION

Graduates from the Class of 2024 are the recipients of over $6.4M in college scholarships. The Class

of 2024 attained the highest per-graduate scholarship average in HCA history, averaging $337,900 per

graduate.

ATHLETICS

CAMPUS LIFE

BASEBALL

BASKETBALL

CHEERLEADING

CLAY TARGET

FOOTBALL

FLAG FOOTBALL

GOLF

SOCCER

TRACK & FIELD

VOLLEYBALL

ACADEMIC COMPETITION

ART/DESIGN

CHESS CLUB

DRAMA/THEATER

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

KEY CLUB INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL BETA CLUB

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

PRAISE BAND

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

ACCREDITATION & MEMBERSHIPS

AWARDS

ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL (ACSI)

COGNIA

GEORGIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION (GISA)

GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE AND PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS (GAPPS)

MINISTRY SAFE

ALICE FOR SCHOOL SAFETY

GEORGIA INDEPENDENT ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (GIAA) – VARSITY

GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE & PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS (GAPPS) – MIDDLE SCHOOL

5-YEAR

AVERAGE

$5.5M COLLEGE

SCHOLARSHIP

OFFERS

“BEST OF

GEORGIA”

- TWO TIME “BEST

PRIVATE SCHOOLS”

STATE WINNER

RANKED #1

PRIVATE SCHOOL

IN DOUGLAS

COUNTY

“BEST OF

GEORGIA”

FOR THREE

CONSECUTIVE

YEARS

100% COLLEGE

ACCEPTANCE

TO OVER

220 SCHOOLS

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THE CAMPUS

HCA is located on the south side of Douglasville, Georgia, in Douglas County. HCA owns 30 acres of land,

which currently includes 50,000 square feet of building space. Additionally, the school has access to 15

acres of leased land owned by Georgia Power Company.

The administration building holds classrooms for grades K4-5 along with a 300-seat chapel, main office,

head of school office, and other offices. The gymnasium is connected to the administration building and

serves as a home court for the Hawks basketball and volleyball teams.

The high school building includes offices, classrooms, a media center, and state-of-the-art labs for

chemistry, biology, computer, and visual arts.

The middle school building houses student classrooms, a computer lab, a science lab, and testing areas.

HCA’s campus also includes a kindergarten/elementary playground, outdoor basketball court, large

physical education field, practice field for football and soccer, and a parking lot with 200+ car capacity.

The school also utilizes additional fields, courts, and facilities located near the school.

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THE POSITION

6 SPHERES THE POSITION OF LEARNING

The Head of School is the chief administrator of the school responsible for delivering a program of

academic excellence; maintaining the primacy of Christ in all school endeavors; supervising and

developing administrative leadership, staff and faculty; developing and retaining enrollment to maximize

available resources; cultivating and promoting community relationships; capital campaign development;

and representing the school professionally and enthusiastically while developing positive and strategic

relationships for the advancement and growth of Christian education.

CURRENT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART:

Board of

Directors

Head of School*

Director of

Academics*

Director of

Operations/

Campus Life

Elementary

Dean*

Middle School

Dean*

High School

Dean*

Admissions*

Athletic

Director*

Business

Manager

Safety & Security

Director

*HCA Leadership Team

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KEY CHARACTERISTICS

SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

• A strong understanding and knowledge of Scripture with a mature, Godly spirit, both privately and

in public.

• Biblical servant leader – leads and makes decisions based on Biblical principles. Seeks out God’s

will and agenda. Develops and equips people to advance God’s Kingdom through prayer and

supplication.

• An unreserved acceptance of the school’s Statement of Faith.

• Displays authenticity, humility and is transparent about strengths and weaknesses, can confidently

share leadership crucibles and identify lessons learned.

• Displays an understanding of and practices Biblical stewardship personally and professionally.

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

• An ability to articulate a Christian philosophy of education consistent with Scripture.

• Visionary – sees and communicates a vision of the future that inspires others to action.

• Strategic Thinker – able to lead the development of a clear 5-10 year strategic plan, including

enrollment, academics, and facilities. Can see and articulate a path to achieve a vision that will

differentiate the school in a valuable way.

• Holds others accountable to agreements, policies, plans and responsibilities.

• Collaborative approach with the board and other stakeholders to define and implement goals.

• Openness to and leadership toward new ideas, initiatives and concepts in education.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Ability to lead and shepherd a donor-cultivation strategy to improve facilities, invest in faculty and

staff, while maintaining affordable tuition. Challenges, motivates, evaluates, and rewards employees

and faculty.

• Timely, clear, and transparent communication with staff, students, parents, and the community.

• Relational skills to foster unity and trust within the school community.

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KEY CHARACTERISTICS

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONS EXPERTISE

• Competence in business and financial management, including resource allocation.

• Ability to delegate effectively and empower leadership teams.

PERSONAL CHARACTER

• Leads an exemplary life evident in business, finance, human resource and ethical matters.

• A life lived in public and private consistent with Biblical principles.

• A model of God’s ideal for the family.

• A spirit willing to listen and appropriately include the views and counsel of others.

“A FAMILY

LEARNING

TOGETHER...”

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QUALIFICATIONS

• Broad experience as a school administrator.

• Master’s Degree required (Doctorate preferred) or equivalent experience.

• Certified by ACSI (or equivalent) as an administrator or willing to immediately seek the same.

• Demonstration of executive and managerial leadership skills.

• Experience with and ability to create, monitor, and administer annual budgets successfully.

• Is a builder of community, teams, and a developer of people.

• Excellent written and oral communicator.

• Active involvement in a local church.

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EXPECTATIONS

The Head of School will carry out the role so that the following expectations are met:

1. IDENTITY AND MISSION:

• HCA continues to be dedicated to the education and development of the whole student -

academically, spiritually, physically and socially.

• Scripture is taught as the revealed Word of God and truth, appropriately integrated into the teaching

and learning experience.

• Maintained Christian identity with clear alignment across stakeholders.

• Admission policies are consistent with Board policy/direction. As a covenantal model school, this

policy needs regular communication, clarification, and commitment.

2. ENROLLMENT AND GROWTH:

• With enrollment nearing current capacity, develop appropriate facilities to support growth to meet

increasing demand in the area.

• Greater retention of students, particularly for high school.

3. ACADEMIC AND EXTRACURRICULAR EXCELLENCE:

• A well-defined vision and cohesive leadership team.

• HCA maintains an academic program that is challenging and dynamic, designed to meet the needs

of the students and consistently places the program at or above the mid-point of ACSI member

schools in standardized test scores.

• A professional in-service program that is systematically reviewed and implemented for the academic

and spiritual growth of the staff.

• Stronger academic reputation with robust elective programs, dual enrollment, and advanced

placement options.

• Improved athletic facilities, including a football field and enhanced gymnasiums.

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EXPECTATIONS

4. FINANCIAL HEALTH:

• Significant progress in capital campaign, with a culture of giving embedded in the community.

• Improved financial stability and reduced debt.

• Administration of compensation packages that are equitable with or better than comparable

programs and that recognize the worth of the individual staff member’s professional leadership

that is an agent for change and innovation.

5. COMMUNITY IMPACT:

• A stronger connection with the local community, fostering partnerships and greater visibility.

• Recognition as a “lighthouse” of Christian education in the region.

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DOUGLASVILLE, GEORGIA

Located 20 miles west of Atlanta, the city of Douglasville connects West Georgia and Alabama to

metro Atlanta. This family-oriented city with a population of 36,000+, has welcomed incredible growth,

revitalization, and development in recent years. Downtown Douglasville is a nationally designated Main

Street city and listed on the National Register of History Places.

There is much to enjoy in Douglasville. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the historical Sweetwater Creek

State Park. The state park offers boating, fishing, geocaching, hiking, and many picnic locations. Nearby,

Silver Comet Trail offers a 60-mile trail enjoyed by hikers, bikers, dog walkers, and more. For art-lovers,

Douglasville offers many options ranging from art galleries, murals, the Cultural Arts Council, and the

Douglas County Museum of History & Art. There are many opportunities for neighbors to visit and the

community to come together during the year, including festivals, Farmer’s Markets, Screen on the Green,

and more. On the dining scene, Douglasville is sure to please with a wide range of options ranging from

fine dining to cafes to coffee shops to popular food trucks.

Public transit in Douglasville is available via SRTA (bus). There are three electric vehicle charging locations

in Douglasville with four level two charging points. Numerous companies are represented in Douglasville,

including Inner Harbour Hospitals, Delta Air Lines, Northside Hospital, Georgia Tech, Emory University, to

name a few.

The median household income is $68,171, and the median home value is $197,698. Douglasville’s cost of

living is 4% lower than the national average.

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PROCESS OF CANDIDACY

If you believe that your talents and experience may be a good fit for the position of Head of School at

Harvester Christian Academy, we invite you to begin the inquiry process. Inquiries and expressions of

interest regarding this search may be forwarded to Laura Coverstone at JobfitMatters Executive Search and

will remain confidential.

Please submit the following for review:

1. A Current resumé.

2. Responses to the following essay prompts:

• Describe your testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. How is God using you in your work, in your church,

and in your community? How has your relationship with Jesus shaped your career and influenced your

decision to apply for this position?

• Describe your experience with Christian education, both personally and professionally. How would

you define the marks of “educational excellence” in a 21st-century Christian school?

• Why are you interested in serving Harvester Christian Academy?

• Using what you have learned about Harvester Christian Academy from their website, Opportunity

Profile, and any other research you may have conducted, describe how your life, career, and leadership

development have equipped you to lead and grow this school.

3. Provide the names and contact information (phone number and email address) of four references who

know you and your career well enough to comment on your suitability for this position. (Note: References

will only be contacted after we have received your permission to do so later in the candidacy process.)

Submit this information in one PDF to:

Laura Coverstone

JobfitMatters

resumes@jobfitmatters.com

Phone: 615.261.4623

Please include “Harvester Christian Academy Head of School” in the email subject line.

SEARCH TIMELINE: All candidate information will be reviewed upon receipt and will continue until the

Head of School is selected.

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