About This Role
Company Operating Name: Collingwood School
Business Address: 70 Morven Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7S 1B2
Title of the Position: Head of School
Expected Start Date: July 2027
Executive Summary:
Collingwood is recognized as one of Canada’s leading independent day schools, accommodating 1,260 students across two campuses: Wentworth (Junior School, JK–7) and Morven (Senior School, Grades 8–12). The educational framework at Collingwood prioritizes a personalized, real-world approach that lays strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. We promote curiosity and independence, inspiring students to apply their knowledge in practical settings. Our diverse co-curricular activities in Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Service empower students to discover their interests and unique purpose. Graduates from Collingwood are highly sought after by top universities and carry with them a lasting sense of pride and belonging. The institution benefits from financial stability, engaged governance, and a strategic vision reinforced by philanthropy and substantial reserves. Continuous innovation in areas such as AI integration, experiential and outdoor education through Indigenous partnerships, and a distinctive 2-5-1 trimester model at the senior school positions Collingwood as a frontrunner in independent education in Canada.
The Board of Governors is seeking an exceptional and community-focused leader to succeed Lisa Evans, who will retire as Head of School in the summer of 2026 after 32 years of devoted service, including 17 years as Head of Morven Campus and 8 years as Head of School. This presents a unique and rewarding opportunity for a distinguished educational leader to help shape the future of Collingwood. The next Head of School is expected to start in July 2027 and will honor Collingwood’s traditions while championing an inspiring agenda that engages the present and envisions the future. Building on a legacy of academic excellence, innovation, student wellbeing, and holistic education, the Head of School will work alongside a dedicated community to craft a shared vision for the next chapter of Collingwood.
The ideal candidate will be a distinguished and inspiring educational leader with a strategic vision, a deep understanding of independent schools, and a proven history of steering complex organizations through significant growth and transformation. They will exhibit excellence in pedagogy and learning, possess strong governance and financial acumen, and have experience in fundraising as well as managing long-term capital projects. Authentic and courageous, they will build trust and unity across diverse communities while leading with empathy, diplomacy, and integrity. Committed to student wellbeing, faculty development, and the foundational values of Collingwood, the next Head will lead with clarity, collaboration, and purpose.
Job Duties:
The Head of School will report to the Board of Governors and will be responsible for advancing Collingwood’s strategic direction, overseeing its academic and operational performance, and fostering a high-performing, inclusive, values-driven culture. This multifaceted and fulfilling leadership role includes several key responsibilities:
Vision and Strategic Leadership
- Formulate and communicate a clear, coherent, and forward-thinking educational vision.
- Spearhead the development and execution of a new strategic plan.
- Direct comprehensive initiatives that effectively enable future-focused change within the school.
- Ensure strong alignment between governance and school leadership by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and accountability channels to propel the school forward.
- Provide decisive and transparent leadership that harmonizes collaboration with timely execution and measurable results.
Education and Innovation
- Build on the strengths of Collingwood’s four pillars – academics, athletics, arts, and service – while ensuring that wellbeing and inclusion are at the forefront of all initiatives.
Apply via the WhatSchool platform.