Head of School
THE OPPORTUNITY:
OJCS seeks a visionary leader who is both an accomplished educator and institution builder. The Head of School will be charged with upholding the highest standards in Jewish, French, and General Studies, while fostering a dynamic, inclusive learning environment. They will also play a central role in engaging the broader community and shaping the school’s future priorities and growth. This position requires a passionate and decisive leader with strong administrative, mentoring, and planning skills. The ideal candidate will embody the school’s values and effectively translate its mission into actionable strategies and impactful programming.
As a key figure in the Ottawa Jewish community, the Head of School will develop strong relationships with local institutions, serve as OJCS’s ambassador to the community and stakeholders, and work closely with the Board to guide long-term vision and strategy. The Head will also advocate for Jewish day school education and promote an environment that respects and welcomes students from all streams of Judaism, encouraging open dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusivity.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:
- Deep understanding of and commitment to Jewish values, history, and practice.
- Proven leader in education and organizational management within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Strategic and tactical decision-maker with a respectful, assertive presence among staff, parents, and students.
- Persuasive communicator able to articulate vision and values to diverse constituencies, including faculty, board, parents, and donors.
- Business-minded with experience in developing and implementing a sustainable operational model.
- Committed to academic excellence in both Judaic and secular studies; dedicated to teacher growth and performance.
- Visionary thinker with a big-picture mindset and creative, results-oriented problem-solving skills.
- Hebrew and French language skills are a plus.
Ottawa Jewish Life
Ottawa’s Jewish community—15,000 strong—is vibrant, diverse, and deeply connected. Nearly one-third of the population is under 25, and there’s a strong presence of both young families and baby boomers. The community is building what it calls a “Jewish Superhighway”—a broad network of meaningful, inclusive Jewish experiences where everyone has a place.
Jewish life in Ottawa is welcoming, affordable, and full of opportunity. The city offers kosher food, 12 synagogues across all major denominations, Jewish schools, and a thriving Jewish Community Centre (JCC). OJCS is located on the Jewish Community Campus which also includes the JCC, Hillel Lodge (a long-term senior’s care facility), Tamir (for adults with development disabilities) and much more—offering cradle-to-senior services and programs that support Jewish life at every stage.
Ottawa: Canada’s Capital City
Ottawa is a cosmopolitan capital with small-city warmth. With a population of over one million, it blends history, culture, and natural beauty in a uniquely livable environment. The economy is anchored by government and tech, offering stable, high-quality employment opportunities.
Residents enjoy four seasons of activity—from world-class museums and festivals to biking trails, ski hills, and the iconic Rideau canal. Multicultural globally connected, Ottawa boasts diverse dining, vibrant neighborhoods, and excellent public services. It’s a city where international flair meets Canadian charm—and where families can thrive.
Interested candidates that meet the above criteria should click here to download the full job description and follow the application instructions therein.