Careers at Harley

Located in Brighton NY, and founded in 1917, Harley enrolls approximately 450 students in Nursery through Grade 12. Our rigorous academic programs and exceptional fine arts curriculum are combined with unique offerings (hospice, glass studio, biomimicry), a commitment to experiential service learning, a deep commitment to the centrality of the student voice, and a nurturing environment for young people. The School is committed to diversity and the education of students in a global perspective.

For most positions, resumes are reviewed until the successful candidate is found. Due to the volume of applications, we regret that we will not acknowledge receipt of every application. Only candidates of interest are contacted.

The Harley School is an Equal Opportunity employer and welcomes candidates who add to our diversity.

Opportunities at The Harley School

Head of Middle School

The Harley School seeks a dynamic, thoughtful, and deeply relational educator to serve as its next Head of Middle School. Serving students in Grades 5–8, the Head of Middle School plays a critical role in shaping the academic, social, and emotional experience of early adolescence at Harley.

This is a hands-on leadership role for an individual who knows and loves Middle School students, values faculty expertise, and understands the power of presence, trust, and consistency in a small, mission-driven school community.

Position Overview

The Head of Middle School reports to the Head of School and is responsible for the overall leadership, culture, and daily operation of the Middle School division. The successful candidate will be a visible leader who builds strong relationships with students, faculty, and families while stewarding an academically rigorous, developmentally responsive, and joyful Middle School experience.

Core Responsibilities

Student Life, Culture, and Wellbeing

• Foster a Middle School culture rooted in kindness, fairness, belonging, and respect
• Be a highly visible presence in classrooms, hallways, lunch, recess, and school events
• Know students well and build authentic relationships with each child
• Lead student discipline with consistency, transparency, and restorative practices
• Employ a culturally responsive approach to all student work 
• Communicate student issues clearly and consistently with faculty and families
• Support advisory and social-emotional learning programs
• Ensure student safety, voice, and inclusion are central to decision-making
• Protect and celebrate Middle School traditions and joyful community moments
  

Academic Leadership

• Provide thoughtful instructional leadership aligned with Harley’s mission
• Establish and hone strong academic systems that support staff and faculty in keeping the Middle School running smoothly
• Support curriculum coherence, rigor, and articulation across grades 5–8
• Collaborate with Lower and Upper School leaders to strengthen transitions
• Promote strong study skills, executive functioning, and preparation for Upper School
• Partner with faculty on assessment, feedback, and continuous improvement
  

Faculty Leadership and Support

• Build a cohesive, supportive, and professional faculty culture
• Offer a balance of new and innovative ideas with respect for tradition and experience among staff
• Observe teaching and provide constructive, growth-oriented feedback
• Incorporate an anti-bias lens to professional work
• Encourage collaboration, reflection, and shared practice among teachers
• Advocate for faculty and support them in navigating student and parent concerns
• Communicate clearly, consistently, and respectfully with staff
  

Family Partnership and Communication

• Communicate proactively and transparently with families
• Build trust through consistency, follow-through, and accessibility
• Engage families through newsletters, meetings, and opportunities for dialogue
• Partner with families while centering student wellbeing and faculty professionalism
• Solicit feedback from families and work towards partnership during challenges
  

Community Leadership

• Articulate a compelling vision for the Middle School
• Serve as a positive ambassador for the division within the broader school community
• Support enrollment, retention, and the Middle School’s reputation
• Collaborate closely with the Head of School and leadership team
  

Qualifications and Attributes

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Deep understanding of early adolescent development
• Strong relational skills and emotional intelligence
• Experience teaching and/or leading in a middle school setting
• Prior division leadership experience strongly preferred
• Experience with independent schools preferred but not required
• Leadership experience in other mission-centered schools and organizations also considered
• Masters degree in relevant field preferred but not required
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• A calm, steady, and reflective leadership presence
• Strong knowledge of best instructional practices

What Success Looks Like

• Students feel known, safe, heard, and proud of their Middle School
• Faculty feel supported, respected, and optimistic
• Families trust the leadership and understand decisions
• The Middle School feels joyful, coherent, and stable
• The division is seen as a strength of the Harley experience

Why Work at Harley?

Founded in 1917, The Harley School is known for its progressive approach to education, deep sense of community, and commitment to developing learners who lead lives of purpose. Our rigorous academic programs and exceptional arts curricula are coupled with unique offerings in the Commons, representing our commitment to education for a sustainable future. Harley is recognized as an educational thought leader. At Harley, you’ll join a team of passionate educators and administrators who are deeply committed to student-centered learning and innovation, with opportunities for ongoing professional development and growth. 

To Apply

In the interest of promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce, The Harley School welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and identities. Our School’s mission statement begins, “We are a diverse, inclusive community of learners.” Along with a cover letter, resume, and list of references, we ask that you provide a personal statement on how you see yourself promoting diversity and inclusivity if you join the Harley community. 

The annual base salary range for this position is $100,000 – $115,000 plus a robust benefits package that may include partial tuition remission.The Harley School considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, essential skills, internal peer equity, and market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. 

Start Date: July 1, 2026 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, diversity statement, and three references to jobs@harleyschool.org.  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Extended Day/Vacation Camp Childcare Worker

The Harley School seeks a Childcare worker in the Extended Day/Vacation Camp program. Extended Day is part-time Monday – Friday, 2:50- 6:00 p.m. Vacation camp hours are usually during school holidays and maybe in addition to regular Extended Day hours. Salary starting at $15 per hour.

Qualifications

• Over 18
• Experience working with children 3 yrs. – 11 yrs
• Dependability, communication skills, and an excellent work ethic
• Ability to accept guidance and supervision
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications are preferred but not required
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Creates a safe, friendly environment in the childcare area with quality supervision, focused attention, and caring service for the parents and their children
• Ensures registration and check-in/check-out procedures are followed
• Responds to each individual child’s needs promptly
• Supervises the use of toys and supplies and notifies the supervisor of supply needs, repairs, or replacements
• Maintains a clean, orderly area, picking up as needed and sanitizing toys as instructed
• Promotes a respectful community among the children, resolving conflict through appropriate words and actions
• Notifies supervisor of issues relating to each child (e.g. illness, crying, and conflict)
• Promotes the health of all children by notifying the supervisor when child(ren) are ill and by being responsive to known health conditions such as allergies and asthma
• Exhibits good listening skills when conflict or discipline issues arise and problem solves professionally. Defers to the supervisor if issues need further resolution.
• Reports any accidents or injuries immediately

To Apply

In the interest of promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce, The Harley School welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.  Our School’s mission statement begins, “We are a diverse, inclusive school.”  Along with a cover letter and résumé, we ask that you provide a personal statement on how you see yourself promoting diversity and inclusivity if you join the Harley community. 

Please send all inquiries and/or resumes to jobs@harleyschool.org.

Lifeguard

The Harley School, a Nursery through Grade 12 independent school in Rochester, New York, with approximately 500 students, seeks a part-time (5-20 hours per week) lifeguard to create and maintain a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting safe swimming conditions in the Harley Pool, deck and surrounding areas in accordance with school policies and procedures. Pay range for this position is $16 – $20 per hour.

Every candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to engaging in ongoing DE & I work, including their own professional growth, the integration of a culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogy, and continued learning opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Maintains active surveillance of the pool area 
• Responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with school policies, procedures; completes related reports as required
• Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner
• Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others
• Performs all secondary duties in a timely manner as required for each shift
• Performs all lifeguard duties, including ability to lift people out of pool, perform CPR, scan pool to ensure safety of participants
• Maintains accurate records as required by the School land/or the state health department code
• Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed
• Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving and for the duration of the shift
• Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action
• Attends Staff meetings and trainings as scheduled

Requirements

• Current lifeguard and first aid certification
• CPR w/AED and First Aid
• Water Safety Instructor certifications
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Ability to be flexible; can “monitor and adjust” to promote optimal learning and a collegial atmosphere

To Apply

In the interest of promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce, The Harley School welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and identities. Our School’s mission statement begins, “We are a diverse, inclusive community of learners.” Along with a cover letter and résumé, we ask that you provide a personal statement on how you see yourself promoting diversity and inclusivity if you join the Harley community.

Submit a cover letter, resume, and diversity statement to jobs@harleyschool.org and include lifeguard in the subject line.

All Divisions – Instructional Substitutes

The Harley School is seeking substitute teachers to provide per diem instructional services in various subject areas for its Lower, Middle and Upper School Divisions (Nursery (age 3) through Grade 12). Bachelors degree required. New York State teacher certification preferred, but not required. Candidates must be punctual and dependable; demonstrate professional demeanor; possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills; and the ability to interact effectively with faculty and students. Salary Range form $125 to $150 a day depending on experience. 

To apply, submit the following to jobs@harleyschool.org:

• Cover letter indicating the grade levels and subject areas in which you prefer to work
• Resume
• At least one reference letter
• Proof of completion of Bachelor’s degree (transcript or the degree certificate itself)
• If applicable, New York State teaching certificate or valid certification from another state
• Equal Employment Opportunity