Head of Schools

Holland Christian Schools is a multi-site Christian school system located along West Michigan’s lakeshore in Holland, MI. The school has approximately 1,900 students from pre-school to high school across a variety of innovative programs and campuses. As a covenant school in the Reformed tradition, Holland Christian believes effective Christian education to be a close partnership among school, church, and family. The faculty and staff dedicate themselves to academic excellence, allowing each student to reach his or her full potential. The core values of faithfulness and excellence have guided the school for 125 years, and continue to guide its path in today’s complex world. Holland Christian’s Statement of Educational Philosophy serves as a guidepost for our school leaders and educators as they carry out the school’s mission.

Holland Christian began operating in 1901 as a K-8 school that met in a church until a school building was constructed. Its first high school class graduated in 1922, and since 1922, nearly 16,000 students have graduated to transform the world for Jesus Christ.

Mission, Values, and Beliefs

As stated by Holland Christian Schools

Mission

Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ.

Values

Discovery, Discernment, Discipleship, Flourishing, Hospitality, Renewal.

Beliefs

All instruction must be in harmony with the Bible and the Reformed Confessions.

Click here for more info about who we are.

Programming

• High School
• Pine Ridge (3rd Grade-5th Grade)
• Spanish Immersion (PreK – 12th Grade)
• Arts
• Educational Support Services

The Opportunity

Since its founding in 1901, Holland Christian Schools (HCS) has been focused on educating and developing the next generation of Christians. As a covenant school based on the principles of the Reformed Christian faith, HCS strives for a strong partnership with parents and churches to support the academic, spiritual, and personal development of every student who comes through its doors. HC takes seriously the call of Deuteronomy 6: “And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart, and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

The HCS Board of Trustees is seeking to identify a strong, visionary leader to faithfully steward the mission of Holland Christian Schools. The school has many advantages, including enrollment growth over the past five years, innovative education offerings, a dedicated faculty/staff team, and committed parents and families with deep roots in the Holland community.The school’s combined current enrollment of approx. 1,900 students (between pre-K through 12th grade), 16,000 alumni, $19 million operating budget, limited debt, and strong working capital serve as a foundation from which a new Head of Schools can build.

About the Head of Schools

The Head of Schools serves as the chief spiritual, academic, operations, finance, and executive leader in accordance with the Constitution of the Holland Christian School Society and the Mission of Holland Christian Schools. The Head of Schools will carry out our mission of “equipping minds and nurturing hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ.” He or she will pursue this mission extending our legacy of academic excellence and a vibrant Christian education. He or she will genuinely collaborate with the leadership team, our staff, our faculty and our parents as we serve the needs of both students and their families. Similarly, he or she will enthusiastically welcome the opportunity to increase enrollment while ensuring Christian education remains affordable for those we serve. This will require strategic engagement of both long-standing and new supporters of Holland Christian Schools throughout the Christian community.

The Head of Schools’ responsibilities include:

• Continuous improvement of school affordability by increasing enrollment, the tuition grant fund and efficient use of school resources.
• Sustain Holland Christian Schools through effective use of finances, partnerships, and programs.
• Build and grow relationships with current and future donors.
• Know the pulse of the students, parents, staff, board, donors, and each individual school building.
• Advise and inform the Board with clarity and wisdom.
• Build a strong Christian community in the Holland/Zeeland area by engaging families and churches through communication, school representation and school service projects.
• Analyze local and global academic developments; use outcomes to improve school performance.
• Leads strategic and tactical development of a grade and program plans (which are in alignment with facility planning).
• Solidify Holland Christian as the local school of choice and a regional employer of choice.

Christian Commitment Requirements

• Live out your faith in the community. Be a person of impeccable character and passion for Christ and His Kingdom – a model of faith and commitment lived out in our school.
• Sense a calling – a mission from God – in your work and vocation.
• Be a member in good standing of a local Christian church.
• Support the basis and purpose of the school. “The educational program of the school is founded upon the infallible Word of God as interpreted by the common Reformed creeds (Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed) and confessions, such as the Three Forms of Unity (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dort), the Westminster Standards (Westminster Larger and Smaller Catechism, Westminster Confession of Faith), or the Second London Baptist Confession” (from the Articles of Incorporation).
• Indicate personal agreement with the Reformed creeds and confessions by signing the “Faith Covenant,” which indicates that the doctrines of the Reformed Creeds and confessions “fully agree with the Word of God.” The “Faith Covenant” goes on to testify that out of gratitude “for these expressions of faith, [you] promise to be formed and governed by them… heartily believe and will defend their doctrines faithfully, conforming [your] teaching, leading, serving, and living to them.”
• Align with and defend the Holland Christian School Employee Expectations.

Core Competencies

• Developing the Team – Sets clear direction for the team creating strong morale; shares wins and successes; is good at establishing clear directions; sets stretch objectives; distributes the workload appropriately; lays out work in a well-planned and organized manner; maintains two-way dialogue on work and results.
• Managerial Courage – Doesn’t hold back anything that needs to be said; provides current, direct, complete, and “actionable” positive and corrective feedback to others; lets people know where they stand; faces up to people problems quickly and directly; is not afraid to take negative action when necessary.
• Strategic Agility – Sees ahead clearly; anticipates future consequences and trends accurately; articulates credible possibilities; can create and deliver competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans.
• Drive for Results – Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; constantly performs and delivers; very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.
• Focus on Those Served – Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of those served internally and externally; systematically gets feedback and uses it for improvements; acts with those we serve in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders, gaining trust and respect.
• Hiring and Staffing – Approaches hiring and staffing strategically with a clear mission-critical process and engagement of others; hires the best people available from inside or outside without hiring in own likeness; is not afraid of selecting strong people; assembles a talented staff.
• Organizational Acumen – Knows how educational institutions work; knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, and trends affecting the institution; knows the competition and is willing to make appropriate comparisons; engages strategies and tactics in the competitive educational marketplace.
• Comfort with Influencers – Can deal comfortably with influential people; can relate 1:1, in a small group, or for large presentations without undue tension or nervousness; understands other leaders; can determine the best way to get things done by responding to their needs; can craft approaches seen as appropriate and positive…without being crafty.
• Problem Solving – Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; probes all fruitful sources for answers; can see hidden problems; is excellent at honest analysis; doesn’t stop at the first answer.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Head of Schools:

Education and Experience

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; a Christian education is preferred.
• Doctorate or Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Organizational Leadership, or Business Administration is preferred.
• 5+years of related experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Successful professional executive experience; principal and/or prior Head of Schools experience in a Christian academic institution is preferred.
• Possess expertise in strategic planning, academic programming, finance, and board relations.
• A recognized leader in strategic thinking, tactical execution, motivation and organizational growth.
• Demonstrate excellence in communication.
• Enthusiastic and hard-working – an inspiration to teachers, students, parents, alumni, and donors.
• Able to study, understand, and appreciate the heritage, current state, and future of Holland Christian .

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• An open and collaborative relationship with the Holland Christian School Board.
• Responsible for the performance of principals and administrative leaders.
• Actively participate in the life of the schools – interact with teachers, students, staff, parents, and volunteers.
• Maintain strong relationships with other local Christian schools, churches, public schools, businesses, and universities.
• Bring a positive attitude, a teaming approach, and an ethic of excellence every day. Lead approachably, engage passionately, commit deeply, and serve selflessly.
• Engage in an annual open and honest review of personal and institutional performance with the Board.

Key Qualities

• Results Focused Innovator.
• Performance Driven Leader.
• Strategic and Practical Visionary.
• Team Builder and Talent Developer.
• Bridge Builder – Church, Families, and School.

What it’s like to live in Holland, MI

Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Holland is a charming and vibrant city known for its welcoming community, scenic beauty, and strong sense of well-being. In fact, Holland has been recognized as one of the happiest places to live in the United States, thanks to its friendly atmosphere, community pride, and high quality of life. Residents enjoy a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern convenience, with a bustling downtown, unique local shops, and year-round cultural events like the world-famous Tulip Time Festival. Surrounded by beaches, parks, and trails, Holland offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation—making it an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.

Think You’re a Great Fit for This Role?

Yes, Vanderbloemen can contact me about job opportunities.