Head of School

interDENOMINATIONAL

total student body: 329

Meet Makua Lani Christian Academy

Makua Lani Christian Academy (MLCA) exists to partner with families in providing a Christ-centered education that develops students spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically to know God and live with purpose. MLCA serves students from Jr. Kindergarten through 12th grade, striving for excellence in academics and discipleship while cultivating a culture of grace, accountability, and love.

About the Head of School

The Head of School will be entrusted with leading Makua Lani Christian Academy into its next chapter. We seek a Christ-centered, visionary leader who inspires excellence, builds thriving teams, and stewards our mission with wisdom, humility, and bold faith.

The Head of School’s responsibilities include:

Spiritual and Missional Leadership

• Lead by example as a committed follower of Jesus Christ, modeling biblical values, humility, and servant leadership.
• Protect and cultivate the spiritual climate of the school, ensuring biblical truth shapes decision-making, relationships, and school culture.
• Champion the spiritual formation of students, staff, and families, recognizing discipleship as central to the school’s mission and flourishing.
• Lead in prayer, devotion, and biblical wisdom to foster a Christ-centered community that reflects the fruit of the Spirit.
• Strengthen the school’s partnership with churches, families, and the broader Christian community.

Visionary and Cultural Leadership

• Cast a compelling, God-honoring vision for the school’s future that inspires unity and shared purpose.
• Foster a culture of grace, accountability, and belonging, where each student and staff member is known, valued, and empowered.
• Promote a healthy, thriving organizational culture that reflects Christ’s love and promotes emotional, spiritual, and professional flourishing.
• Ensure the school’s programs, policies, and community life align with its mission and values.

Relational and Community Leadership

• Build authentic, trust-based relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, the Board, and the broader community.
• Communicate openly and transparently, promoting clarity, empathy, and shared understanding.
• Shepherd the leadership team and faculty through mentorship, professional development, and relational support.
• Cultivate unity while respecting diverse perspectives anchored in shared faith and mission.
• Serve as a visible and approachable leader within the school and local community, building partnerships that advance the mission.

Organizational and Operational Leadership

• Provide oversight for all day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, mission priorities, and best practices in Christian school leadership.
• Build and strengthen systems, processes, and structures that promote operational health, accountability, and sustainable growth.
• Ensure healthy collaboration across campuses, programs, and teams, reducing silos and aligning efforts.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, evaluating programs and practices for mission-fit and effectiveness.
• Recruit, retain, and develop high-quality, Christ-centered staff and faculty who reflect the school’s values and high standards.

Instructional and Academic Leadership

• Champion academic excellence while integrating a biblical worldview across all curriculum and programs.
• Lead the academic team in ongoing curriculum evaluation, instructional development, and alignment with accreditation standards. To build academic experience and prepare students for future College and Career excellence.
• Support and develop faculty to embrace best practices in education and discipleship, fostering a growth mindset.
• Ensure that MLCA graduates are prepared academically, spiritually, and socially to live out their faith and purpose in the world.

Financial Stewardship and Resource Development

• Serve as chief steward of the school’s finances, ensuring fiscal responsibility and wise resource allocation.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and manage budgets that reflect strategic priorities and mission advancement.
• Lead fundraising, donor cultivation, and resource development efforts to support growth and sustainability.
• Prioritize resource allocation toward mission-critical needs, facilities, staff, and student programs.

What you bring

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

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Master’s Degree preferred
• ACSI Administration Certification preferred
• 3+ years of school administration leadership experience

Leadership Characteristics and Qualifications

Leadership Characteristics (Aligned with ACSI’s Flourishing Leaders Model)

• Spiritually Grounded: Leads with wisdom, biblical truth, and dependence on Christ.
• Relationally Attuned: Builds authentic, trust-based relationships with humility and empathy.
• Visionary and Strategic: Casts compelling vision and drives forward mission-aligned priorities.
• Instructional Leader: Champions academic rigor and biblical integration in teaching and learning.
• Organizational Steward: Ensures systems, processes, and resources serve the people and the mission well.
• Culturally Intentional: Shapes a thriving, grace-filled school culture where staff, students, and families flourish.
• Accountable and Courageous: Holds self and others to high standards of integrity, excellence, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• A mature, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and an unwavering commitment to Christian education.
• Strong alignment with the mission, vision, and values of MLCA.
• Proven leadership experience in an educational, ministry, or nonprofit setting. Head of School or senior-level administrative experience preferred.
• Systems thinker with a demonstrated ability to build and strengthen organizational health, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Experience with ACSI accreditation standards and Christian school leadership models is preferred.

What it’s like to live in Kailua-Kona, HI

​​Living in Kailua-Kona, HI, offers a laid-back, island lifestyle surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The weather is warm and tropical year-round, with a constant breeze from trade winds that helps keep things comfortable. The small-town atmosphere and tight-knit community make it a friendly place to live. Kailua-Kona is less tourist-heavy than other Hawaiian destinations, giving it a relaxed vibe while still offering plenty of outdoor activities and places to explore. Residents can enjoy local beaches like Magic Sands Beach, perfect for swimming and bodyboarding, or visit the serene Green Sands Beach for a more secluded experience. 

The area is also known for its world-renowned coffee, and you can tour farms like Greenwell Farms, Kona Coffee and Tea Company, White Nene Coffee Roasters, or Hula Daddy Kona Coffee to learn about and sample Kona coffee. History enthusiasts can visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a sacred site with ancient Hawaiian temples and stunning ocean views, or explore the nearby Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, which features petroglyphs, ancient fish ponds, and peaceful walking paths. For those interested in volcanoes, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a short drive away, where you can hike trails, explore lava tubes, and witness the power of active volcanoes like Kīlauea. Overall, Kailua-Kona offers a slower, peaceful lifestyle with endless opportunities to enjoy nature, Hawaiian culture, and a welcoming community.