Snapshot

Accreditation: American Association of Christian Schools (AACS)

Enrollment:  430

Location: Las Cruces, NM

The Role: Head of School

Appointment Year: 2024-2025

Meet Mesilla Valley Christian School:

MVCS was founded in 1974 as a K-12 extension of College Heights Kindergarten, thus the original name was College Heights Christian School.  In 1985 the school incorporated and became Mesilla Valley Christian School. In 1995, New Mexico granted accreditation recognition status to ACSI, and as the pilot school for the project, MVCS became one of the first ACSI accredited schools in New Mexico.

Today MVCS serves 425 students by providing a Christ-centered education that integrates a Biblical-worldview into its curriculum – emphasizing academic excellence alongside spiritual development. MVCS offers a range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and sports programs to provide a well-rounded educational experience for its students.

Mission & Vision

Mission
MVCS supports the home, church, and community by equipping the next generation of godly servant-leaders with an exceptional Christ-centered, college preparatory education.

Vision
MVCS develops students who treasure knowledge and represent Christ through noble character and loyal relationships with Him.

Core Values

Christian Basis: A ministry team committed to following Christ, inspiring students to save faith in Christ so that they become life-long disciples through the study of His revealed truth in the Bible.

Education Focus: Teaching a curriculum founded on a Christian worldview to establish high academic standards and mature conduct.

Character Development: Fostered in a positive learning environment with godly role models where servanthood, teamwork, and leadership are promoted.

Evangelical Outreach: Graduating servant-leaders to be lights of the world in college and career endeavors.

Stewardship of Resources: Being responsible for God-given resources by maintaining modern facilities and providing adequate faculty and staff compensation.

About the Head of School:

Mesilla Valley Christian School (MVCS) is seeking its next Head of School. The Head of School will interact with a variety of assignments focused upon the social, spiritual, and academic development of students and leading in the overall successful operation of the ministry.

The Head of School Responsibilities Include: 

An effective Head of School at Mesilla Valley Christian School will: 

• Serve as the administrative and spiritual leader of the school. 

• Represent the school and develop/maintain relationships with the greater community, including state and national issues, ACSI, AACS, the NMAA (and others) as needed.  

• Oversee MVCS fundraising.

• Maintain up to date knowledge of issues such as school law, best practices for Christian schools, and state/federal compliance. 

• Lead in faculty devotions and all employee in-service training. 

• Emcee/lead weekly chapels (4) on a rotating basis with the Assistant Head of School.

• Oversee and maintain all state and accreditation agency teacher certification requirements for K-12 faculty.

• Serve as Director of Admissions. 

• Serve as HR Director / Business Manager for the school. Oversees employee evaluation program.

• Serve as Curriculum Coordinator for the school. 

• Oversee the development of the school calendar and master schedule.

• Oversee the development of the annual budget for approval by the Board of Trustees.

• Serve as an ad hoc member of all board level committees.

• Oversee employee evaluation program. 

• Attend appropriate meetings of the Board of Trustees, including planning sessions.

• Lead the school in  maintaining accreditation with a regionally recognized accreditation agency accepted by the State of New Mexico.

• Provide (or delegate) leadership for annual student retreats and Spiritual Emphasis Week.  

• Maintain communication with families and staff via regular information sharing (e.g. publish monthly (10 editions a year) the Good News newsletter, regular email updates, etc).

This role description is intended to represent key areas of responsibilities; specific assignments may vary from time to time, and other duties may be assigned.

What You Bring: 

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree required, preferably in school administration.

• Minimum of five (5) years of classroom experience in a K-12 academic setting.

• Experience in organizational budgeting and Biblically-based financial management practices.

• Preference will be given to candidates who have a minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in the supervision of both employees and students in a ministry/education setting.

Personal Characteristics

• Must be a born-again believer demonstrating a growing relationship with Christ Jesus and regularly attend a like-minded evangelical church.

• Rich understanding and commitment to the Christian school philosophy of education

• Good facilitator and communicator both in oral and written communication.

• Ability to successfully develop and maintain positive relationships with faculty and staff, students and families.

• Maintain administration-level certification with MVCS-chosen accreditation agency.

• Task oriented and able to work independently, meet deadlines, and complete projects in a professional and timely manner.

• School age children must attend MVCS, exceptions will be made for unusual circumstances.

• Must be in full agreement with the MVCS Faculty/Staff Handbook, including Doctrinal and Lifestyle Statement.

What it's Like to Live in Las Cruces, NM: 

Las Cruces offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a welcoming community, making it a great place to call home. The city's stunning landscapes, with the Organ Mountains to the east and the Mesilla Valley stretching out in the west, provide a picturesque backdrop for residents. The sunny weather and relatively mild climate throughout the year make outdoor activities easily accessible, whether it's hiking in the nearby mountains, exploring the historic Old Mesilla, or enjoying community events in the various parks.

Las Cruces also boasts a diverse and vibrant cultural scene. Residents can immerse themselves in the city's rich history through visits to the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum or the historic adobe architecture in Old Mesilla. The city hosts numerous cultural events, including festivals, art shows, and farmers' markets, fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for residents to engage with local artists and businesses. The affordability of living in Las Cruces, combined with its friendly atmosphere and diverse amenities, creates a welcoming environment for families, retirees, and individuals seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle in the heart of the Southwest.

Process & Timeline

Interested candidates should begin the process through the link provided in the job posting.

Priority will be given to materials submitted prior to February 28, 2023, however, candidates will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Mesilla Valley Christian School would like to name their next Head of School by March of 2024.

Think you're a great fit for this role? Become a candidate below.