Summertime Discovery Head

Title: Summertime Discovery Head Department/Location: Preschool/Lower School, St. Louis Position Type: On-call, full-time during Summertime Discovery sessions

Summary

The Summertime Discovery Head advances Principia by leading the planning, organization, and implementation of the Summertime Discovery program, including related childcare offerings throughout the year. Reporting to Director of Auxiliary Programs, this role plays a critical part in designing engaging programming, managing logistics and staffing, and ensuring accurate administrative and financial processes. Success in this role draws on strategic thinking, maintaining a positive and welcoming environment, and organization. Significant advance planning and training are essential to ensure smooth program execution during active camp weeks. Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education - blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends. At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child - intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning. Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. Primary Responsibilities

• Develops, organizes, and leads weekly summer themes, including activities, field trips, crafts, games, snacks, and special guests
• Prepares materials and program supplies in advance, ensuring items are organized and labeled by theme for efficient use during camp
• Collaborates on timelines for summer program communication and website updates
• Learns and uses camp registration and attendance software

Enrollment & Staffing

• Tracks enrollment and monitors trends to determine appropriate staffing levels
• Trains new staff and shares employee expectations and procedures
• Plans, schedules, and manages staff to support daily operations in the summer.
• Coordinates communication for employee care days, including notices, registration, and payment processes

Program Operations

• Oversees daily program execution, ensuring a safe, organized, and engaging experience for children
• Maintains a structured and welcoming environment aligned with Principia’s values
• Responds to parent inquiries, including requests for attendance information

Attendance & Administrative Management

• Tracks daily attendance and maintains accurate written and digital records
• Communicates with families regarding registration discrepancies
• Maintains organized records to support parent requests and internal reporting

Financial Management

• Uploads receipts to the online credit card system and reconciles expenses monthly
• Assigns appropriate budget codes to expenses and supports overall budget tracking

Core Competencies

Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia:

• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.
• Leadership: Inspires and guides others with clarity, compassion, and accountability; supports individual and team growth in alignment with Principia’s mission and goals.
• Culture & Team Building: Fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication; demonstrates genuine care for team members’ well-being and development.
• Resource Stewardship: Manages budgets, time, and resources responsibly and strategically to achieve departmental and institutional objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements
• Experience working with children in a school, camp, or childcare setting
• Experience supervising, leading, or training staff preferred
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and plan ahead effectively
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate financial records and reconcile expenses
• Demonstrate support of Principia’s mission and philosophy by promoting a positive image of the school at all times

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status. In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia - as an institution with a religious mission - gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.