Director of Equity and Inclusion

Merion Mercy Academy, a leading independent Catholic girls’ school outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks a dynamic and student-centered educator versed in current trends, research, and emerging ideas to serve as the school’s first Director of Equity and Inclusion.

Merion Mercy Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, embraces its mission to graduate confident women who live mercy and seek justice.  Gospel values, the social justice teachings of the Catholic Church, and mercy values (collaboration, compassion and service, educational excellence, concern for women and women’s issues, global vision and responsibility) provide the foundation for the school’s culture.

The Director of Equity and Inclusion is a highly visible and skilled leader who uses a collaborative approach to motivate and inspire others.  Candidates will be strategic thinkers who are comfortable working on complex issues and understand how decisions impact the whole of a community.  He or she will have the wisdom and confidence to provide advice and counsel on sensitive matters of importance with respect to the school.  The ideal candidate will have the ability to develop and sustain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and possess exceptional judgment, and problem-solving skills.

Personal characteristics necessary for the position include positivity and enthusiasm for all aspects of school life; warmth and a good sense of humor; patience and persistence.

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director of Equity and Inclusion will: 

• In partnership with the Head of school, assist with the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and programs that sustain an antiracist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community.
• Provide strategic leadership in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion based upon the school's mission and long-range plan.
• Collaborate with the Director of Campus Ministry and other school leaders to nurture and integrate the charism of Mercy and social teachings of the Catholic Church throughout the school culture.
• Partner with other administrators to recruit, hire, welcome, mentor, evaluate and retain faculty and staff who reflect and/or support a diverse and inclusive community.
• Serve as a resource for faculty and staff in providing academic, emotional and social support for students/families of diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Head of School for Academics and other academic leaders to evaluate and support development of an inclusive and cross-cultural curriculum.
• Develop programs that foster global competencies, educate the community about issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion and create an identity-safe school community.
• Serve as the chair of the school DEI Committee and provide support for the Alumnae and Parents’ Association affinity groups.
• Work with the communications department to publicize diversity, equity and inclusion-related events, educational opportunities, workshops, etc. for students, faculty, and parents.
• Collaborate to promote the school in the greater community and work to improve efforts to serve our local community and support outreach, admissions marketing and recruitment programs.
• Oversee the development of affinity and ally groups for students, faculty, staff, and foster the development of student diversity leadership.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Head of School for School Life to review disciplinary process and protocols to ensure all discipline cases are handled in a consistent manner.
• Maintain relationships with diversity coordinators at other independent schools and other cultural organizations that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Attend conferences, professional meetings, and other professional development opportunities to remain current with best practices with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Assume responsibility for other projects as assigned by the Head of School.

Candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and statement of philosophy/practice along with three references to Anne Gregg, Assistant to the Head of School, agregg@merion-mercy.com.

Merion Mercy Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices