Harbor Christian Academy Head of School Opportunity Profile

HEAD OF SCHOOL
HARBOR CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Houston, Texas
OPPORTUNITY
PROFILE
Transforming students from varied backgrounds across Houston through
a classical and Christian education to the glory of God.
www.jobfitmatters.com

Dear Prospective Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the Head of School position at Harbor Christian Academy. Harbor Christian is
a special school looking for a leader interested in undertaking a unique challenge.
Harbor Christian Academy offers a classical Christian education to underserved communities in Houston’s
Fifth Ward. Starting with 14 students in 2018 in grades K-2, we are excited to have 135 students in grades
Pre-K through 7 for the 2023-2024 school year. From the beginning, our plan has been to add one grade per
year until we can serve our students from their first day of school to the day they graduate.
GREETINGS
Harbor Christian Academy is relentlessly committed to offering a classical Christian education. Using the
Bible as the ideal source of Truth and the foundation of knowledge, a classical Christian education seeks
to provide students with the tools of learning through a rich humanities and science curriculum. The future
Harbor Christian graduate will be grounded in faith, equipped with the tools to learn any subject, and
rigorously trained to impact their culture and community for Jesus Christ.
Several Harbor Christian board members have seen the worth of this education model through their own
children and grandchildren. HCA’s rapid growth and high student retention is a reflection that our students
and their families are equally committed to the education being offered through our incredible faculty.
This is both an exciting and a critical time for Harbor Christian Academy. While our recent growth is gratifying,
it also brings challenges, especially with respect to maintaining faculty excellence and providing the physical
space needed to teach our students. Our next Head of School needs to be a visionary leader who can build
upon a strong foundation, continue enrollment growth, plan for the coming addition of an upper school, and
lead efforts to meet the growing facility needs of the school.
The unique profile of our student body also demands a special person as our next leader. A majority of
our students come from underserved and often economically challenged communities. Harbor Christian’s
Head of School must be understanding of and empathetic to the consequences of these challenges on our
students without allowing those consequences to serve as an excuse for lower standards or performance.
Those challenges also mean that Harbor Christian is not a school where tuition will ever cover our hard
expenses; we will always be reliant on our donors, few of whom have the emotional ties that come from
having their own children at the school. When people hear about and see what’s happening at Harbor
Christian, they are excited to support our school; but developing and maintaining our donor base is critical
to the school’s continued success.
We encourage you to read through this Opportunity Profile and to further explore our website for additional
information. If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please reference the Process of Candidacy
page to begin the application process. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Coverstone or Ed
Poff, the JobfitMatters Consultants (615.261.4623) who are assisting HCA in this search.
Sincerely,
David McDowell
Search Committee Chair 2

THE SCHOOL
Harbor Christian Academy (Harbor or HCA) provides an affordable classical Christian education to
children from two of Houston’s most underserved black and Latino communities. Currently in its sixth
year and serving students in Pre-K through 7th grade, the school reserves approximately 70% of its
student enrollment for economically disadvantaged families. For these families, up to 90% of tuition is
subsidized through philanthropy. The remainder of Harbor’s students come from families with greater
financial resources who cover the total of their students’ tuition. With class size limited to 14 students
(up to 10 in Pre-K), Harbor’s students thrive in an ethnically and socio-economically diverse environment
that emphasizes Kingdom values of love for God and others.
OVERVIEW
Harbor Christian Academy’s foundational principles include high standards and expectations,
accountability, and family support. The school seeks to come alongside families and lead them to
appreciate the value of a challenging classical education, and to thrive as respected members of the
school community.
Since opening in 2018, Harbor has gained increasing trust in the community and expects to welcome
over 135 students in the fall of 2023. The school’s campus has reached the limit of its current physical
capacity, and a search is underway to identify appropriate space to accommodate enrollment growth by
the 2024-2025 school year. Although annual budget increases due to rapid growth present fundraising
challenges (since Harbor does not turn away any student for lack of family resources), Harbor currently
continues to operate with positive cash flow thanks to contributions from long-time supporters.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Head of School will have the opportunity to build on the strong academic and cultural foundation
established at Harbor since inception. Moreover, the school’s imminent expansion into the logic and
rhetoric stages of classical Christian curriculum provides an exciting opportunity for creative and
inspiring leadership. With a goal of advancing Harbor’s unique culture and commitment to academic
excellence, the Head of School will shepherd this growth and the integration of needed new facilities.
The Head of School will be a person called by God to participate in His active work in the lives of our
students and their families. This candidate must be able to provide decisive leadership, strengthen the
current leadership team, and work collaboratively with all the school’s constituencies.
Harbor Christian Academy’s search committee is seeking an experienced school leader who approaches
economically disadvantaged and diverse communities with a humble heart, desires personal spiritual
growth, and values opportunities to encourage spiritual growth in others. This leader should be deeply
motivated to serve in a diverse setting, cultivating a rich and joyful learning environment.
3

MISSION STATEMENT
Harbor Christian Academy exists to transform students from varied backgrounds across Houston
through a classical and Christian education to the glory of God.
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS
ABOUT US
• HIGH EXPECTATIONS
HCA students are made in the image of God and have potential beyond what we could ask or
imagine. Curriculum and pedagogy are designed to help students to achieve this potential
and follow the pathways that God sets before them.
• FAITH-BASED EDUCATION
HCA provides a Christ-centered education. Every subject is taught from a biblical worldview, with
the truth and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ infusing all studies.
• AFFORDABLE
All HCA families pay tuition, and tuition is determined on a sliding scale based on income
and family size. Over 50% of families pay the minimum tuition, which is $60 per month. Our
goal is to provide an affordable education for the surrounding low-income communities, and no
student has been turned away for lack of funds. Tuition covers approximately 10% of operating
costs, and the remainder of funds needed are provided by donations.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parental involvement is one of the most important factors in student success. All parents sign a parent
covenant and agree to support their students’ learning and participate in the life of the school. A new
staff position, Community Engagement Coordinator, has been created for the 23-24 school year, and
will help to facilitate further parent involvement through parent education and individual parent support.
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The following is the foundation of beliefs on which HCA is based. These are also the essential elements
of Christianity that will be unapologetically taught in various ways throughout all grade levels. The
substance of these statements is that which will be considered primary doctrine in HCA. Secondary or
divisive doctrines or issues will not be presented as primary doctrine.
1.
We believe the Bible alone to be the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.
2.
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit.
STATEMENT
OF FAITH
3.
4.
We believe God created the universe by His power and word.
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His
miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection,
in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
5.
We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is
absolutely necessary.
6.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled
to live a godly life.
7.
We believe that salvation is by grace through faith alone and that faith without works is dead.
8.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the
resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
9.
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
5

WE BELIEVE:
FAITH
We believe God is worthy of our utmost devotion (1 John 4:19) and that the Bible is the
authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:6-7). Therefore, we provide an education where
God is glorified as supreme in all areas of life, and we integrate the Bible’s teachings into
every part of the community.
CORNERSTONES
EQUITY
We believe the Golden Rule implies that we should work for the same educational
opportunities for inner-city children as are available to children of wealthier families
(Matthew 7:12). Therefore, those who are able joyfully share with the underserved in our
midst the resources God has entrusted to them.
RECONCILIATION
We believe God’s purpose is to reconcile all things in heaven and earth under Christ
(Colossians 1:19-20). Therefore, acknowledging historical inequities, we seek to create a
school community that reflects the cultural, ethnic, economic, and denominational harmony
which the Lord desires for the body of Christ.
PARENT/CAREGIVER PARTNERSHIP
We believe God has given each parent or caregiver the primary responsibility for the
education of their children (Deuteronomy 6:7). Therefore, we value parents and caregivers
as genuine partners and actively seek to support them and shepherd their involvement in
the school whenever possible.
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CITYWIDE PARTNERSHIPS
We believe God intends all Christians to live in kinship with one another (John 17:20-23).
Therefore, we desire for our city to view the school as a shared labor of love, providing
churches, schools, and individuals the opportunity to participate in God’s work in the inner
city.
CORNERSTONES
(CONTINUED)
CLASSICAL APPROACH
We believe the historically proven classical approach is the most effective way to educate
students. Therefore, we teach classically, using content-rich curriculum, equipping students
with essential tools of learning and working with the grain of their intellectual development.
SCHOLARSHIP
We believe that studying is an act of worship with spiritual implications; therefore, studies
are conducted as unto God (Colossians 3:23). In addition, academic achievement is a true
basis for community leadership and gaining access to opportunity. Therefore, we set high
standards for academic achievement, recruit outstanding teachers, and use educational
materials of the highest quality.
ORDER AND DISCIPLINE
We believe a child’s education is enhanced by a disciplined and orderly environment.
Therefore, our students reflect order in their appearance, and we vigorously promote the
biblical virtues of kindness, politeness, respect, and self-discipline.
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HARBOR AT-A-GLANCE
HCA is a private, Christian school funded by individuals, foundations, and churches. HCA relies primarily on charitable contributions for the support of its
program, which provides transformative education through a classical and Christian education to the glory of God.
YEAR 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
ENROLLMENT 40 60 90 115 *135
*PROJECTED
TUITION
PRE-K - 6TH $10,000
ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-2023
ENROLLMENT
89 K-4TH
FINANCIAL
$
ARE
ANNUAL BUDGET 2022-2023: $1.5 M
GIVING FOR 2022-2023: $1.5 M
TOTAL DEBT: $0 (AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
FACULTY
8:1
TOTAL
ENROLLMENT
115
26 5TH-6TH
STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO
FINANCIAL AID
90% OF HCA COSTS ARE COVERED BY GENEROUS
GIVING, NOT BY TUITION. TUITION IS DETERMINED
ON A SLIDING SCALE BASED ON INCOME.
HCA GOAL: NO STUDENT TURNED AWAY FOR
LACK OF FUNDS.
CO-CURRICULARS
ANTICIPATED START OF ATHLETICS 2023-24.
15 FACULTY
33% HOLD ADVANCED
DEGREES
POTENTIALLY CROSS COUNTRY, VOLLEYBALL
& BASKETBALL
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Harbor Christian Academy offers an education that is CHRIST-CENTERED and CLASSICAL.
By CHRIST-CENTERED, we mean that every subject is taught from a biblical worldview, with the truth
and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ infusing all studies.
EDUCATIONAL
PHILOSOPHY
• History records God’s work in individuals and nations, and it is organized around the birth, death,
and resurrection of Christ.
• We study language because God has chosen to communicate with His people through His Word,
the Bible.
• Science and math are tangible evidence of God’s orderliness and are our tools to explore the world
and marvel at its design.
• Through the study of the Old and New Testament Scriptures, students understand that the meaning
and purpose of life and education are found in them. We acknowledge God as the source and
author of all truth.
• Visual and performing arts are reflections of mankind’s understanding of the world. Properly done,
the arts are a doxology, praising God and reflecting His truth, goodness, and beauty.
• All subjects are integrated, because all of creation displays God’s character. Because all truth is
from God, the universe is coherent.
By CLASSICAL, we mean that we utilize the time-tested classical approach to cultivate students who
can think clearly and communicate effectively. This approach includes both unique methodology and
unique content.
The methodology of classical education focuses on teaching to the development stage of the student:
• In the elementary school years, or the grammar stage, students’ minds are wired to memorize
and recite. During this stage, we equip students with the foundational facts of each subject and
encourage exploration of beautiful literature and developmentally appropriate math concepts.
• In the middle school years, or the logic stage, students are ready to begin thinking for themselves
and formulating their own opinions. We take advantage of this new-found interest and ability,
teaching formal logic to help students test arguments to determine their validity and to organize
their own thoughts in a logical way. We also incorporate debate as much as possible, to help
students to learn to argue in a winsome and respectful way.
• In the high school years, or the rhetoric stage, students desire to present themselves in a positive
way to their peers and the world at large. At this time, we teach formal rhetoric, emphasizing clear
and persuasive communication.
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The content covered in classical education includes:
• A rich humanities curriculum, integrating the study of literature and the arts with the study of history
and geography. Students come to understand the present and gain perspective on the future
through knowledge of the past.
• A math and science curriculum that enables students to participate knowledgeably in the scientific
and technological discussions of the modern world.
• A study of Latin that disciplines the mind and prepares a foundation for the study of modern
languages.
• A study of formal logic that hones skills of reasoning and analysis.
• A study of rhetoric that equips students to skillfully communicate and persuade.
EDUCATIONAL
PHILOSOPHY
(CONTINUED)
CHRIST-CENTERED
CLASSICAL
EDUCATIONAL
PHILOSOPHY
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The Head of School reports to HCA’s Board of Directors and is responsible for:
• Implementing the mission and vision of the school
• Maintaining the academic integrity of the school
• Leading the school and faculty
• Ensuring professional and financially sound school operations
• Encouraging spiritual growth in HCA’s students
• Developing and maintaining constructive relationships with key constituencies
• Leading the school’s advancement program
THE POSITION
As the leader of HCA, the Head of School must model exemplary Christian character and embrace
the virtues of a Christian life, and this person should also model a passion for life-long learning and a
commitment to the classical Christian model of education. The Head of School is the executive decisionmaker
for the school’s operation and should create an environment that fosters students’ spiritual growth
and academic success in accordance with the principles set forth in the School’s Statement of Faith
and its Mission Statement. The Head of School's resources are a faculty of professional teachers and
classroom aides, and the following support staff: Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator, Community
Engagement Coordinator Director of Advancement, Office Manager, and Administrative Assistant/
Volunteer Coordinator. The school also employs a part-time facilities coordinator, a part-time staff
accountant, and a part-time receptionist.
HCA ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Total headcount under Head of School = 32 (some part-time)
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
HEAD OF
SCHOOL
CURR &
INSTR
COORD
COMM
ENGAGE
COORD
DIR OF
ADVANCE
OFFICE
MANAGER
ADMIN/
ASSIST
VOL COOR
STAFF
ACCOUNT
(PT)
FACIL
COOR
(PT)
RECEPT
(PT)
TEACHERS
(15)
TEACHERS’
AIDES
(9)
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IMPLEMENTING MISSION AND VISION
• Adopt and promote the vision of the Board and the principles set forth in the Mission Statement and
other foundational documents
• Represent the school to the community in a way that upholds the school’s mission and philosophy
• Articulate the ideals of classical Christian education to the school’s constituencies, facilitating
understanding and appreciation among faculty, staff, parents, students, and the community
• Approve all curricular purchases and programs
• Ensure all extra-curricular activities uphold the mission and philosophy of the school
MAINTAINING ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
LEADERSHIP
CHARACTERISTICS
& RESPONSIBILITIES
• Ensure that the curriculum and teaching methods are academically sound and consistent with the
principles of classical Christian education
• Cultivate the skills and talents of teachers and set the intellectual tone for the school
• Ensure that faculty are uniformly and consistently implementing academic policies
• Educate students and families on the importance of a classical education
LEADING THE SCHOOL AND FACULTY
• Lead with a servant-leader mindset, with ability to help others grow through shepherding and
coaching
• Recruit, train, and retain excellent faculty and staff; oversee and approve teacher contracts
• Annually evaluate faculty and staff performance; reward excellence; motivate and challenge faculty
and staff who may be underperforming and, when necessary, terminate them
• Plan for and implement opportunities for the faculty’s academic and professional growth
ENSURING PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIALLY SOUND SCHOOL
OPERATIONS
• Propose an annual budget to the Board for approval and then implement the budget in a manner
that is consistent with the school’s mission and goals
• Authorize expenditures in accordance with the annual budget; obtain Board approval if expenditures
are anticipated to be more than 5% above the approved budget
• Present the school’s operations and financial status for review at Board meetings
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of the parent/student and faculty handbooks
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ENCOURAGING SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN HCA’S STUDENTS
• Develop and oversee the cultivation of virtues throughout the school
• Exemplify and maintain, with the help of faculty and staff, a school culture that honors Christ and
encourages students’ spiritual growth while engendering a joyful spirit and cultivation of virtue
DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH
KEY CONSTITUENCIES
LEADERSHIP
CHARACTERISTICS
& RESPONSIBILITIES
(CONTINUED)
• Maintain the school’s collaborative and warm relationship with Faith Memorial Baptist Church (on
whose campus the school expects to remain for the foreseeable future)
• Represent the school proactively to Fifth Ward and Denver Harbor residents, including churches,
families, and the school’s constituencies
• Communicate with sensitivity and warmth across cultural and/or socio-economic differences with
students, families, and the school’s constituencies
• Oversee the school’s cooperation with other social service organizations in the community so that
the needs of school families are satisfied as completely as possible
LEADING THE SCHOOL’S ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM
• Serve as the school’s chief public advocate and spokesperson, increasing awareness of the school
in the community at large and the city of Houston
• Encourage churches, schools, and individuals to partner with HCA and participate in God’s work in
the inner city
• Supervise the school’s Director of Advancement, ensuring that fundraising plans are concrete,
strategic, and focused on meeting annual budget requirements
• Cultivate relationships with donors and foundations in order to encourage financial participation in
the life of the school
• Ensure that fundraising metrics provided to the Board are timely and accurate
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PERSONAL
• Demonstrated maturity in Christ as evidenced by a history of church attendance, personal humility,
and commitment and service to others
• Desire to create a school community that reflects the cultural, ethnic, economic, and denominational
harmony which the Lord desires for the Body of Christ
• A passion and calling for underserved students.
• Desire to passionately engage with students, faculty, staff, and the community; a demonstrated
ability in cross-cultural communication and ease in relating to students and families from diverse
backgrounds
QUALIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL
• Master’s degree in education or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and
relevant experience
• At least 10 years of experience in educational leadership (upper school preferred); could include
classroom teaching experience but must include management/supervision experience
• Outstanding verbal and written skills; effectiveness and ease with public speaking
• Previous professional or personal experience with classical Christian education preferred
• Successful classroom teaching experience a plus
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Successful leadership in any educational institution is judged by how well its leader meets the
expectations of its governing body, meets the needs of its students, and responds to the input of its
faculty, administration, parents, and other constituent groups. The next Head of Harbor Christian should
be called to the following:
CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM
EXPECTATIONS
• Develop and implement a 5-year strategic plan emphasizing a commitment to classical Christian
education and to growing HCA to 12th grade by 2029.
• Establish a systematic process to regularly measure how HCA performs against goals and
educational priorities.
• Prepare for and seek accreditation by 2025.
• Design a “portrait of a graduate” as part of an overall vision and communication strategy.
• Plan enhancements to current offerings with additional sports, arts, and service opportunities.
• Meet the growing mental, emotional, and behavioral needs of students by developing more support
services at HCA.
TALENT – RECRUIT, DEVELOP, REWARD, RETAIN
• Create and foster a professional networking funnel to recruit future faculty and staff.
• Develop and implement measurable goals focused on improving efforts to recruit and retain a
diverse, highly qualified Christian faculty and staff. Cultivate a culture of Christ-centered excellence
such that HCA teachers are growing professionally as classical Christian educators and are
compensated competitively, resulting in high faculty engagement and retention.
FUNDRAISING
• Enthusiastically promote HCA to the broader Houston community to increase fundraising. Oversee
and drive a comprehensive fundraising strategy to engage both current HCA constituents as well
as the Houston metro community to increase financial resources for HCA.
• Foster a fundraising approach that develops cheerful givers who are generous toward God, rather
than using strategies of pressure, pity, and/or “guilt.”
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PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL SCHOOL FACILITIES
• Determine options and feasibility for relocating to a larger campus, adding additional space at the
current campus, or adding space at a separate second campus.
• Oversee the configuration of the growing campus to reflect the academic and cultural values of the
school.
MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS
EXPECTATIONS
(CONTINUED)
• Enhance HCA’s networking efforts and communication strategy to foster good relationships within
the school, as well as externally with local churches and the broader community. Strengthen
relationships with churches, Christian business leaders, and community foundations.
• Maximize enrollment and retention through the development and execution of an annual marketing,
enrollment, and engagement plan based on available resources, research, and forecasts related to
K-12 classical Christian education and local demographic data.
“WE BELIEVE in God the Father, God the Son, and
God the Holy Spirit. WE BELIEVE the Bible to be
God’s Truth, a guide for our feet.”
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Harbor Christian Academy’s current (original) campus is housed on property owned by Faith Memorial
Baptist Church (FMBC), located at 623 Kress Street, Houston. (FMBC’s Pastor, Andrew Johnson, was
a founding board member of the school.) FMBC has served its community for decades, straddling the
informal border between what have become two of Houston’s most underserved communities, Denver
Harbor and Fifth Ward. Prior to the school’s opening in the fall of 2018, HCA undertook a $1.4 million
renovation of FMBC’s 16,000 square foot educational building. The renovation brought the 70-yearold
building up to code through adding fire safety systems removing asbestos in flooring, updating
the HVAC system, and creating 15 spacious classrooms, modern accessible bathrooms, and space for
administrative offices. The school facility also includes a small fenced outdoor play area adjacent to the
staff parking lot on the south side of the school.
THE CAMPUS
HCA’s rapid enrollment growth over the past five years has brought its current facility to capacity, and
a search is underway to identify additional space appropriate to rent or purchase (and then prepare)
by the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Ideally HCA would like to purchase up to 10 acres to
provide room to grow the school through 12th grade with green space for outdoor play and exploration,
gardens, and nature studies. Given the difficulty of finding available large parcels in our neighborhoods,
HCA is open to purchasing a smaller parcel and establishing an additional campus there. Assuming
more green space were available, it would be feasible to move HCA’s Grammar School to the new
facility, retaining the current space for the Logic and Rhetoric grades).
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A bustling metropolitan city of 2.3 million residents, Houston ranks as America’s fourth largest city, attracting
millions of visitors and thousands of new residents every year. Houston is the most diverse metropolitan
area in Texas and has been described as the most racially and ethnically diverse major city in the U.S. It is
home to many cultural institutions, including thriving arts in the Theater District (with resident ballet, opera,
symphony, and professional theater companies), major museums and galleries in the nearby Museum District,
professional sports teams who play in popular venues, award-winning restaurants, and booming businesses -
including Space Center Houston and Houston’s world-renowned Texas Medical Center (home to 54 medicinerelated
institutions; including 21 hospitals, two of which are the world’s largest children’s hospital and cancer
hospital). In terms of business, 24 companies on the 2022 Fortune 500 list are headquartered in Houston,
which is sometimes called the “Energy Capital of the World.”
THE LOCATION
HOUSTON, TX
In addition to business, culture, and sports, Houston is proud of its two largest parks: just five miles west of
downtown, Memorial Park spans over 1,500 acres of green space, and three miles south of downtown 445-
acre Hermann Park welcomes visitors to the Museum District with outdoor gardens and play spaces. Both
of these parks contain well-maintained public golf courses, and Houston’s top-rated zoo inside Hermann
Park draws more visitors per year than any other U.S. zoo except San Diego’s. Houston’s 350+ parks place it
first in total park acreage among U.S. cities with more than one million residents; these parks are abuzz with
residents year-round, many of whom enjoy the nearly 165 miles of biking and hiking trails that loop within
parks or along nine major bayous.
While Houstonians acknowledge that their city’s temperatures get hot in the summer, most consider the
widespread availability of air conditioning a satisfactory solution. Additionally, the beach community of
historic Galveston is only 1 hour away. Houstonians boast that their city is “very livable,” partly because mild temperatures and generally fair skies the rest of the year
make the city’s outdoor activities easy to enjoy.
If you enjoy frequenting award-winning restaurants, you are in good company in Houston. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked Houston in the Top 10 “Best
Foodie Cities in the U.S.” With over 10,000 restaurants representing cuisine from more than 70 countries and American regions, Houston’s restaurant scene is as
diverse as the city itself.
Thirty-seven percent of the population of Houston is 24 or younger, and 32% are between ages 25-44. Demographically, Houston has become the most ethnically
diverse city in America, with no racial or ethnic group constituting more than 50% of the city's population. Nearly one in four Houstonians is foreign-born and more
than 90 languages are spoken within the city limits. This tremendous diversity leads to an eclectic and vibrant culture. It is also a reflection of the tremendous growth
that metro-Houston has experienced in recent years, adding nearly 125,000 new residents in 2022 alone (U.S. Census Bureau). Houston's cost of living is 23% below
the average cost of living in the 20 most populous U.S. cities. Additionally, there is no tax on state or local income.
HCA resides in the heart of Houston’s “Fifth Ward,” a culturally rich, historically black, and rapidly changing community. The old Fifth Ward was once home to black
trailblazers such as the now-deceased Congressman Mickey Leland and Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. More recently, Dr. Ruth Simmons, who grew up in Fifth
Ward, has become a pioneer in higher education, serving as President first of Smith College, then Brown University, then Prairie View A&M, and in early 2023 was
appointed a Distinguished Fellow at Houston’s Rice University.
Today’s Fifth Ward has a significant Latino population, has one of the highest densities of churches of any Houston neighborhood, and is gentrifying due to proximity
to downtown and large development projects. There are over 17,000 residents in the Greater Fifth Ward, with a median age of 35. Unfortunately, the neighborhood
still suffers from entrenched poverty (median household income of $25,000 is half that of Houston as a whole) and one-third of adults lack a high school diploma.
Several active non-profit organizations seek to help the community thrive by closing gaps in education and services, and by revitalizing the neighborhood through
job training, access to technology, and attracting investment and resources.
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If you sense that the gifts and experience God has given you may be a good fit for the Head of
School position at Harbor Christian Academy, we invite you to begin the inquiry process. Inquiries and
expressions of interest regarding this search may be forwarded to Laura Coverstone at JobfitMatters
Executive Search (615.261.4623) and will remain confidential.
Please submit the following for review:
PROCESS OF
CANDIDACY
1. A current resume
2. Responses to the following essay prompts:
• Describe your testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. Indicate how God is using you in your work, in
your church, and in your community. How has your relationship with Jesus shaped your career
and influenced your decision to apply for this position?
• What are the primary characteristics that distinguish a classical Christian education from other
educational models?
• Why are you interested in serving HCA?
• Using what you have learned about HCA from the HCA website, Opportunity Profile, and
any other research you may have conducted, describe how your life, career, and leadership
development have equipped you to lead and grow HCA.
3. Provide the names and contact information (phone number and email address) for four references
who know you and your career well enough to comment on your suitability for this position. (Note:
References will only be contacted after we have requested and received your permission)
Submit this information in one document or PDF to:
LAURA COVERSTONE
Practice Leader and Senior Consultant
JobfitMatters Executive Search
resumes@jobfitmatters.com
Phone: 615.261.4623
Please include “HCA HOS” in the email subject line.
SEARCH TIMELINE
All candidate information will be reviewed upon receipt. The candidate review process will continue
until the Head of School has been selected. The anticipated timeline is late fall in-person interviews
and selection and a summer 2024 start date.
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