Careers

The Ellis School is deeply committed to its all-girls environment, which allows each girl to develop into her own unique best self in an atmosphere that both challenges and cherishes each student. Ellis prepares its students to become independent, resilient, thoughtful young women with the confidence, self-knowledge, and skills to explore and pursue their passions in college and beyond.

Current Openings

List of 6 items.

  • Lower School Classroom Teacher for 2024-2025 School Year

    The Ellis School, the only pre-kindergarten to grade 12 independent day school for girls in Pittsburgh, PA, has an opening for a full-time, salaried lower school educator for the 2024–2025 school year.
    The Ellis School is deeply committed to its all-girls environment, which allows each girl to develop into her own unique best self in an atmosphere that challenges and cherishes each student. The Ellis School educates girls and young women to become bold, authentic, intellectually vibrant changemakers.
     
    Responsibilities for this role include designing interdisciplinary units of study in order to create cohesive, developmentally-appropriate programing; establishing a classroom environment that promotes connection and community by supporting students in their interactions with each other and cultivating a community mentality; supporting all aspects of a student’s growth—social, emotional, and cognitive—by setting high expectations for student academic achievement and engaging students with tools to develop their social cognition and emotional regulatory skills; communicating regularly with parents to establish a partnership; documenting student learning;  participating fully in the life of the School by working in collaboration with colleagues, fulfilling duties, and attending events, in-service days, and weekly meetings.
     
    Qualifications:
    The ideal candidate is a dedicated and dynamic teaching professional who understands and embraces the whole child approach to learning, has experience designing interdisciplinary learning experiences, and is adept at encouraging student interaction and collaboration. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree; possess an enthusiasm for working with and teaching children, as demonstrated by prior experience in a school setting; have a strong sense of school community; and have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ideal candidates will also have experience working on a teaching team. The Ellis School is committed to an inclusive program, and candidates with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.
     
    To Apply:
    Candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references to opportunities@key-skills.net by February 28, 2024. Questions about this position may be directed to Jamie Schiff at schiffj@key-skills.net. For additional information about Ellis, please visit the school website at TheEllisSchool.org
     
    The Ellis School community pursues, supports, and embraces diversity of all kinds, recognizing the collective strength derived from our individual differences. We are committed to creating a school environment in which all students feel welcome, known, heard, safe, and treated fairly, while establishing ourselves as a leader in equity and justice initiatives. 
    • We recognize and celebrate the unique value and dignity of every student.
    • We commit to doing the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and externally.
    • We foster authentic and reciprocal relationships with families.
    • We strive to teach a culturally sustaining curriculum and engage in culturally sustaining instructional practices. 
    The Ellis School does not discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation in employment.
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  • Middle School Visual Arts Instructor

    The Ellis School, the only pre-kindergarten to grade 12 independent all-girls day school in Pittsburgh, PA, is seeking a Middle School Visual Arts instructor beginning in August 2024.
    This position will be 80% full time equivalency and will include full benefits. Responsibilities include teaching Middle School Visual Arts and advising eight to ten students.  Other duties, including—but not limited to—proctoring study halls, chaperoning, and committee work are integral to the role of Middle School faculty members. 

    Qualifications

    This position will include teaching 2D, 3D, and digital art to students in grades 5-8.  Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience and be a practicing artist. Undergraduate studies with a focus on 2D or 3D visual art or a related studio arts/arts education field are required. Candidates should have a strong 2D studio and technology background, with experience teaching drawing, painting, printmaking, and/or design concepts. In addition, candidates should be able to work with students in a variety of materials and 3D mediums, including clay and sculpture. Preference will be given to candidates with a proven ability to work collaboratively and a clear commitment to using innovative pedagogical practices and technology to enhance instruction. Candidates must also have excellent communication skills, demonstrate a strong belief in all-girls education, and be enthusiastic about working with and teaching adolescents.

    Job responsibilities will include:
    • Assessing student progress and performance in art, as well as in areas of social interaction, behavior, and emotional growth.
    • Effectively and collaboratively working in a team of visual art instructors in a dynamic, multi-divisional art department.
    • Being proficient with computer literacy for both administrative and instructional purposes, as well as having strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
    • Working with colleagues in preparing and exhibiting student artwork throughout the year.
    • Partnering with colleagues in other important duties across the life of the school; advisory program, off-site education experiences, activities/clubs program, etc.
    The Ellis School community pursues, supports, and embraces diversity of all kinds, recognizing the collective strength derived from our individual differences. We are committed to creating a school environment in which all students feel welcome, known, heard, safe, and treated fairly, while establishing ourselves as a leader in equity and justice initiatives. 
    • We recognize and celebrate the unique value and dignity of every student.
    • We commit to doing the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and externally.
    • We foster authentic and reciprocal relationships with families.
    • We strive to teach a culturally sustaining curriculum and engage in culturally sustaining instructional practices. 
    To Apply

    Candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references to Wendy Wu at opportunities@key-skills.net.  Preference will be given to applications submitted before March 15, 2024.

    Questions about this teaching position may be directed to Peter Barbor, Incoming Visual Arts Department Chair, at barborp@key-skills.net.
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  • Athletic Director

    The Ellis School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is seeking an Athletic Director for the 2024–2025 school year. Ellis is the only all-girls school in Pittsburgh serving students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12, with a mission of educating girls and young women to become bold, authentic, intellectually vibrant changemakers. The School currently serves approximately 400 students evenly distributed across three divisions.
    The athletic program is an essential element of the School experience and identity. The School is committed to providing every student with exceptional developmental athletic experiences focused on fitness, skill-building, and teamwork while also providing students with varied and deep experiences with competitive team sports. Team opportunities begin in grade 5 with developmental teams, with varsity sports in full swing beginning in grade 9. 

    The Athletic Director is responsible for all elements of the athletic program at the School and within our local and state athletic leagues, including team sports and physical education, and serves as chairperson of the physical education department. In addition, the Athletic Director serves as an advisor to a small group of high school students and teaches a senior trimester-long elective on life skills. The Athletic Director reports directly to the Head of School.

    Preferred Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree or higher
    • Demonstrated ability to oversee athletic programs
    • Deep understanding of girls’ sports
    • Proven track record as a coach, a leader and supervisor of coaches, and a commitment to strong and healthy girls’ programming
    • Proven track record of teaching, motivating, and supporting students or adults in sports and health education
    • Effective time management
    • An exemplary team player with structured organization for effective programs

    The Athletic Director will:
    • Coordinate all training for student athletes and coaches
    • Be responsible for enforcing safety procedures related to athletics
    • Supervise and monitor student retention strategies within athletics
    • Maintain a current athletic handbook listing detailed policies and procedures
    • Communicate all pertinent information in a timely manner
    • Monitor and evaluate athletic events
    • Perform duties as assigned to support student athletics, the school community, and the School’s mission and vision.

    The Ellis School community pursues, supports, and embraces diversity of all kinds, recognizing the collective strength derived from our individual differences. We are committed to creating a school environment in which all students feel welcome, known, heard, safe, and treated fairly, while establishing ourselves as a leader in equity and justice initiatives. 
    • We recognize and celebrate the unique value and dignity of every student.
    • We commit to doing the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and externally.
    • We foster authentic and reciprocal relationships with families.
    • We strive to teach a culturally sustaining curriculum and engage in culturally sustaining instructional practices. 

    Interested candidates should submit the following materials electronically to Wendy Wu at opportunities@key-skills.net before January 26, 2024:
    • Cover letter
    • Resume
    • Names and contact information of three professional references

    Questions should be directed to Macon Finley, Head of School, at finleym@key-skills.net.
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  • Day Camp Counselors (Seasonal)

    Summer Programs at The Ellis School is seeking Day Camp Counselors to provide memorable summer camp experiences for campers ages 3–9 through collaboration, friendship, and community in a day camp setting. Summer Programs at The Ellis School will run Monday through Friday from June 10–August 2, 2024; camp will be closed June 19, July 4, and July 5. Ideal candidates will be available for at least four weeks of the summer.
    Each counselor will be assigned to a designated group of 10–15 campers with an instructor and is responsible for assisting instructors and occasionally leading activities, coordinating camp games, and guiding campers in their summer experiences. Full-day and half-day positions are available, as well as the ability to pick up additional hours supervising the after-care program.

    Responsibilities: 
    • Assist instructors during activities, lessons, and events as an active participant
    • Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camper group within activities and throughout the camp
    • Maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all campers and staff by ensuring campers are properly supervised at all times and correcting unsafe situations and behaviors
    • Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures
    • Communicate professionally and appropriately with parents, camp staff, and other Ellis employees
    • Be a role model to campers and staff by being on time, being engaged, and displaying a positive attitude every day
    • Actively participate in all staff meetings, including pre-program staff training (dates to be determined)
    • Other responsibilities and duties as assigned by the Director of Summer Programs

    Qualifications:

    • Must be 18 years of age or a high school graduate
    • Current and valid PA Child Abuse Form, FBI Background Check, PA Criminal History Background, and Mandated Reporter Training
    • Understanding of the developmental needs of youth, specifically ages 3–9, and the demonstrated ability to supervise active children
    • A strong sense of community and teamwork, and excellent interpersonal communication skills­ 

    Physical Working Conditions:

    • ­Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques
    • Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
    • Ability to lead and participate in camp activities which may include but are not limited to prolonged standing, bending, stooping, stretching, and walking long distances
    • Willingness to work outdoors as well as indoors with exposure to all weather conditions including sun, heat, rain, humidity, etc.

    The Ellis School community pursues, supports, and embraces diversity of all kinds, recognizing the collective strength derived from our individual differences. We are committed to creating a school environment in which all students feel welcome, known, heard, safe, and treated fairly, while establishing ourselves as a leader in equity and justice initiatives.

    To Apply:
    Candidates should submit a brief introduction, resume, and two references to Director of Summer Programs Jackie Dineen at dineenj@key-skills.net. Preference will be given to applications submitted prior to March 29, 2024.
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  • Extended Day Staff Member, Part-time

    The Ellis School is seeking an energetic, responsible individual who loves working with children to fill a part-time position in our After-school Program. A willingness to work as part of a team providing a safe and fun environment for elementary school girls in pre-kindergarten through grade 4 is required. Experience working with children is preferred.
    The position runs September through June. Regular hours are from 2:00–6:00 p.m. daily; however, full days may be required as predetermined throughout the school year. 

    Primary Responsibilities:
    • To take attendance of students upon arrival and take charge of student dismissal
    • To supervise active play in the gym and on the playground
    • To help prepare snacks
    • To supervise activities in various meeting and play spaces
    • To support Extended Day staff working in Middle School
    • To know and follow the rules of the School and remind students to do the same when in attendance in the Extended Day Program
    • To be energetic and interact with students
    • To work cooperatively with colleagues
    • To show up consistently and on time for duties
    • Occasional lifting may be required

    Qualifications:

    • Must be 18 years of age or a high school graduate
    • Must be vaccinated against COVID-19
    • Understanding of the developmental needs of youth, specifically those ages 3-9, and the demonstrated ability to supervise active children
    • A strong sense of community and teamwork
    • Excellent interpersonal communication skills

    Compensation:
    Hourly wages begin at $15; paid monthly.

    Please send resumes to opportunities@key-skills.net.
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  • Substitute Teachers (Pre-kindergarten–Middle School)

    The Ellis School is seeking qualified substitute teachers to provide coverage for expected and unexpected faculty absences.
    Primary responsibilities include teaching a variety of subjects to a range of age levels from pre-kindergarten students to middle school students and providing a consistent and optimal learning environment by executing the teacher’s plan for the day. Additional responsibilities include supervising students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess. The hours for this position are 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

    Ideal candidates will possess an enthusiasm for working with and teaching children, as demonstrated by prior experience in a school setting, a strong sense of teamwork, and excellent interpersonal communication skills. Candidates must have up-to-date clearances. The Ellis School is committed to an inclusive program, and candidates with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.

    To Apply:
    Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references to Wendy Wu at opportunities@key-skills.net. Questions about this position may be directed to Lauren Laschon, Assistant Head of School and Director of Teaching and Learning, at laschonl@key-skills.net.
    Read More

Benefits

List of 5 items.

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Long Term Disability Protection

  • Retirement Savings Program

List of 5 items.

  • Direct Deposit

  • FMLA

  • On-site Daycare

  • Tuition Remission

  • Vacation Time

The Ellis School does not discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation in employment. We do not discriminate in student recruitment, admissions, financial aid, or any other aspect of the School’s program, except on the basis of age and gender identity in fulfillment of the School’s mission.