Career Opportunities

Riverside Presbyterian Day School, an independent co-educational (PreK3 – 6th Grade) elementary day school in Jacksonville, FL seeks a full time Director of Advancement for the 2023-24 academic year.

In achieving the mission to educate the mind, nurture the spirit, and foster the development of the whole child, Riverside Presbyterian Day School offers a balanced, challenging academic program which stimulates each child’s intellectual curiosity and desire for lifelong learning. Recognizing the unique potential and worth of each child, the program is designed to encourage the development of self-esteem, initiative, and confidence. An inclusive community, RPDS offers a school climate which promotes respect for the values of our global society and fosters empathy, responsible citizenship, and service of others.

The Director of Advancement is responsible for RPDS’s fundraising and volunteer opportunities. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, parents, and other constituent groups, the Director of Advancement engages in fundraising activities to help meet the operating, capital, and endowment needs of the school. Priorities include major gifts research, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and annual fund, as well as community building events such as Fall Festival, Run Riverside, and Grandparents and Special Friends Day. RPDS enjoys a committed base of volunteers and staff members who are dedicated to promoting all aspects of the school’s success.

The Director of Advancement reports directly to the Head of School and is a member of the Administrative Team. Along with the Head of School the Director of Advancement establishes close working relationships with the Director of Finance and Operations, , the Assistant Head of School, the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Director of Admissions, and the Chair of the Advancement Committee. 

(Need to update or remove paragraph) The Riverside Cornerstone Campaign Steering Committee will continue to seek additional gifts and pledges through the campus construction phase that will occur beginning in the summer of 2023. The Director of Advancement will provide support to the Campaign Steering Committee during this final phase of fundraising and ensuing campaign closure activities. Additionally, the Director of Advancement will be responsible for managing appropriate donor stewardship activities as a result of the Campaign.  

Responsibilities 

• Identify, cultivate, steward, and acknowledge all donors directly while also supporting the work of the Head of School and RPDS Board of Trustees. 

• Oversee and organize all fundraising for operating, capital, and endowment needs, including major gifts, the RPDS Fund (annual fund), Capers (the annual auction) and planned giving.

• Create, implement, and report on annual goals, objectives, and a plan of action for all fundraising initiatives.

• Develop and execute strategies for maintaining and enhancing the sense of community and belonging, goodwill, and positive feelings among all RPDS constituencies through personal relationships, internal and external communications, publications, and events. 

• Manage the daily operations of the Advancement Office, including budget, database, files, correspondence, and mailings. 

• Communicate regularly with the Head of School, Administrative Team, Advancement Committee Chair, and the RPDS Board of Trustees regarding planned and ongoing advancement projects and events.

• Serve as the liaison for the RPDS Board of Trustees, Advancement Committee, and the Committee on Trustees, while also participating in Board orientation and training, and meetings with the Finance Committee.

• Manage, guide, and evaluate Advancement Staff (Assistant Director of Advancement)

• Collaborate closely with the Parents Association leadership and the chairs of special events. 

• Engage, connect, and cultivate Alumni/ae and oversee records management  and events.

• Undertake other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School. 

Qualifications:  

• A visionary charismatic individual with the knowledge, ingenuity, fortitude, passion, and decisiveness necessary to gain support and advance initiatives in a complex setting. 

• Consistent professionalism with the capacity to partner with and to guide a wide variety of constituents. 

• A spirited professional who encourages teamwork and motivates others for the good of the school, including committed and involved volunteers.

• A strong manager who leads by example and seeks to move projects and the school forward through creativity and cooperation. 

• Experience in a leadership role in a school or other nonprofit setting, including significant fundraising responsibilities and involvement with capital campaigns.

• A record of successfully cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts directly from individuals, foundations, and other giving sources.

• A record of managing a successful donor stewardship program. 

• Extensive knowledge and experience with major gift solicitations, annual and capital campaigns, planned giving, and foundation grants.

• The ability to develop strategies, implement operational plans, meet goals, and pivot based on shifting priorities and circumstances.

• Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple initiatives

• Excellent writing and verbal skills, including the ability to present in front of large and small groups and communicate in a compelling manner on behalf of an organization. 

• Passionate about the work and mission, highly organized, and extremely detail oriented. 

• Strong appreciation and understanding of a faith-based independent school environment.

• Comfortable with all types of people and the ability to develop strong and meaningful relationships with major donors, prospective benefactors, and volunteers. 

• A strong understanding of the nonprofit setting and the relationships among the advancement, marketing, communications, admissions, and finance functions in an independent school.

• Comfort with a range of technologies necessary to support prospect research, stewardship, and daily operations as well as to stay connected with donors, including Blackbaud’s The Raiser’s Edge (NXT).

Qualities: 

• A person of great integrity with a strong reputation in the community. 

• Self-confident, poised and at the same time empathetic, humble, and respectful.

• Accountable, honors commitments, and is forthright in communication and engagements.

• A creative out of the box thinker who is both innovative and entrepreneurial. 

• Kind, empathetic, open-minded individual who has a deep-seated respect for all people.

• An extremely welcoming person with a strong moral compass and good sense of humor. 

• Creative self-starter with a positive outlook who is approachable and available.

• An individual who is reliable, decisive, flexible, outcome-oriented, and performance-driven.

Riverside Presbyterian Day School, an independent co-educational elementary (PreK 3 – 6th Grade) day school located in Jacksonville, FL seeks a full-time Fourth Grade Teacher for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The ideal candidate will possess a thorough knowledge of his/her teaching assignment and will have demonstrated success in teaching elementary age students. The candidate should also possess the skills necessary to inspire learning and enhance the overall educational experience by fostering students’ academic, ethical, social, and emotional development in accordance with the Riverside Presbyterian Day School mission and philosophy.

Teachers at Riverside Presbyterian Day School participate fully in the life of the school.  These duties and responsibilities include observing and assessing student progress, preparing written report card comments, participating in parent-teacher conferences, effectively communicating with the grade level team as well as parents, attending grade level and full faculty meetings, serving on content area or school life committees, and duties related to the supervision of lunch, recess, and dismissal.

RPDS faculty and staff are committed to providing an engaging academic program in a loving environment.  Throughout the year, teachers are provided opportunities to participate in both school-based and off-site professional development. 

Individuals interested in applying for this position should send a resume, cover letter, and references (via email preferably or by regular mail) to:

Sarabeth Soule, Executive Assistant to the Head of School
830 Oak Street, Jacksonville, FL
ssoule@rpds.com

3rd Grade Teacher

Riverside Presbyterian Day School, an independent co-educational elementary (PreK 3 – 6th Grade) day school located in Jacksonville, FL seeks a full-time 3rd Grade Teacher for the 2023-2024 school year.

Riverside Presbyterian Day School is an FCIS accredited, independent co-educational elementary day school located in Jacksonville, FL. Teachers at Riverside Presbyterian Day School participate fully in the life of the school. These duties and responsibilities include developing and delivering a robust curriculum, observing and assessing student progress, preparing written report card comments, participating in parent-teacher conferences, effectively communicating with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators, attending grade level and full faculty meetings, serving on content area or school life committees, and duties related to the supervision of lunch, recess, and dismissal.

RPDS teachers work in a tight community and team-teaching environment to coordinate, organize and deliver the challenging RPDS curriculum. We are an educational community of “self-starters” who do not wait to be told to act. All teachers are vital ambassadors for the school. 

RPDS faculty and staff are committed to providing an engaging academic program in a loving environment.  Teachers are expected to model the stance of a lifelong learner, actively seeking out and participating in both school-based and off-site professional development that supports the Schools mission and goals. 

General Responsibilities:

• To support the school mission to foster the intellectual, physical and spiritual growth of each child;
• To support the school’s leadership and its fellow employees to fulfill the school mission;
• To research, prepare and deliver captivating, developmentally appropriate content consistent with the school’s grade-level expectations and goals;
• To exercise appropriate classroom management and maintain classroom discipline;
• To complete all paperwork (i.e. recordkeeping, grading, reporting, etc.) relating to the teaching assignment in a timely fashion and as directed;
• To utilize strong interpersonal and communication skills in substantive, accurate and sensitive meetings with students and parents to properly share information relative to student progress;
• To actively participate in furthering curriculum development and assessment, resources, facilities, and activities that support your teaching area and to participate in furthering the educational model of the school;
• To display a willingness to advance your own educational and professional development through a demonstrated desire to keep “growing;”
• To display knowledge of child development theory and successful educational techniques and practice;
• To provide a happy, encouraging, supportive and caring environment for children;
• To exercise independent judgment, and to manage and impart confidential information;
• To actively participate in all scheduled meetings as required by school, divisional directors and/or curriculum coordinator;
• To embrace modern technological methods of instruction, reporting and communication within the school community;
• To assist as necessary in the search for candidates to fill teaching vacancies;
• Assist other school duties as directed by the Assistant Head of School and/or the Head of School.

Qualifications & Skills:
A Bachelor’s degree with teaching qualification or equivalent;
Experience as an elementary classroom teacher with a proven track record of excellence in teaching and classroom management;
A commitment to global and cultural competency, and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community;
A strong knowledge and understanding of child development and best practices in education;
Outstanding interpersonal and problem-solving skills;
A proven ability to use and integrate technology effectively into the classroom setting to enhance and enrich the student learning experience;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
Creative and visionary with a growth mindset and willingness to innovate and collaborate with others;
Empathetic, supportive, good sense of humor, and a positive disposition.

Individuals interested in applying for this position should send a resume, cover letter, and references (via email preferably or by regular mail) to:

Sarabeth Soule, Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Riverside Presbyterian Day School
830 Oak Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
ssoule@rpds.com

 

Riverside Presbyterian Day School, an independent co-educational elementary (PreK 3 – 6th Grade) day school located in Jacksonville, FL seeks a full-time 5thand 6th Social Studies Teacher for the 2023-2024 school year.

The ideal candidate will possess a thorough knowledge of his/her teaching assignment and will have demonstrated success in teaching students in an elementary setting. A strong background in Science is essential to the role as well as an enthusiasm and passion for the subject. The candidate should also possess the skills necessary to inspire learning and enhance the overall educational experience by fostering students’ academic, ethical, social, and emotional development in accordance with the Riverside Presbyterian Day School mission and philosophy.

Teachers at Riverside Presbyterian Day School participate fully in the life of the school.  These duties and responsibilities include observing and assessing student progress, preparing written report card comments, participating in parent-teacher conferences, effectively communicating with the grade level team as well as parents, attending grade level and full faculty meetings, serving on content area or school life committees, and duties related to the supervision of lunch, recess, and dismissal.

RPDS faculty and staff are committed to providing an engaging academic program in a loving environment.  Throughout the year, teachers are provided opportunities to participate in both school-based and off-site professional development. 

Responsibilities:

• Differentiate instruction as needed to meet the needs of all students.

• Collaborate with classroom and specialist teachers to develop cross-departmental units of inquiry that foster creativity, deep thinking, and self-expression. 

• Use appropriate classroom management strategies and provide a supporting and caring learning environment for children where each child feels safe to create, share their perspectives, follow their passions, and take risks.

• Use formative and summative assessment to evaluate and inform student learning and growth.

• Maintain an organized, inclusive classroom environment, including the display of students’ work, classroom guidelines, bulletin boards, and a neat and orderly appearance, conducive to student learning.

• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues on a regular basis and share information relative to student progress.

• Keep written records of student progress and growth for grading and reporting purposes. 

• Actively engage in the school community by participating in faculty meetings, recess and lunch duties, and additional school events.

• Enhance one’s own knowledge, understanding, and skill through ongoing professional development.

 

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree with teaching qualification or equivalent.

• Experience as a Science teacher in an elementary, middle school, or similar setting is preferred.

• A commitment to global and cultural competency, and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of child development and best practices in education.

• Outstanding interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to use and integrate technology effectively into the classroom setting to enhance or enrich the student learning experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• A creative, visionary teacher with a growth mindset and willingness to innovate and collaborate with others.

• Empathetic, supportive, good sense of humor, and a positive disposition.

 

 Individuals interested in applying for this position should send a resume, cover letter, and references (via email preferably or by regular mail) to:

Sarabeth Soule, Assistant to the Head of School
ssoule@rpds.com

Riverside Presbyterian Day School, an independent co-educational elementary (PreK 3 – 6th Grade) day school located in Jacksonville, FL seeks a full-time Art Teacher for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The ideal candidate will possess a thorough knowledge of his/her teaching assignment and will have demonstrated success in teaching elementary age students. Enthusiasm and a passion for the visual arts are essential to the role and a strong background and/or understanding of art history and methodology is preferable. The candidate should also possess the skills necessary to inspire learning and enhance the overall educational experience by fostering students’ academic, ethical, social, and emotional development in accordance with the Riverside Presbyterian Day School mission and philosophy.

Teachers at Riverside Presbyterian Day School participate fully in the life of the school.  These duties and responsibilities include observing and assessing student progress, preparing written report card comments, participating in parent-teacher conferences, effectively communicating with the grade level team as well as parents, attending grade level and full faculty meetings, serving on content area or school life committees, and duties related to the supervision of lunch, recess, and dismissal.

RPDS faculty and staff are committed to providing an engaging academic program in a loving environment.  Throughout the year, teachers are provided opportunities to participate in both school-based and off-site professional development. 

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and units of study consistent with grade level curriculum and reflective of students’ interest for children in grades K-6.

• Provide learning opportunities that afford students the opportunity to observe the world from different perspectives and to delight in discovering new modes of self-expression. 

• Deepen students critical thinking skills and engagement using Project Zero methodology and/or other thinking routines.

• Expand student fine arts experiences through signature and newly designed course options such as printmaking, photography, digital art, sculpture, etc. 

• Differentiate instruction as needed to meet the needs of all students.

• Collaborate with classroom and specialist teachers to develop cross-departmental units of inquiry that foster creativity, deep thinking, and self-expression. 

• Use appropriate classroom management strategies and provide a supporting and caring learning environment for children where each child feels safe to create, share their perspectives, follow their passions, and take artistic risks.

• Use formative and summative assessment to evaluate and inform student learning and growth.

 

• Maintain an organized, inclusive classroom environment, including the display of students’ work, classroom guidelines, bulletin boards, and a neat and orderly appearance, conducive to student learning.

• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues on a regular basis and share information relative to student progress.

• Keep written records of student progress and growth for grading and reporting purposes. 

• Actively engage in the school community by participating in faculty meetings, recess and lunch duties, and additional school events

• Enhance one’s own knowledge, understanding, and skill through ongoing professional development.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree with teaching qualification or equivalent.

• Experience as an Art Teacher in an elementary, middle school, or similar setting is prefered

• Demonstrated excellence in a variety of art techniques including drawing, painting (watercolors, tempera, acrylic), collage, and clay

• A commitment to global and cultural competency, and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community

• Strong knowledge and understanding of child development, art methodology, and best practices in education.

• Outstanding interpersonal and problem-solving skills

• Ability to use and integrate technology effectively into the classroom setting to enhance or enrich the student learning experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• A creative, visionary teacher with a growth mindset and willingness to innovate and collaborate with others.

• Empathetic, supportive, good sense of humor, and a positive disposition

 Individuals interested in applying for this position should send a resume, cover letter, and references (via email preferably or by regular mail) to: ssoule@rpds.com

Skills Required

• Must have previous supervisory experience and be able to directly supervise people in a variety
• of functions related to facility operations, including:
• Carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical maintenance.
• Custodial/cleaning.
• Grounds Maintenance.
• Facility Security.
• Must be physically able to perform these functions when required.
• Must be familiar with commercial scale HVAC system operations. Working knowledge of HVAC systems is a plus.
• Must be able to assess the facility maintenance needs and develop bid requests for major repairs.
• Must have the expertise to manage all major repair projects.
• Must possess computer application competencies and have familiarity with electronic equipment control systems and fire panel monitoring.
• Must be able to develop and manage the facility operations budget and cost proposals.
• Must be able to interface with and oversee contract service providers of supply/logistics, maintenance/repair, custodial, and armed security.
• Must be able to interact professionally and effectively with the school leadership and staff, as well as Riverside Presbyterian Church (RPC) facility staff.
• Must have and maintain a current Florida Driver’s License.

Specific Duties
• Manage the maintenance of the school grounds and buildings and associated support staff.
• Implement and maintain a regularly scheduled maintenance plan for all mechanical systems and
equipment, and ensure maintenance is performed as scheduled. Ensure AC filters are replaced on
all units on a quarterly schedule.
• Perform general maintenance of facilities as needed, assess the need for outside support,
coordinate with Director and arrange for and oversee work as necessary.
• Coordinate inventory controls and management around disposables (paper products, etc.) to
ensure proper supplies are on-hand and re-orders are cost effective and within budget.
• Conduct a morning sweep before faculty and students arrive to ensure all facilities are in good
working condition. Generate work orders as required.
• Perform a more detailed monthly inspection of facilities to assess the need for repairs and identify
safety issues. Generate work orders as required via the Maintenance Helpdesk Work Order system
if not handled immediately.
o Inspect fire and building exit lighting monthly and replace as needed.
• Coordinate fire, safety, and security inspections as needed.
• Check and record pump pressure gauges in campus buildings daily.
• Respond to facilities repair requests as needed. If the request cannot be handled immediately,
generate work order via the Maintenance Helpdesk Work Order System.
Schedule and perform work to minimize disruption of class activities.
• Provide general painting and carpentry work as needed.
• Assist Director with annual maintenance budget preparation as needed.
• Develop a detailed summer work plan for each facility and customer.
• Plan, prioritize and manage facilities and maintenance work during this period.
• Include all customer requests that were unable to be completed during the school year.
• Include contractor and vendor work as needed.
• Manage custodial staff and activities to include:
• Oversee building janitorial support services contract.
• Ensure inventory is taken for custodial supplies such as paper goods, soap products, trash
bags, etc.
• Ensure all common areas and restrooms are clean, disinfected and remain so throughout
the working day. Any issues with spills, messes, or cleanliness are to be issued to the
custodial team immediately.
• Make sure custodial team timely responds to all radio calls and work order tickets
throughout the workday as issued by faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Manage the grounds' maintenance to include:
• Oversee the outside grounds vendor for lawn care maintenance weekly.
• In daily sweeps throughout campus make sure to scan the grounds for any areas that may
need attention (mulch spread, dead plants of flowers removed, excess of weeds in
common areas) and direct in-house groundskeeper or assist as needed.
• Ensure grounds irrigation systems provide adequate coverage for the given season.
• Manage RPDS Security personnel and staff to include:
• Ensure daily sweeps are conducted to make sure all fob access locations and locks are
secured and operating as needed for a secure environment.
• Ensure Security Officer coverage is always maintained.
• Maintain constant communication with all Security Officers via radio equipment.
• Ensure security focus is always on the students/faculty members safety.
• Provide facilities and grounds maintenance assessments and cost proposals as needed.
• Monitor and maintain key fob and access controller systems for security throughout campus
grounds.
• Coordinate timely and efficient support, set up, and take down of special programs and events
such as Open House, First Grade Travels around the World, Book Fair, Christmas Programs,
Graduation, etc. throughout the year. Include all scheduled events in the “Green Sheet” support
book.
• Maintain safe work area throughout campus and in maintenance and custodial areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reporting Structure
• Reports to Director of Finance & Operations
• Manages a team of four facilities personnel, two security personnel and partnership with
contracted armed security guard.
• Facilities liaison between School and Church.

Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to Director of Finance and Operations, Marye Edenfield: medenfield@rpds.com. 

Our Riverside in the Afternoon (RITA) program typically has unique needs based upon enrollment. Please contact Mrs. Julia Davis at jhdavis@rpds.com with inquiries about the RITA program and its potential openings.

Riverside Presbyterian Day School (RPDS) is currently accepting applications for substitute teachers (aka Guest Teachers) to support teaching and learning in grades PreK 3 through 6th Grade. Qualified, credentialed candidates should contact Sarabeth Soule (ssoule@rpds.com) to schedule an interview and to learn more about the application process. RPDS is an Independent school located in the heart of the Riverside community and is accredited by Florida Counsel of Independent Schools. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities

• Actively supervise the learning environment to ensure student safety at all times.
• Maintain a positive rapport with students, characterized by respect, patience, and care.
• Deliver instruction per the teacher’s lesson plans to ensure that learning objectives are met.
• Manage discipline in a way that is consistent with the School’s philosophy and methods.
• Reach out to grade-level colleagues or the Division Director for assistance when needed.
• Document important aspects of the day by leaving a detailed note in the provided Lesson Plans.
• Protect student confidentiality when reflecting on guest teaching experiences with others.

Attributes

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for and commitment to the mission of RPDS.
• Has excellent interpersonal skills, including being courteous, professional, and helpful.
• Has excellent communication skills.
• Is reliable, punctual and open to feedback.

Credentials & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Possession of valid teaching certification preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years successful teaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and learning theory preferred.
• Successful results of criminal and employment background check.

We refer qualified, credentialed teachers interested in substituting at RPDS to the independent school division of Kelly Services to meet our classroom needs during staff absences.