Career Opportunities

Riverside Presbyterian Day School, an independent co-educational elementary (PreK 3 – 6^th Grade) day school located in Jacksonville, FL seeks a full-time Kindergarten through Third Grade Science teacher for the current 2025-2026 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:

• Prepare and implement developmentally appropriate lessons for students from Kindergarten through Third Grade that cover strands of the science curriculum.
• Create interactive science lab experiences that allow students to develop their inquiry skills and an understanding of the scientific process.
• Deepen students' critical thinking skills and engagement.
• Differentiate instruction as needed to meet the needs of all students.
• Collaborate with classroom and resource teachers to develop cross-departmental units of inquiry that foster creativity, deep thinking, and self-expression. 
• Use appropriate classroom management strategies and provide a supportive 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 assessments 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 competencies and helping children understand their place in the world as conscientious, caring citizens. 
• 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:

Mr. Ben Ketchum, Head of School
830 Oak Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
bketchum@rpds.com

 

Riverside Presbyterian Day School, an independent co-educational (PreK3 – 6^th Grade) elementary day school in Jacksonville, FL seeks a full time Director of Advancement beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, or earlier based on candidate availability.

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 Riverside’s fundraising, community engagement, and volunteer opportunities. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, parents, and other constituent groups, the Director of Advancement oversees fundraising activities to help meet the operating, capital, and endowment needs of the school. Priorities include identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts, The RPDS Fund (annual fund), as well as community building events such as Fall Festival, Run Riverside, Capers gala and auction, and Grandparents’ & 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 key member of the Administrative Team. Along with the Head of School the Director of Advancement establishes close working relationships with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Assistant Head of School, the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Director of Admissions, and the Chair of the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees. The position also oversees an Advancement Team comprised of an associate, as well as volunteer event planning committees.

The Riverside Cornerstone Campaign Steering Committee will continue to seek additional gifts and pledges over the coming year. 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 all fundraising activities for operating, capital, and endowment needs.
• Organize and successfully execute a major gifts effort, the RPDS Fund (annual fund), Capers (the signature annual event/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.
• Collaborate closely with the Parent Association leadership and special event chairs.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Communications and Alumni Relations to engage, connect, and cultivate RPDS Alumni and assist in providing concise record management.
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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 ability to build and maintain strong relationships within the community
• Self-confident, poised and at the same time empathetic, humble, and respectful
• A creative out of the box thinker who is both innovative and entrepreneurial
• Accountable, honors commitments, and forthright in communication and engagements
• 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

CONTACT

Candidates should submit an application, including cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references, to Sarabeth Soule, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, ssoule@rpds.com.

Position Summary
Our Billing and Accounts Receivable Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the mission of
Riverside Presbyterian Day School by ensuring the responsible management of student billing,
tuition collection, and scholarship programs. Working in close partnership with the Chief
Financial Officer and Business Office Manager, this position upholds the school’s commitment
to integrity, transparency, and exceptional service to families. Through accuracy in financial
processes, thoughtful communication, and collaboration across departments, the Specialist
helps sustain the financial health of the school and contributes to an outstanding experience
for every RPDS family.

Key Responsibilities

Student Billing and Collections

• Manage Student Enrollment and Billing: Process annual enrollment contracts with precision, ensuring accurate reconciliation of student enrollment data, tuition rates, and billing records across all grade levels and programs.
• Accounts Receivable and Collections: Partner closely with the CFO to oversee all aspects of accounts receivable, including payment posting, and the management of aged receivables.
• Implement consistent follow-up procedures to ensure timely collection and clear documentation of outstanding balances.
• Cash Receipts and Deposits: Perform daily accounting of all incoming receivables and online deposits related to tuition, after-school programs, and summer camps, ensuring accurate coding and reconciliation within the school’s financial systems.
• Account Maintenance: Maintain and update student tuition accounts throughout the year, including the setup and modification of payment plans and posting of incidental charges.
• Family Communication: Communicate proactively with families regarding account status, upcoming payments, and billing inquiries. Provide clear, courteous, and confidential support while ensuring adherence to RPDS financial policies and procedures.
• System Integrity and Reporting: Ensure the accuracy of all data within the student billing and accounting systems. Generate and distribute reports to internal stakeholders as needed.

School Choice Scholarship Program Oversight

• Program Management: Administer all aspects of the Florida School Choice Scholarship
• Program, including the allocation and application of scholarship funds to student accounts, monthly reconciliation of payments, and compliance with state and institutional requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all program rules, deadlines, and reporting requirements as established by the Florida Department of Education and Step Up for Students. Ensure that RPDS remains in full compliance with state and audit standards.
• Audit Preparation: Prepare detailed documentation and schedules for annual reviews and audits related to scholarship activity, including the Step Up for Students Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) audit.
• Recordkeeping and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and organized records of student awards, correspondence, and financial transactions related to scholarship funds.

Other Business Office Responsibilities

• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Serve as a professional and responsive liaison among administration, faculty, staff, vendors, and external accounting and audit firms, ensuring clarity and accuracy in all financial communications.
• Audit Support: Assist with the annual financial audit, compiling schedules and supporting documentation and reconciliations.
• Operational Support: Contribute to school-wide operations by assisting with school functions, and community activities as needed.
• Continuous Improvement: Demonstrate a commitment to learning new systems, processes, and technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy within the Business Office.
• Professional Conduct: Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism in all business office operations.
• Additional Duties: Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the CFO or Business
• Office Manager or Administrators in support of the school’s mission and financial stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• Minimum of three years of accounting or accounts receivable experience, ideally in aschool or nonprofit environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), Google Workspace, and financial software systems; experience with Blackbaud or similar accounting and billing platforms is strongly preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive financial matters with discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a collaborative team environment.

Core Competencies

• Integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive financial data.
• Accuracy and accountability in all financial transactions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to teamwork and supporting the mission of Riverside Presbyterian Day School.

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.