Ari Leubitz

• Directed the strategic and operational leadership of a mission-driven independent school with 1,350 students and 300 faculty and staff, representing diverse backgrounds in nationality, observance levels, and socioeconomic status.
• Oversaw academics, operations, a $42M annual budget, $1.5M in annual fundraising efforts, and a $60M campus expansion project while maintaining a values-driven culture focused on academic excellence and community engagement.
• Promoted high standards in general and Judaic studies through cross-divisional collaboration, resulting in record student achievement outcomes such as 66 AP Scholars in 2024 and multiple National Merit/National Scholars.
• Spearheaded a $60M campus expansion initiative to support future growth; coordinated land acquisition strategies, zoning plans, and infrastructure development in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Enhanced financial stewardship by collaborating closely with the CFO to ensure sustainable budgeting practices for faculty compensation, infrastructure development, program creation, and strategic priorities.
• Achieved full enrollment through innovative admissions strategies; realized a 92% accepted-student retention rate supported by award-winning campaigns recognized with the 2023 CASE Circle of Excellence Award.
• Elevated donor engagement by leading highly effective development teams that consistently exceeded fundraising goals while cultivating long-term relationships that bolstered major giving programs aligned with institutional needs.
• Recruited an accomplished leadership team including CFOs and advancement professionals; launched leadership coaching initiatives and built robust talent pipelines to drive organizational success across divisions.

• Served as a coach and trainer for the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI).
• Prepared new and aspiring leaders from North America to work in independent schools through ongoing coaching, retreats, and site visits.
• Team taught a three-week summer intensive that offers engaging experiential learning opportunities,  cutting-edge leadership development, and the opportunity to collaboratively problem-solve with North American peers. 
• Alongside other nationally recognized Heads of School planned and taught 2-3 day seminars on various topics related to leadership.

• Directed the successful merger of two legacy institutions into a unified, mission-driven school serving infants through 12th grade.
• Managed daily operations for over 500 students and 150 staff members while overseeing an $11M budget.
• Developed and implemented a progressive educational vision alongside a strategic three-year plan to achieve set goals.
• Led and completed a two-phase capital campaign, culminating in the construction of a new high school building (Phase 1) and an athletic center (Phase 2).
• Secured over $18M in funding for capital and sustainability projects, while boosting the annual fund and scholarship funds to record levels.
• Achieved financial transformation by eliminating seven-figure deficits, clearing high debt levels, establishing operating reserves, and reducing operating costs by 12% over three years.
• Implemented cost efficiencies while improving student test scores, increasing parent satisfaction, and achieving waitlisted enrollment levels.
• Created a widely praised COVID management playbook that served as a regional model during the pandemic response.
• Restructured the business and finance department to attain "commendation" status from independent auditors through targeted recruitment and process improvements.

• Conceptualized and implemented a 21st-century educational philosophy, including the development of an award-winning Judaic Studies curriculum, introduction of a progressive General Studies teaching model, and a comprehensive overhaul of the school's technology infrastructure.
• Managed, supervised, and evaluated senior administrative staff across multiple departments, including General Studies, Judaic Studies, Finance, Development, Admissions, and Technology.
• Developed a 7-year Strategic Financial Plan (SFP) to ensure long-term fiscal health and sustainability.
• Expanded donor base and increased annual campaign donations consistently throughout tenure while securing significant contributions from large donors.
• Directed organizational restructuring efforts to streamline operations by reducing administrative redundancies and costs while enhancing teaching quality and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Oversaw all aspects of budgeting processes to ensure financial responsibility and alignment with strategic goals.
• Represented local Day School leadership at Federation strategic meetings to advocate for educational initiatives and community priorities.
• Established strong connections with local and national Jewish organizations and donors while actively leading community projects, delivering public lectures, and engaging in broader community outreach efforts.

• Supervision and evaluation of senior directors, including overseeing roles such as Director of Curriculum, Director of Student Life, Athletics and Sports Director, Hebrew Coordinator, and departmental chairs.
• Regular assessment and improvement of curriculum quality and scope to ensure alignment with educational goals.
• Development and implementation of innovative scheduling formats, integrating new course sequences for General and Judaic Studies.
• Design of a progressive master schedule featuring enhancements like push-in/pull-out programs and small group instruction to cater to diverse student needs.
• Coordination of faculty support initiatives, with implementation of teacher supervision documentation and assessment frameworks for consistent performance evaluation.
• Mentoring programs for new teachers focusing on enhancing skills in professionalism, co-teaching methods, organizational practices, and effective parent communication.
• Oversight of academic program delivery through collaboration with administrative staff to maintain high standards in instructional practice.
• Strategic leadership within the institution's academic governance to foster an environment focused on learning innovation and excellence.

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