Employment
GUIDED BY OUR MISSION
Rooted in an inspiring natural setting, Berkshire School instills the highest standards of character and citizenship and a commitment to academic, artistic, and athletic excellence. Our community fosters diversity, a dedication to environmental stewardship, and an enduring love for learning.
OUR MOTTO
Pro Vita Non Pro Schola Discimus "Learning—not just for school but for life."
Berkshire School strives to create a global community that reflects the world around us and the backgrounds, experiences, identities, genders, perspectives, races, religions and talents that each member brings to our school. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community supports and respects all cultures, ethnicities, languages, philosophies, political views and sexual orientations that exist within and beyond our school.
Berkshire School is a boarding community dedicated to serving the best interest of the students and adults living within it. We hire proven leaders who recognize the benefit of hard work, building community and sharing success. While most full-time faculty will teach four sections, coach two seasons and work within the residential program, every successful employee working at the School understands and appreciates the twenty-four hour nature of a Berkshire education, which is why working at Berkshire is a way of life and not simply a job.
Salary for all employees is competitive, and full-time employees are entitled to a rich benefit plan, including participation and school contributions to a TIAA-CREF retirement plan, health insurance (including vision and dental plans), generous medical and parental leave plans, reduced rates at our on-campus day care center, reduced tuition at a nearby private school, day-student tuition at Berkshire School for legal dependents, and use of school facilities.
- FACULTY POSITIONS
- STAFF POSITIONS
- ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS
- SUMMER PROGRAMS
- BERKSHIRE TEACHING FELLOWSHIP
- FLIK DINING SERVICES
FACULTY POSITIONS
Our faculty members intentionally choose Berkshire because they recognize we are fully committed to expanding opportunities for our students and furthering their education both inside and outside of the classroom. They are passionate about aligning their work to reflect new understandings of how students learn best and to preparing them for a world driven by exponential change. More than 80% of Berkshire faculty members live in campus housing. Beyond teaching, most faculty members serve as an advisor, coach a sport, help with clubs and activities, and often take on other supervisory roles, which means students interact with faculty multiple times each day in a variety of contexts.
Additional benefits for faculty include year-round housing with utilities, including internet, and meals when school is in session. Funding also exists to support advanced degree work, as well as participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer studies and travel.
Send inquiries to:
Jean Woodward Maher
Associate Head of School
Berkshire School
245 North Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
email jmaher@berkshireschool.org
fax 413-229-1010
HEAD COACH BOYS VARSITY HOCKEY
Berkshire School seeks to hire a dynamic head boys’ varsity hockey coach to lead one of New England’s premier programs. The ideal candidate should have a record of coaching experience and success, with the ability to develop a program that celebrates Berkshire’s broader mission to prepare student-athletes as strong contributors to their collegiate/university professional, and personal communities. We are especially interested in candidates who have proven expertise with recruitment, communication, player development, college placement, and who demonstrate cultural competency in all aspects of their coaching and work with young people. Candidates should anticipate being a fully engaged member of our community. In addition to coaching, applicants should expect to be actively involved in all aspects of the School's programs as a teacher, administrator, or equivalent role, and including residential life responsibilities. A bachelor's degree is required.
Salary is competitive and includes year-round housing plus utilities for full-time faculty, and meals when school is in session. Health and retirement benefits, including TIAA-CREF, are part of the compensation package. Funding exists to support advanced degree work, student loan repayments, as well as participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel for full-time faculty.
SCIENCE TEACHER
Berkshire School seeks to find an engaging teacher of biology and chemistry. A member of the Science Department, this ideal candidate will possess experience with pre-college biology and chemistry instruction. Additionally, candidates with demonstrated ability to teach introductory courses through Advanced Placement are desirable. The science teacher will facilitate learning through student-driven inquiry methods and must be familiar with 21st-century skills, experiential learning, as well as integrating technology into all aspects of the classroom. We are especially interested in candidates who have training in cultural competency and experience engaging questions of equity and justice with students. Candidates should demonstrate understanding and interest in pedagogy, collaboration, current scholarship, and professional development.
In addition to teaching, applicants should expect to be actively involved in all aspects of the School's programs, including living in a dormitory and participating in the school's athletic and/or co-curricular programs as a coach or program director. A bachelor's degree in a closely related field is required and a master's degree or higher is preferred. Salary is competitive and includes year-round housing plus utilities, and meals when school is in session. Health and retirement benefits, including TIAA-CREF and student loan repayment, are part of the compensation package. Funding exists to support advanced degree work, student loan repayment, as well as participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel.
ENGLISH TEACHER
Berkshire School seeks to hire a dynamic, full-time Grade 9-12 English teacher beginning in the 2023-24 academic year. The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of their discipline with the ability to develop critical thinking skills, foster engaging discussion, and hone the skills of writing, reading, and analysis. We are especially interested in candidates who have training in cultural competency and experience engaging questions of equity and justice with students. Candidates should demonstrate understanding and interest in pedagogy, collaboration, current scholarship, and professional development. In addition to teaching, applicants should expect to be actively involved in all aspects of the School's programs, including living in a dormitory and participating in the school's athletic and/or co-curricular programs as a coach or program director. A bachelor's degree in English or a closely related field is required and a master's degree or higher is desirable.
Salary is competitive and includes year-round housing plus utilities and meals when school is in session. Health and retirement benefits, including TIAA-CREF, are part of the compensation package. Funding exists to support advanced degree work, student loan repayment, as well as participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel.
STAFF POSITIONS
Our staff members are valued members of the Berkshire School community and are vital to the success of achieving our mission. We have numerous staff who have been with Berkshire School for many years, and they cite the warm and supportive community of adults, as well as the enjoyment of working with or around our vibrant, energetic and diverse student body as reasons they enjoy working at Berkshire. In addition to the benefits described above, we have a generous vacation benefit, and all staff are welcome to have meals in our dining hall when they are working.
The contact person for staff positions may vary, so please check the relevant posting. General employment inquiries for staff positions may be directed to:
Cheryl Geerhold
Director of Human Resources
Berkshire School
245 N. Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
413-229-1201
cgeerhold@berkshireschool.org
MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER
Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for securing leadership philanthropic support for Berkshire in the early phase of a comprehensive campaign.
The Major Gifts Officer is a full-time, exempt, 12-month staff position in the Advancement Office, entitled to full benefits. Depending on the candidate’s location, the position can be a fully remote work arrangement with occasional visits to the office.
Role and Responsibilities
- Secures 5-, 6-, and 7-figure major and planned gift commitments
- Conducts prospect qualification in the early phase of a campaign
- Manages a portfolio of 80-120 major gift prospects
- Reaches out to 100% of managed portfolio in a given fiscal year, with the goal of soliciting as many prospects as possible
- Develops 5-10 Individual Prospect Plans for lead prospects in portfolio
- Serves as resource for consultation on prospects in fellow fundraisers’ pools
- Maintains accurate, up-to-date reflection of activity with prospects and donors in RE NXT
- Ensures that major gift conversations are in motion for each subsequent fiscal year
- With Donor Relations and Stewardship, drafts and executes gift agreements
- Stewards donors in major gifts portfolio to inspire long-term relationships with Berkshire
Required Skills/Experience
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge, Google applications, Microsoft Office Suite
- Bachelor’s degree
- Proven record of fundraising success securing major gifts in the 6- and 7-figure range
- Experience managing a prospect portfolio of at least 50 major gift prospects
- Ability to travel regularly
Desired Qualities
- Effective communicator with ability to compellingly articulate Berkshire’s mission and authentic needs to donors and prospects
- Builds strong relationships with teammates, campus partners, and external community
- Familiarity with and facility in communicating School priorities and programs to a range of prospective donors
- Works effectively and collaboratively with a range of work styles, talents, and experiences
Interested candidates should contact Cheryl Geerhold, Director of Human Resources, via email at cgeerhold@berkshireschool.org.
REGISTERED NURSE
Berkshire School has an opening for a Full-Time Registered Nurse in our Student Health Service to work the day shift. Berkshire’s Student Health Service provides medical care to approx. 420 high school boarding and day students.
Successful candidates must be kind and able to communicate well with high school students and their families. Requirements: Current MA RN license, CPR/AED certification. Minimum 3 to 5 years of pediatric or school nursing. Knowledge in Electronic Medical Record keeping.
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to Brooke Humes, Director of Student Health Services, bhumes@berkshireschool.org.
GROUNDS/MAINTENANCE
Berkshire School has an opening for an individual to perform routine seasonal outside maintenance and grounds work, and event set-ups and breakdowns. This position requires heavy lifting and the ability to work as an effective member of a team. Some weekend and holiday hours are mandatory. This is a full-time, year round position with excellent benefits. Interested parties should contact Gabe Starczewski, gstarczewski@berkshireschool.org, 413-229-1211.
ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS
DEAN OF FACULTY
Berkshire School seeks a Dean of Faculty to lead a dynamic team of educators. Reporting to the Associate Head of School and working closely with the Head of School, Dean of Academics, Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, and Department Chairs, the Dean of Faculty takes the lead on the professional development, class observation and evaluation, and retention of faculty.
The Dean of Faculty is both coach and mentor to the faculty, inspiring a commitment to professional growth and the highest standards of professionalism. The ideal candidate will bring to the position a comprehensive understanding of teaching and learning in a residential school and a demonstrated willingness to explore and embrace new pedagogical practices and developing trends.
This position requires a leader with high emotional intelligence, a strong collaborative style of leadership, and the ability to build relationships within the community. Candidates must exemplify their ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity in their work and demonstrate cultural competency. As a member of the Administrative team, the Dean of Faculty should expect to be involved in every aspect of the School's program.
Responsibilities:
- Serves on the Administrative Team and attends weekly Administrative, Department Chair, and Student Life meetings
- Serves on the Hiring team and supports recruitment, onboarding, and retention of faculty
- Co-leads diversity, equity and inclusion work both internally (Bias Incident Reporting Team) and externally (DEI Alumni Council)
- Coordinates the Berkshire Teaching Fellow Program and the Early Career Seminar for faculty in the first year of teaching
- Manages the formal evaluation process
- Engages in regular classroom observations across departments
- Leads weekly faculty meetings
- Serves within the senior administrative team as a weekly/weekend Duty Administrator
- Teaches one academic class, engages in one season of afternoon program, and serves as an advisor to 4-6 students
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is required and advanced degree is preferred. Minimum of five years of teaching experience. Demonstrated experience in professional mentorship, development, and evaluation.
Compensation is competitive and includes year-round housing plus utilities and meals when school is in session. Health and retirement benefits, including TIAA-CREF, are part of the compensation package. Funding exists to support advanced degree work, as well as school loan repayment and participation in professional growth opportunities such as conferences and workshops.
TO APPLY Please send resume/CV, letter of intent, list of five references with contact information (references will not be contacted until the candidate is notified), and statement of philosophy of education and leadership to John Faubert (email: jpf@carneysandoe.com) and Namita Bhattacharya (email: namita@carneysandoe.com). Please do not contact the school directly.
Send inquiries to:
Jean Woodward Maher
Associate Head of School
Berkshire School
245 North Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
email jmaher@berkshireschool.org
fax 413-229-1010
SUMMER PROGRAMS
There are no current openings.
Send inquiries to:
Jeff Depelteau
Director of Summer Programs
Berkshire School
245 North Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
email jdepelteau@berkshireschool.org
fax 413-229-1010
BERKSHIRE TEACHING FELLOWSHIP
Berkshire's Teaching Fellowship provides practical experience to 1-2 recent college graduates interested in teaching at an independent boarding school. Berkshire School Teaching Fellows fully immerse themselves in the boarding school experience by teaching two classes, contributing to the extracurricular life of the school, and living in a dormitory. Teaching Fellowships are two-year appointments.
Teaching fellows collaborate with a mentor to guide them through their first year of teaching, coaching, and residential responsibilities. Teaching Fellows will make regular class visits to the mentor's classes, and co-teach one section with the mentor. Mentors and fellows engage in conversation regularly regarding lesson plans, pedagogical methods, grading principles, and all other aspects of teaching. In addition, all early-career faculty partake in a yearlong series of meetings with the Dean of Faculty that allows for discussions about teaching and working with students within the boarding school setting.
Berkshire Teaching Fellows may elect to enroll in a two-year Master of Arts in Teaching program offered through the Independent Schools Teacher Leadership Program at Mount Holyoke College. This specialized course of study is designed for full-time educators working in independent schools who want to enhance their teaching and/or prepare for leadership roles. Enrolled students choose from two tracks: one focused on teaching pedagogy and the other centered on honing leadership skills.
To apply for Berkshire's Teaching Fellowship, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and current transcript to Jean Woodward Maher, Associate Head of School (jmaher@berkshireschool.org).
FLIK DINING SERVICES
FLIK Dining Services, which is contracted to provide services for Berkshire School, is looking to hire for the positions listed below. There are both Full-Time and Part-Time opportunities available. Please note, that these are positions with FLIK and not with Berkshire School.
Interested parties should contact Shawn Burdick, Director of Food Services, at 413-229-1216, or sburdick@berkshireschool.org.
LINE SERVER
- Provides quality customer service by providing one-on-one attention to detail.
- Participates in the preparation and service of food and beverage items in adherence to company food standards for presentation, sanitation and safety (meeting HACCP and OSHA guidelines) and portion control.
- Cleans work area and equipment used in food preparation and service.
- Follows all safety and sanitation procedures. Delivers food items to and from main kitchen.
- Promotes clean, safe and neat environment for residents, self and staff.
- Cooperates with staff of other departments in performing job duties.
- Contributes to the team; exhibits professionalism with customers, fellow employees and others.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
DISHWASHER
- Scrapes and rinses food from dirty dishes and washes them by hand or places them in racks or on conveyor to dishwashing machine depending on assigned equipment. Ensures complete cleanliness and sanitation.
- Washes pots, pans and trays based on assigned procedures. Ensure complete cleanliness and sanitation.
- Polishes silver using burnishing machine tumbler, chemical dip, buffing wheel and hand cloth depending on assigned equipment and procedures. Ensures complete cleanliness and sanitation.
- Ensures compliance with outlined safety procedures.
- Maintains temperatures and chemical levels as outlined by provided standards.
- Keeps dish area orderly and in compliance with safety standards.
- Sweeps and mops kitchen floors to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
- Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces.
- Removes trash and places it in designated containers. Steam cleans or hoses out garbage cans.
- Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work areas.
- Helps load and unload supplies and product.
COOK
Learns to assists in the preparation and cooking of various food items prior to being considered a qualified, skilled cook. Maintains food safety and sanitation standards in the preparation and kitchen areas.
- Learns to read menu to estimate food requirements. Orders food from supplier or procures it from storage.
- Prepares and cooks food in accordance with company production records and standardized recipes.
- Learns to adjust thermostat controls to regulate temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, roasters and steam kettles.
- Helps measure and mix ingredients according to recipes using a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment.
- Bakes, roasts, broils and steam meats, fish, vegetables and other foods under guidance. Adds seasoning to food during mixing or cooking under the instruction of others.
- Tests food by tasting, smelling and piercing to determine that it is cooked.
- Carves meat, portions food on serving plates, and adds gravies, sauces and garnishes to fill orders as directed.
- Washes, peels, cuts and shreds fruits and vegetables and fruits.
- Butchers chicken, fish and shellfish as directed.
- Bakes bread, rolls, cakes and pastry as course of instruction permits.
- Maintains work station