Hiring an Auxiliary Director: How the Experts Do It

As the leading organization providing support and development for auxiliary professionals, SPARC knows well the combination of leadership, vision, and business skills required of an effective auxiliary director. Of all the positions in an independent school, auxiliary and summer program directors arguably utilize the most diverse and challenging skill set, whether it's building team morale, communicating with families, managing risk, working within a budget, creating and implementing new programs, hiring new staff, or strategizing with stakeholders. 

When it comes to hiring an auxiliary director, no one understands what is required better than professionals with years of experience both hiring directors and working in the industry themselves. SPARC's Leadership Search is offered to schools who need to fill the auxiliary director position with skilled leaders, as evidenced by the recent hires pictured here.

"Successful candidates combine entrepreneurial mindset, strategic thinking, marketing expertise, project management, analytical agility, and exceptional relationship-building skills."

--SPARC Executive Director Nat Saltonstall 

Here's an inside look at how SPARC guides schools through the entire hiring process, from the initial description of the role to the final selection of the right professional for the job.

Candidate Recruitment and Screening

"Successful candidates combine entrepreneurial mindset, strategic thinking, marketing expertise, project management, analytical agility, and exceptional relationship-building skills," states SPARC Executive Director Nat Saltonstall in the recent Auxiliary TrendWatch newsletter. With this understanding, the Leadership Search process begins by developing a comprehensive position statement.

With that in hand, SPARC then actively recruits qualified candidates from their vast network of experienced professionals in auxiliary leadership, education, and youth development. All applicants are initially screened and interviewed by SPARC Advisors, ensuring that school leaders can focus on choosing from only the most qualified candidates.

Communication

Throughout the search process, SPARC manages all communication from coordinating interviews and on-campus visits. They know what questions to ask--and what questions candidates should be asking--while looking for those whose qualifications are best tailored to your school's needs.

"The process was streamlined, professional, and efficient, allowing us to stay focused on decision-making rather than logistics. It truly elevated the entire search and gave us confidence that we were seeing a strong, well-vetted pool of candidates."

--Karen McCann McClelland, Sidwell Friends School

Organization

SPARC shoulders all the administrative and scheduling details during the process. And when it's time for interviews, SPARC presents a slate of qualified candidates vetted by SPARC Advisors, providing comprehensive, professional candidate profiles summarizing experience, strengths, and fit. Stakeholders can then conduct interviews confident that they are choosing from the most highly qualified professionals in the field. 

Consultation

Questions will always arise in the hiring process. Perhaps one candidate is particularly experienced in business management but less so in program implementation--how important is that? What salary should be offered? Which candidate's experience is most aligned with the needs of your school? How do you choose if two candidates seem equally qualified? As a team of former auxiliary professionals, SPARC offers guidance in the decision-making process that is founded on a deep well of experience and knowledge of industry trends. 

"Auxiliary leadership is no longer an add-on," says Nat Saltonstall. "It is central to institutional strategy. Schools must design roles thoughtfully, hiring for enterprise capacity and professional growth so their auxiliary programs drive enrollment, strengthen brand, and enhance long-term financial sustainability."

Given how crucial successful auxiliary programs have become to the success of independent schools, it has never been more important to hire the right person for the job. If you're interested in getting the guidance of auxiliary professionals in hiring your auxiliary director, check out SPARC's Leadership Search service. 

The Leadership Search is only one of the advisory services offered by SPARC. Ask us about the SPARC Accelerator, mentorship, program evaluation, and more. And to get the most of our exceptional community support, development, tools, and webinars, become a member school today!