Assistant Head of Upper SchoolDean of Students

Dean of Students / Assistant Head of Upper School

Position Overview
The Dean of Students/Assistant Head of Upper School plays a key role in fostering a positive inclusive and accountable student culture while ensuring a supportive learning environment. Reporting to the Head of Upper School this role is a critical member of the school leadership team. The Dean serves as a primary point of contact for students and families oversees student behavior and supports the school’s academic mission by integrating student wellbeing with academic success.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & School Culture

• Partner with the Head of Upper School to maintain the division's excellence and assume leadership responsibilities in their absence.
• Establish strong relationships with students families faculty and staff serving as a primary point of contact for concerns.
• Foster a positive school culture by emphasizing reflection learning and personal growth in disciplinary processes.
• Actively support and mentor student leaders including the Upper School Student Council and Advisory Mentors.

Student Support & Wellbeing

• Address emotional situational and behavioral challenges working collaboratively with students advisors and parents.
• Coordinate with counselors learning specialists teachers and advisors to support students in need.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive advisory program for grades 912 promoting personal and community relationships emotional support and academic success.
• Lead the 9thgrade team designing programs to integrate new students into the school community and support their transition to high school.

Academic & Operational Management

• Collaborate with the Head of Upper School to review student grades and progress ensuring timely communication with families.
• Oversee the Upper School calendar coordinating events and activities to support the division’s goals.
• Organize and lead weekly faculty meetings to address student concerns and proactive support strategies.

Student Life & Extracurricular Programming

• Enhance teaching and learning experiences beyond the classroom by supervising programs such as interim weeks experiential education days (xdays) and community gatherings.
• Design robust programming for new student transitions including orientations and introductory sessions.
• Attend and supervise extracurricular and athletic events to actively contribute to the school community.

Enrollment & Retention Support

• Participate in the enrollment committee collaborating with the admissions office on initiatives for new and returning students.
• Partner with the administrative team and Director of Enrollment to plan events and activities that promote retention and divisional transition.

Teaching Coaching & Advising

• Teach at least one course annually (subject and assignments determined with Administration).
• Serve as an advisor to a group of 710 students supporting their academic and personal growth.
• Potentially coach one athletic season per year.

Program Development & Vision

• Oversee the strategic vision and curriculum for the advisory program ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and goals.
• Collaborate on developing schoolwide programs that enhance personal growth leadership and community building for students.

Qualifications & Expectations

• Proven experience in student support leadership or education roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships with students families and colleagues.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Flexibility to engage in school events and programs beyond the classroom.