General Summary: The Dean of Student Support holds dual functions as both a College Guidance Counselor and an administrator tasked with shepherding non-traditional students who may need extra attention in transition to and beyond the University School of Milwaukee (USM). As a College Guidance Counselor, this dean will help USM enhance individualized support for our first generation and underrepresented students, from finding supplementary learning and scholarship opportunities to helping guide financial aid planning. The counselor will work with students and families to navigate their unique circumstances and forge relationships with specialized programs on college campuses that serve the populations of which they are a part.
In addition to supporting the College Guidance Office, this new hire will work with Upper School administration and the Office of Enrollment Management to welcome non-traditional students and provide support to them in all facets of their lives at USM. More specifically, this dean will establish relationships and open channels of communication with non-traditional students and their families, and will develop and manage a suite of programs that will create a supportive framework for our students.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Develops USM acclimation programing.
Leads summer orientation class(es).
Establishes and promotes student-to-student mentorships.
Manages student-to-student tutoring program.
Monitors academic progress.
Supports advisors through regular communication and serve as a liaison for SOCC, the Students of Concern Committee.
Establishes relationships with feeder schools (working with Enrollment Management).
Coordinates with STEP Program directors for 9th grade and class deans to augment study skills and transition programming.
Fosters relationships with college admissions professionals at and away from USM.
Prepares and presents with colleagues to USM parents.
Assists in planning and chaperoning of junior college trip.
Arranges for student visits to local campuses and college fairs.
Oversees College Guidance office’s college financial aid support programming.
Curates scholarship list and special opportunities (e.g. college fly-ins and specialized summer programs) for USM students.
Oversees USM student participation in substantive scholarship programs like Questbridge.
Cultivates partnerships with community based organizations and Wisconsin colleges offering bridge and support programs.
Creates and implements needed parent and family college programming for non-traditional students.
Counsels 10-15 students in each class and their families over the course of four years to assist with all aspects of preparation for the college process.
Follows students in this program once they are admitted to college.
Works in conjunction with the Head of Upper School in supervising school activities.
Keeps abreast of current research, innovations, and trends in the areas of curriculum and instruction and provides pertinent information and recommendations.
Assists in the promotion of a positive school climate and staff morale through positive feedback and recognition.
Serves on school committees as assigned.
Prepares and maintains records as required.
Assumes other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to effectively deal with students, faculty, staff, and parents and support them.
Knowledge and understanding of child and adolescent physical, emotional, and intellectual development.
Knowledge of curriculum design, planning, development, implementation and evaluation, assessment processes, and how they should operate in an effective school.
Strong knowledge of the School’s curriculum.
Effective speaker, writer, and teacher.
Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with all people, including those from diverse racial, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.
Ability to contribute to cultural diversity and inclusion for educational enrichment.
Strong interpersonal skills; capable of using tact and diplomacy in dealing with others.
Strong organizational and effective time-management skills.
High level of maturity, resiliency, confidentiality, and assertiveness.
Ability to multitask and balance simultaneous demands.
Strong conflict resolution and personal coaching skills.
Committed to professional growth.
Appreciative of constructive feedback.
Capable of competently operating technology.
Education and Experience:
Master’s Degree in an academic field such as education, or related field
5-8 years of successful experience as an educator and administrator, preferred
Successful experience working with Upper School students, preferred
Previous experience working effectively with culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations, preferred
NOTES:
Employer will assist with relocation costs.
Additional Salary Information: Plus full benefits package
About University School of Milwaukee
University School of Milwaukee is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students from prekindergarten (age 3) through grade 12. Current enrollment is 1,060 students. We welcome candidates that add to our diversity. University School of Milwaukee is an equal opportunity employer. More information may be found at www.usmk12.org.
