Manlius Pebble Hill School (MPH), the top-ranked private school in Central NY, seeks a visionary educator and decisive, confident leader to become its first Dean of Academics starting in July 2025.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant and creative PK-12 school community, long seen as the regional leader in primary and secondary education, at an exciting inflection point in its storied history. The oldest educational institution in Central NY, with origins dating back to 1869, MPH has a new Strategic Vision as the Syracuse prep school that develops each child’s unique potential to be a leader the world needs. With Central NY positioned for transformational investments and economic growth, and under the leadership of 2nd-year Head of School Jim Foley, MPH seeks a Dean who is equally poised to make an impact by leading the design, articulation, and next stage of evolution of the school’s academic program and curriculum, ensuring that teaching and learning practices embody the Strategic Vision and align with the school’s Mission and Core Values.

In close collaboration with Division Heads, Department Chairs, and other school leaders, the Dean will ensure robust curriculum development, foster innovative pedagogy, and support faculty growth through coaching and professional development. Reporting to the Head of School, the Dean serves as a vital member of the senior administrative team, contributing to the school’s leadership through strategic decision-making and active engagement with the school community.

This is a full-time, 12-month staff position with excellent benefits including medical, dental, and life insurance as well as an employer-matching retirement savings plan. The annual salary range is $75,000 - $90,000.

To apply, please include a cover letter, resume, and references in pdf format addressed to Kim Liebowitz, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, at kliebowitz@mphschool.org.

 The Dean of Academics leads the design, articulation, and evolution of the school’s academic program and curriculum, ensuring that teaching and learning practices embody the Strategic Vision and align with the school’s Mission and Core Values. In close collaboration with Division Heads, Department Chairs, and other school leaders, this role ensures robust curriculum development, fosters innovative pedagogy, and supports faculty growth through coaching and professional development. Key responsibilities include managing curriculum design, promoting equitable and effective assessment practices, and coordinating essential academic operations such as master scheduling and course planning. Reporting to the Head of School, the Dean serves as a vital member of the administrative team, contributing to the school’s leadership through strategic decision-making and active engagement with the school community.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

Curriculum and Program Development

• Ensure the design, review, and alignment of a college-preparatory curriculum of the highest quality, ensuring vertical and horizontal alignment across divisions.
• Drive curricular innovation, the integration of research-based teaching practices, and strategic academic priorities in collaboration with the Head of School, Division Heads and Department Chairs.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation and external standards.
• Collaborate with department chairs and Division Heads to support smooth academic transitions and monitor progress against benchmarks.

Scheduling and Academic Operations

• Partner with the Registrar and Information Systems Manager to develop and maintain the master schedule, testing schedules, and course offerings in collaboration with Division Heads and department chairs.
• Oversee course placements, staffing needs, and updates to the Middle & Upper School Course Catalog.
• Manage divisional transitions and ensure effective use of classrooms and shared spaces.

Assessment and Data Practices

• Lead standards-based assessment strategies and develop frameworks for data-informed decision-making.
• Oversee grading systems, monitor student academic progress, and ensure equitable assessment practices.
• Support faculty in using performance data to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

Faculty Support and Development

• Supervise and evaluate department chairs and faculty, fostering professional growth through mentoring and coaching.
• Partner with Division Heads on faculty assignments, recruitment, onboarding, and retention.
• With Division Heads, manage the professional development budget, organize professional development initiatives, and conduct classroom observations to provide feedback that supports professional growth.

Student Support and Guidance

• Guide student placement, academic advising, and support services in collaboration with Admissions and the Director of Academic Support.
• Oversee student support services and accommodations in collaboration with the Director of Academic Support.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Chair the Academic Council, fostering alignment and collaboration between departments and divisions.
• Partner with members of the Administrative Team to implement strategic initiatives and support long-term academic goals.
• Represent the school’s academic programs at admissions and development events, parent meetings, and Board committees.

Additional Responsibilities

• Teach the equivalent of one course each semester
• Collaborate with the Head of School, Head of Middle and Upper Schools, and other divisional leaders to support strategic school-wide initiatives.
• Serve on the Administrative and Operations Teams, and other committees as determined by the Head of School.
• Supervises:
  • Director of College Counseling
  • Department Chairs
  • Director of Academic Support
  • Librarian (with Head of Lower School)
  • Registrar and Information Systems Manager (with Chief Financial Officer)

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in education or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in curriculum design, pedagogy, and assessment.
• Deep knowledge of adolescent learning and development, with a minimum of 5-7 years of successful teaching experience at the PK-12 level.
• Significant experience in academic leadership, with a track record of overseeing curriculum innovation and faculty development.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex academic operations such as master scheduling, course offerings, and assessment systems.
• Commitment to professional growth and staying current with research on learning and education.
• Familiarity with accreditation processes and external educational standards.
• Proven ability to collaborate across divisions and with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to perform occasional physical tasks (e.g., setting up events, lifting up to 40 pounds).

Key Skills, Abilities, and Qualities

• Visionary thinker with the ability to develop and implement a compelling academic vision aligned with the school’s strategic goals.
• Decisive and confident leader, adept at navigating complex challenges and making informed decisions.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and synthesize diverse perspectives into actionable strategies and initiatives.
• Exceptional communicator, both in public speaking and personal engagement, inspiring confidence and enthusiasm.
• Expertise in research-based pedagogy and assessment practices, with the ability to translate theory into actionable strategies for teachers.
• Skilled instructional coach, able to provide actionable, constructive feedback to faculty at all stages of their careers.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of professional growth, collaboration, and innovation among faculty.
• Effective at navigating challenging conversations with professionalism and empathy, buoyed by a sense of humor and a joyful appreciation for working in schools.
• Resilient under pressure, with a calm, pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

About Manlius Pebble Hill School

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