Position: Middle School Dean of Students Reports To: Head of Middle School
Campus: Bartram Middle School
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Best Apply Date: February 15, 2025
This position will commence August 2025 for the 25-26 Academic year
Bolles proudly employs over 400 full-time, part-time and seasonal faculty, staff, coaches, and administrators. Serving over 1,700 students on our four campuses in Grades Pre-K through 12, Bolles has a rich history in tradition and achievement that extends to our hiring practices and the professionalism and respect garnered in the independent school community.
Bolles Middle School students continue to develop their identities and build their independence under the guidance of caring faculty and advisors. At the Bolles Bartram Campus students learn responsibility, decision-making, and time management as they explore their interests in academics, arts, community service, and/or athletics. The middle school curriculum encourages students to expand their interests while they also prepare for the challenges and rigor of upper school. The programs offered in middle school begin to take on a more demanding pace for which the faculty works to prepare students. Higher concepts in each subject are introduced by faculty specializing in that subject.
Middle school challenges students to obtain a level of personal satisfaction and success via a course of study that inspires excellence, courage, integrity, and compassion.
The Bolles School conducts a global search for educators who demonstrate expertise in their fields and a passion for inspiring young learners.
Position Purpose: The Middle School Dean of Students ensures students uphold the Bolles Way—pursuing excellence through courage, integrity, and compassion. This role oversees student conduct, manages behavioral and academic infractions, and ensures students' health, safety, and well-being. The Dean fosters a positive and respectful school culture, collaborates with faculty, staff, and parents, and supports student success. Teaching or advisory responsibilities will be included.
Essential Functions:
Leadership and Student Management
Implement and oversee policies and practices that promote student growth and well-being in collaboration with the Middle School Campus Head and Leadership Team.
Enforce behavioral expectations outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook.
Promote and update the Bolles Honor Code with input from faculty and students.
Address behavioral, social, and academic concerns by engaging with students, parents, faculty, and staff to recommend appropriate actions.
Administer and document disciplinary actions while maintaining clear communication.
Oversee student attendance and enforce the dress code.
Lead responses to student crises, coordinating with relevant personnel.
Student Support and Engagement
Develop initiatives that strengthen community norms and school spirit.
Partner with school counselors to support students’ emotional and social needs.
Engage with students daily to build rapport and foster inclusivity.
Support the advisory program by creating activities that promote character development.
Attend field trips, including overnight trips, as needed.
Participate in special programs, student activities, and events as needed.
Attends field trips, including overnight grade-level class trips as needed.
Campus Safety and Supervision
Collaborate with the Director of Security to maintain and implement safety protocols and crisis management plans.
Monitor campus activities, including before and after school, lunch, and activity periods.
Supervise detentions (e.g., Wednesday afternoons, Saturdays, and student workdays) as needed.
Ensure appropriate student conduct during transportation in collaboration with the Transportation Department.
Community Building
Foster a school culture aligned with the mission and values of The Bolles School.
Build meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff to promote respect, compassion, and responsibility.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required; Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of three years of experience in a leadership role, preferably as a Dean of Students.
Exceptional writing and communication skills for interacting with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proven leadership and problem-solving abilities with a collaborative mindset.
General Expectations:
Enthusiastically supports the School’s mission and values of courage, integrity, compassion, and excellence.
Serves as a positive representative of The Bolles School in all interactions.
Builds strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to foster collaboration and inclusion.
Takes on additional responsibilities as assigned, contributing as a member of the school community.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to move throughout the campus and engage with students in various indoor and outdoor settings.
Ability to stand, walk, and monitor activities for extended periods during school hours and events.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, such as event supplies or equipment.
Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, including moving at a fast pace when necessary.
Visual and auditory ability to monitor student behavior and ensure campus safety.
Comfortable working in outdoor conditions, including heat, cold, and inclement weather.
The Bolles School is a nationally renowned, independent day and boarding School serving over 1,600 students in Pre-K through grade 12 on four campuses in Jacksonville and surrounding communities. A leader in academics, arts, and athletics, the School is firmly rooted in the principles that have characterized its community and traditions for nearly 85 years: pursuing excellence through courage, integrity, and compassion. The vast resources and expert instruction available to students as they explore and hone their individual interests and strengths are embodied in the School’s motto -- All Things Possible -- and students eagerly embrace the myriad of opportunities available to them both in and out of the classroom.