Emma Willard School seeks an experienced educator, strategic thinker, and collaborative leader to serve as the Dean of Academics, the chief academic leadership position of the school. The Dean of Academics reports to and works closely with the Head of School to ensure the mission of the school is carried out in all teaching and learning endeavors. As a member of an 8-person senior team, the Dean of Academics helps establish the strategic priorities for the school and models and supports the school’s diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging values. 

The Dean of Academics attends all Board of Trustees meetings and reports regularly on curricular innovation, faculty recruitment, retention and development, and student learning and achievement. A strategic thinker and experienced educator, the Dean of Academics articulates a clear vision for teaching and learning and oversees all aspects of academic operations in pursuit of academic excellence. The Dean of Academics works closely with parents in support of their Emma student and is an active partner with all members of the community helping to ensure decisions are student-centered and advance the Emma Willard School mission.

We seek someone with expertise in navigating today’s changing and diverse landscape and will help the School promote and nurture diversity, equity, access and inclusion. The School encourages candidates from under-represented groups and individuals who have demonstrated experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.    

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Serve on the senior Administrative Team.
• Promote, and articulate when necessary, a clear vision for teaching and learning which maintains the fidelity of the school’s mission in all academic activities. 
• Ensure all academic endeavors are in alignment with the school’s academic pillars of intellectual flexibility, purpose and community, equity and justice. 
• Oversee the academic leadership team which includes: the Director of Curriculum and Innovation, Director of College Counseling, Director of Academic and Strategic Technology, Director of Library Resources and Research, Director of Learning Support, Registrar, and the Assistant to the Academic Office.
• Champion and model the school’s diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and justice values.
• Monitor student academic progress and address student academic concerns including communication with parents.
• Direct all faculty hiring in partnership with the Director of Human Resources. Oversee faculty onboarding, retention and professional development. Address personnel issues.
• Partner closely with the Dean of Students to create a holistic student experience that balances academic rigor with wellbeing.
• Participate in the Student Welfare Committee.
• Prepare a master school class schedule and oversee teacher assignments.
• Support and participate in appropriate events and meetings that pertain to the school’s admissions, advancement and communication efforts.
• Manage the budget, operations and facilities use of all academic activities. Oversee all academic budget managers.

• Significant and substantive experience in teaching and knowledge of current pedagogy practices.
• A Master’s Degree, advanced degree preferred.
• Highly motivated and ability to work independently and manage multiple functions and projects simultaneously with little direct supervision.
• Ability to interact and collaborate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.
• Ability to effectively and quickly build relationships and establish trust, respect, and confidence.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Strong presentation skills.
• Ability to motivate and manage a high-quality staff and hire new talent when needed.
• Ability to think creatively and critically to solve problems, make effective decisions and manage projects.
• Embrace the lifestyle of working in a girls boarding school.

Salary Range:

$150-$170K based on education and experience.

We seek to identify, recruit, and develop employees who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds. 

Emma Willard School encourages employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. 

Application Instructions - Please submit a cover letter and resume by Monday, December 9, 2024.

Please apply through the school's Career Center website.

About Emma Willard School

Since 1814, Emma Willard School has been one of the nation's leading college preparatory boarding and day schools for young women. At Emma Willard, every possible resource is dedicated to developing in students the values and skills that form the foundation of a life of accomplishment, leadership, and fulfillment. These include a love for the life of the mind, a commitment to service, courage and confidence, grace and creativity, and collaboration and friendship. Known for its rigor, the school promotes intellectual curiosity and disciplined study habits through a challenging curriculum distinguished by a wide array of advanced placement courses and electives. It also promotes active involvement in the life of the campus and off-campus communities through a rich co-curricular program. In all they do, students are both challenged and closely supported by an outstanding faculty and staff. The school's extraordinary physical plant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and provides a breathtakingly beautiful yet state-of-the-art setting for learning and living. Throughout its history, Emma Willard has been committed to enrolling a diverse student body from across the Ca...pital Region, across the country, and around the world. This commitment is honored by significant expenditures in financial aid to assist families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to provide an extraordinary secondary education for their daughters.

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Connections working at Emma Willard School