Collegiate School seeks a Dean of Students to join a thoughtful and passionate community of administrators and faculty committed to building and supporting an engaged and active student body. The Dean of Students will promote equity through their teaching, advising, decision-making and treatment of students. The ideal candidate is a dynamic and thoughtful communicator who can successfully champion student voices and support student growth with a demonstrated ability to make community-informed decisions. This person will have a passion for – and a nuanced understanding of – the unique nature of an all boys program. This person also has an enthusiastic commitment to the importance of building and sustaining a diverse, just, inclusive, and equitable academic environment.
General Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Head of the Upper School, the Dean of Students is responsible for all aspects of non-academic, student-related matters in the Upper School with an empathetic, fair and compassionate approach to the students of Collegiate. This position promotes the personal growth and well-being of Collegiate students and is responsible for carrying out innovative approaches to discipline, including restorative practices, communicating clearly-defined disciplinary procedures and policies to students, colleagues and families. Heavily engaged in the community of the School, the Dean of Students develops relationships and systems that positively influence student culture. The work of the Dean of students centers diversity, equity, and belonging in their work by staying up to date with the research and writing on the topic and consistently considering the place of identity, power, and privilege in the work that they do.
This is a full-time, 10-month teaching (two sections) and advising position.
Essential Duties:
Student Life
- Collaborates with the Head of Upper School and other faculty and staff in facilitating assemblies, clubs, and advisor group programming;
- Serves as a conduit between students and employees by providing important feedback to employees about the student experience and mediating conversations between students and adults;
- Is “present and visible” in the Upper School community by frequently connecting with students in the 6th floor center, courtyard, hallways, co-curricular spaces, and other spaces students gather;
- Collaborates with the Head of Upper School to support the Student Government in taking on meaningful and achievable goals;
Discipline and Restorative Practice
- Helps to create academic, behavioral, and social communal norms in the Upper School and works to educate students both formally and informally about these norms;
- Leads the disciplinary process including the Community Standards Committee in the Upper School by discussing violations of communal norms with students, planning interventions for students and the community, and leading restorative efforts;
- Leads in implementing disciplinary interventions including but not limited to early morning studies, Deans Letters, opportunities for restoration, suspension, and expulsion;
- Works with the Assistant to the Head of the Upper School to manage daily attendance;
Student Support
- Serves as a point person along with the Upper School Learning Specialist, Upper School Counselor, and Head of Upper School in supporting students facing significant challenges;
- Collaborates with the Head of Upper School in leading the Student Support Team and Class Deans groups;
- Collaborates with the Head of Upper School in monitoring student workload both formally and informally;
- Collaborates with the Head of Upper School in leading new student onboarding and plans new student events and programming throughout the school year ;
- Collaborates with the Head of Upper School and others in monitoring and responding to Official Behavioral and Academic Notes;
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education or related field required. Master’s degree or higher preferred. Must possess a minimum of five years of experience as a teacher leader or administrative role.
Special Requirements:
Must be able to complete a background check
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability and willingness to participate fully in a dynamic day school located in New York City;
- Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing;
- Ability and willingness to centers diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of student life;
- Ability to discern priorities and resources within emotional and mental health support;
- Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, administration and parents;
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
- Positive attitude, flexible approach and a passion for learning;
- Ability to follow all policies and procedures of the School as written in the employee and parent handbooks.