Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

Semifinalist Interviews: January 26-February 2, 2026

Finalist Interviews: February 9-13, 2026

ABOUT LICK-WILMERDING HIGH SCHOOL

Lick-Wilmerding High School is a private school with public purpose, serving 560 students in grades 9-12 in San Francisco. Since its founding in 1895 as a vocational school, Lick-Wilmerding High School has built upon a long tradition of valuing and integrating the liberal arts, sciences, technical arts, visual arts and performing arts to offer a robust college-prep curriculum. LWHS has a rich and distinctive academic program, with thriving departments, vibrant student life, and signature initiatives like the Center for Civic Engagement and the Public Purpose Program. Faculty and students are passionate, engaged, and driven by values that reach far beyond the classroom.

LWHS seeks a Dean of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) to lead its ongoing commitment to creating a community where every member feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. As a member of the Senior Administrative Team, the Dean of EIB will partner with the Head of School and school leadership to ensure that the school's mission is authentically reflected in its practices and culture. Key opportunities for the Dean of EIB include auditing and strengthening current DEIBJ programming and policies, leading professional development that builds faculty capacity for meaningful engagement with equity across disciplines, taking a leadership role in the launch of a new required Ethnic Studies course for 9th graders in Fall 2026, and creating structures that deepen belonging for students, families, and employees alike. The Dean will supervise the Director of Student Inclusion and will start July 1, 2026.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

In partnership with the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team, the Dean will work collaboratively to advance institutional priorities, champion the school’s vision for equity and belonging, and strengthen community bonds by prioritizing the following:

• Support the Head of School in ensuring that the school’s mission is consistently reflected in its practices related to equity, inclusion, and belonging. Act as a critical thought partner to the Head and Board of Trustees in broad strategic planning for the school and its future.
• Audit the school’s DEIBJ mission and vision, as well as all current programming and policies, looking critically for ways to improve. 
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure that all constituents feel valued and included within the School environment.
• Collaborate with the Teaching and Learning Leadership Team (TLLT) on enhancing pedagogical practices and curricula to explore and integrate the complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; take a leadership role in the launch and rollout of a new required Ethnic Studies course for 9th grade students.
• Lead professional development initiatives that enable faculty to develop capacity to meaningfully incorporate DEIBJ across academic disciplines; manage different viewpoints and hold multiple truths; and initiate and facilitate courageous conversations as needed.
• Partner with Admissions, Advancement, and Communications, and Technology on strategic thinking, storytelling for current and prospective families, and data-driven studies to better understand the school’s evolving demographics.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborate with departmental leaders to align equity and inclusion practices with the school’s overall mission, goals, and strategic plan.
• Coordinate forums and workshops that promote open discussions and mutual understanding among community members.
• Offer support for conflict resolution and facilitate discussions on sensitive topics.
• May teach one related course as needed.
• Lead initiatives that integrate diverse perspectives into the curriculum and co-curricular activities.
• Co-lead the process, in partnership with the Dean of Technology, of designing, delivering, and analyzing a community-wide survey to gather data on the sense of belonging among all constituents, using the findings to inform and enhance DEIBJ initiatives.
• Create space for affinity groups, working with group leaders (co-chairs), helping them set goals for the year and meet those goals (this usually includes a community dinner, a guest speaker, a cultural celebration event open to the affinity group and the whole community, and a graduation celebration for each affinity group).
• Lead the adult community in deepening cultural competency skills in programs including faculty meetings, in-service days, MLK Day, and the Sam Mihara Day of Justice.
• Organize and facilitate community celebrations and events designed to bring together diverse groups within the school community, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience.
• Create and implement programs and services tailored to families, especially families of color, non-English speaking families, and those new to independent schools, to ensure they have the support and access needed to fully participate in all LWHS services and activities, thereby fostering greater engagement in the school community.
• Partner with the Parents Association and Family Networks to advance their objectives of building a more inclusive and engaged parent community.
• Serve on the board of trustees Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) Committee.
• Supervise the Director of Student Inclusion, collaborating on student inclusion programming and the oversight of the LWHS Equity and Inclusion Roundtable.
• Review and update school policies and practices to ensure they promote equity and inclusion.
• Stay informed on legal issues and best practices related to DEIBJ and ensure the school’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on the school’s DEIBJ efforts, including climate surveys and demographic trends.
• Use data to inform decision-making and recommend adjustments to DEIJB strategies and initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work in a relevant field (Master’s Degree preferred)
• Demonstrated success in DEIBJ leadership, working collaboratively with administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, trustees, and other stakeholders to advance equity and inclusion initiatives in education
• Demonstrated experience in building and implementing inclusive curriculum and pedagogical practice across disciplines
• Exhibit a track record of turning big ideas into effective programs with measurable impact
• Possess knowledge of and experience in facilitating restorative practices and mediation
• Experience in school administration is preferred
• Independent school experience is a plus

QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES

The successful Dean of Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at LWHS will be a self-directed and highly relational leader who can navigate the complexities of a diverse and dynamic community with both strategic vision and emotional intelligence. This seasoned practitioner will bring deep DEIBJ acumen, facility with curriculum development, a tempered approach, and a relationship builder mindset to foster belonging across all facets of the school. A visible and present leader who can form strong ties within the community, the Dean will also proactively jump in with both feet and execute upon the strategies they develop. Additionally:

• Strategic thinker who aligns DEIBJ work with institutional goals
• Strong communicator with the ability to articulate vision, inspire others, and motivate the community to action
• A skilled bridge-builder who can work across constituencies and stakeholder groups
• Collaborative and flexible team player
• Deep and active listener
• Demonstrate strong facilitation skills with the ability to lead professional development and guide challenging conversations
• Maintain resilience when facing resistance and demonstrate the ability to pivot when necessary
• Balance strategic vision with strong executive functioning skills to manage day-to-day implementation
• Possess a high level of broad cultural awareness
• Center joy and community building while advancing equity and belonging initiatives

TO APPLY

Submit your application here; in addition to your application, please be prepared to upload the following as two (2) PDFs: 

1. Cover letter expressing your interest in the role
2. As an additional page to your cover letter, a statement on your approach to equity, inclusion, and belonging work in a school community and your philosophy on building and sustaining a culture of belonging. 
3. Resume

Your application should include four (4) professional references, one of whom should be your current supervisor. References will not be contacted without your written permission.

About Lick-Wilmerding High School

Mission Statement: A private school with public purpose, Lick-Wilmerding High School develops the head, heart, and hands of highly motivated students from all walks of life, inspiring them to become lifelong learners who contribute to the world with confidence and compassion.

Connections working at Lick-Wilmerding High School