Posted: 05-Nov-25
Location: Saxtons River, Vermont
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs
Start Date: July 2026
Location: Saxtons River, Vermont
Reports To: Head of School
Supervises: Registrar; Director of College Counseling; Department Chairs
The Opportunity: What Will You Do and How Will We Partner?
The Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs (DCAA) serves as Vermont Academy’s chief academic officer, overseeing both curricular design and faculty growth. Combining responsibilities traditionally held by a Dean of Faculty and a Dean of Studies, the DCAA ensures coherence between teaching, learning, and professional culture.
Guided by a newly developed strategic plan that places relevant, purposeful learning at the fore—and emphasizing sustainability and ingenuity—the DCAA advances an academic program that develops confident, competent, and creative leaders. As a member of the Senior Administrative Team, the DCAA reports directly to the Head of School and collaborates closely with faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and community partners.
The ideal candidate marries visionary thinking with tactical execution. With a winter campus at Mount Snow and a partner campus in Madrid, the DCAA will align a coherent learning experience across campuses while honoring the unique place and community of each. The DCAA will also support the growth of the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) as a central driver of professional learning.
Vermont Academy is in an exciting period of evolution—guided by a bold strategic plan, growing enrollment, and a comprehensive campaign honoring our 150-year legacy. Leading a dedicated team, the DCAA will shape a forward-thinking teaching and learning culture at a pivotal moment for the school.
Your Core Responsibilities
This is a 12-month position with full administrative responsibilities during the academic year and summer planning periods.
Lead Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Growth
- Develop and implement the Vermont Academy Portrait of a Learner, ensuring curriculum, instruction, and assessment reflect our core competencies.
- Implement Vision 2030 within classrooms, advising, and co-curriculars.
- Oversee the revision and implementation of academic policies.
- Curate and present emerging educational trends—from sustainability and design thinking to the responsible use of AI in learning.
- Hire, onboard, mentor, and evaluate faculty, fostering a culture of accountability and professional joy.
- Design, implement, and oversee the faculty growth and evaluation process, linking professional goals to clearly defined faculty competencies and leading annual goal-setting, classroom observation, and end-of-year reflection cycles aligned to school priorities.
- Oversee professional development (faculty meetings, workshops, CTL programming) aligned with school goals.
- Chair the Curriculum Committee (department chairs) to launch a bold academic program guided by Vision 2030.
- Lead the College Counseling team and its program development.
- Partner with the Registrar to ensure accurate schedule architecture, smooth grading and reporting processes, and reliable graduation audits.
Faculty Culture and Healthy Excellence
- Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and accountability among faculty.
- Model transparent communication and inclusive decision-making.
- Ensure Vermont Academy remains a learning organization where feedback, research, and reflection guide growth.
Work Across Campuses
- Serve as Vermont Academy’s accreditation officer (NEASC), ensuring continuous improvement across the main campus in Saxtons River, Vermont Academy at Mount Snow, and Vermont Academy at Liceo Europeo (Madrid).
- Lead the academic program at Vermont Academy at Mount Snow, including mentoring teachers and overseeing the academic program.
- Manage academic alignment and support for Vermont Academy at Liceo Europeo, ensuring graduation-requirement equivalency, calendar alignment, and assessment coherence.
The Vermont Academy Team Member: Who Are You?
You are:
- A compelling relationship-builder who leads with warmth, integrity, and intentionality.
- A strategic thinker who also rolls up your sleeves to get things done.
- A values-aligned collaborator energized by a tight-knit community.
- A lifelong learner who thrives in an evolving environment.
- A strong writer, storyteller, and listener who communicates with authenticity.
You bring:
- Deep appreciation for Vermont Academy’s mission and its transformative impact on young people.
- At least 5 years of academic/curricular leadership (independent school or non-profit preferred).
- Demonstrated success executing strategic plan initiatives and leading teams.
- A deep understanding of pedagogy; experience with place-based and portfolio-based learning.
- Familiarity with LMS platforms (e.g., Blackbaud).
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
About Vermont Academy: Who Are We?
Founded in 1876, Vermont Academy is a small New England boarding and day school nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains. Rooted in four pillars—Land, Community, Ingenuity, and Independence—VA blends rigorous academics with outdoor education, innovation, and a profound sense of belonging. Our students are encouraged to be true to their best selves; our educators create space for students to lead, explore, create, and thrive. We teach by doing. We believe knowledge can’t change the world if it’s left inside a book. Personalized education is not a luxury—it’s what prepares students to shape a better future.
Building from the 2021–2026 Strategic Plan toward Vision 2030, we prioritize:
- Experiential and applied learning in, but not limited to: STEM, environmental science, and entrepreneurship
- Personalized pathways, including MAPS (My Action Plan for Success), internships, and independent projects
- A healthy, values-driven student life and a deep commitment to DEI
- A bold advancement campaign supporting VA’s 150th Anniversary in 2026
Our Commitment to Belonging
Vermont Academy actively seeks to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment. We believe every team member enriches our community by bringing a broad range of identities, perspectives, and experiences to the work of teaching and learning. We value the whole person and strive to reflect that in how we work, live, and grow together.
To Apply
Please submit one PDF including:
- Letter of interest, addressed to Head of School, Michael Peller
- Current résumé
- Statement of Educational Leadership Philosophy
- A list of five or more professional references with contact information (phone and email)
Send materials to mpeller@vermontacademy.org.