Founded in 1957 in the Santa Ynez Vally, Dunn School has established itself as a premier
educational institution, dedicated to fostering a community where students are fully seen, heard,
and known. Founded by Tony Dunn, the school's visionary leader, Dunn School has evolved
into a vibrant and inclusive community that embodies the principles of whole student education.
Under the guidance of its current Head of School, Kaylan Balaven, the institution has continued
to thrive, with a strong leadership team that prioritizes innovation, creativity, and academic
excellence. The school's mission is to educate students to their fullest potential, preparing them
for a life of learning and responsible leadership in society. This mission is deeply ingrained in
every aspect of school life, from the curriculum to the co-curricular activities, and is reflected in
the school's vision of empowering students to become active participants in shaping their own
futures.

As a pivotal and integral member of the Dunn School administrative team, the Associate Head
of School plays a vital and dynamic role in fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive
environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and community
engagement, while serving as a key liaison between students, faculty, staff, and parents to
ensure seamless communication, coordination, and implementation of school-wide initiatives
and programs. This exceptional leader will have the unique opportunity to work closely with and
be mentored by the Head of School to provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and
operational oversight to the Middle and Upper School programs, while embodying the school's
core values of Physical Readiness, Emotional Wellness, Intellectual Growth, Social
Responsibility, and Moral Courage.

This is an exceptional opportunity of an experienced school leader with an enthusiasm to the
distinct value of an independent boarding school. As a member of the Administrative Team, the
Associate Head of School provides comprehensive oversight for the daily academic, student
life, and co-curricular operations of the Middle and Upper Schools They are responsible for the
direct supervision, evaluation, and support of a diverse team of academic and co-curricular
directors. The role involves partnering with the Head of School to design and implement
effective systems, elevate faculty professional development, uphold academic quality, and serve
as Acting Head when needed.

A full profile for this opportunity at Dunn School will be available on the DSG website:
https://dsgco.com/search/22764-dunn-school-associate-head-of-school

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is
$110,000–$130,000 with a generous benefits package. This is a residential position. The
Associate Head of School will live on campus to support visibility, accessibility, relationshipbuilding, and immediate leadership responsiveness. 

About Dunn School

Dunn is a community centered on educating the whole student. For us, whole student education is not just a meaningless phrase, instead it captures all of what we try to do at Dunn in and out of the classroom. We deliver on whole student education through the following learning outcomes that we call core values: Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility, and Moral Courage. Our curriculum, co-curricular programs, advisory, evaluative systems, and pedagogical approach are measured by our core values, and this is how we know whole student education is more than just a phrase. Our school was founded in 1957 by a dynamic educator who embodied the spirit of our motto, “Ne Tentes Aut Perfice,” essentially translating to mean “all or nothing.” — a statement that reflects a special entrepreneurial spirit urging Dunn community members, adults and students alike to accomplish what they set out to do. Following in the traditions of our founder, Tony Dunn, our professional community members throughout the decades have helped build the community we have today–a vibrant community of kind learners who pride themselves on building lasting relations...hips with each other. All this unfolds before the beautiful Santa Barbara County backdrop of Los Olivos, California, nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Santa Ynez Valley and within a stone’s throw of the Pacific Ocean. Outdoor opportunities abound, and what better way to experience them than from within such an encouraging and nurturing professional community?

Show more

Show less

Connections working at Dunn School