San Francisco, California
Forest Hills, New York
Richmond, Virginia
Wilmington, North Carolina
Posted: 06-Feb-26
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Salary Details:
Primary Function: Dean of Students & Student Life and Strategic Thought Partner
Reports to: Director of Upper School
Tentative State Date of : July 1, 2026
Position Purpose
The Associate Director of Upper School serves as a critical member of the divisional leadership team, acting as the primary administrator for student life and a strategic thought partner to the Director of Upper School. This role is responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive school culture, overseeing student conduct and well-being, and collaborating on long-term divisional strategy and reorganization initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Partnership: Serve as the primary "thought partner" to the Director of Upper School in managing divisional operations in alignment with school mission and values and in accordance with research-backed best practices.
- Dean of Students Functions: Supervise Grade Level Deans in their daily work of communicating community norms and implementing restorative practices while leading the overall student discipline program.
- Student Life & Culture: Direct all facets of the student experience, including Student Government, Clubs, student leadership development, community-building events such as retreats and assemblies, and student discipline, in partnership with Grade Level Deans.
- Student Support Coordination: Collaborate with the learning specialist, Psychologist, and faculty to identify and support students facing academic or social-emotional challenges.
- Administrative Management: Assist in scheduling and new student onboarding
- Education: A Master’s degree in Education, School Leadership, or an academic discipline.
- Experience: Significant, progressive experience in independent school teaching or administration, specifically with grades 9–12.
- Strategic Competency: Demonstrated ability to serve as a high-level strategic thought partner, contributing to divisional reorganization, long-term planning, and operational excellence.
- Student-Centered Leadership: Proven track record in fostering a positive school culture, a commitment to relational approaches to conflict resolution and community building, and a deep understanding of adolescent development, and enforcing student discipline policies.
- Communication & Presence: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain confidentiality and serve as a visible, accessible leader for students, faculty, and families. Vested interest in seeing high school students thrive.