Dean of Students - Upper School

SEATTLE ACADEMY is a dynamic community that challenges students to question, imagine, and create in order to contribute boldly to a changing world. Our diverse faculty is exceptionally qualified, strong academically, and combines rich life experience with a passion for their disciplines. Our teaching philosophy is geared toward our mission and guiding principles of Culture of Performance, College and Life, Know the Kid, and Inclusive Community. 

The Dean of Students oversees a designated grade level and reports to the Head of Upper School, working closely with school administrators, faculty, and staff. The Dean serves as the primary point of contact for grade-level coordinators and faculty teams, supporting problem-solving, planning, and implementation in areas of student life, student discipline, and parent engagement. In addition, the Dean may teach one or two classes.

The position is salaried (exempt) with a salary range of $100,000 to $115,000, depending on relative experience and is based on a twelve-month schedule with summer work expectations and benefits and vacation determined per the Staff Handbook. This position requires an ability to work flexible hours including weekend and evening work. Candidates should demonstrate experience and willingness to grow in equity and inclusion work that promotes a diverse community environment; and possess a growth mindset, sense of humor, and genuine interest in making a positive impact on the lives of adolescents. 

General areas of responsibility include:

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Coordinator and Grade Level Coordinator(s) to plan and manage student life activities for each grade level, including class meetings, retreats, and Upper School meetings.
• Partner with faculty, staff, and other school personnel to address student conflicts and disciplinary matters, and to support long-term academic and behavioral planning.
• Maintain consistent and proactive communication with parents regarding student concerns, plans, and progress.
• Oversee and coordinate the advisory program, including developing programming, supporting grade-level advisors, and clearly communicating expectations.
• Monitor and manage student attendance in collaboration with coordinators, front desk personnel, and counseling; identify and respond to patterns of concern.
• Work closely with counselors to support student health, safety, and well-being.
• Promote and uphold the school’s core values, guiding students to align their actions with those values.
• Supervise and support Grade Level Teams.
• Collaborate with the registrar on the add/drop process.
• Participate in faculty evaluation processes.
• Lead evening parent meetings in partnership with the Upper School Division team.
• Teach one or two classes, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Key characteristics include:

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in education
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university
• Proficiency with Google systems and familiarity with Microsoft Office, Veracross, and Canvas preferred;
• Compassion, patience, good judgment, sense of humor;
• Strong organizational and communication skills a must;
• Ability to work effectively with all constituent groups - teachers, parents, students, and administrative teams;
• Experience addressing student behavior;
• Creative and imaginative problem-solver;
• Classroom teaching experience is strongly preferred.