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St. Anne's-Belfield School seeks a passionate, experienced high school educator to serve as Upper School Dean of Students. The Upper School Dean of Students is the primary advocate for students in the division and is responsible for all non-academic, student-related matters. An effective dean works to cultivate and steward a school culture of: shared values and mutual respect; abiding love of the School; ethical, inclusive and responsible behavior; and citizenship within and among our student body. This position will work collaboratively and in full partnership with the Head of the Upper School, the Director of Residential Life, the Dean of Academics and the Grade Level Deans to design, refine, and nurture a student experience that meets the unique needs and opportunities of the high school years. The ideal candidate will be passionate about the development of student leadership, aligned with the School's core purpose, values, and strategic priorities, and will have experience leading student-led disciplinary or honor councils and developing or leading programs or initiatives that support a healthy Upper School culture guided by student agency and integrity.
Responsibilities
Demonstrates visible, active leadership in the daily life of the School, including during non-academic times, as well as at major divisional and school functions and events such as those that occur beyond the school day
Initiates and leads proactive student life programming in the Upper School in partnership with the administrative team and faculty, including divisional community events (Community Meetings, Forum, Outside Speakers/Performers), advisory programming, and clubs/extracurriculars; works with the Director of Residential Life to create opportunities that bring the boarding and day student populations together beyond the academic day
Serves as chief organizer of special events that involve Upper School students (Convocation, Clubs Fair, spirit weeks, Kindergarten singalong, Advisory lunches, Senior 100 Day Lunch, Easter Egg Hunt); Serve as the point person for the transportation needs of the Upper School
Nurtures and coaches student leaders; coordinates selection/election of student leaders; co-leads student government and leads Prefect Council; articulates expectations of student leaders like the maintenance of community spaces
Works with student leaders & faculty to organize and run School Meeting and Community Forum; by email and announcement, informs the community of weekly events, including any special circumstances and/or schedules; sets yearly calendar for Community Forum; organizes an Annual Club Fair; keeps an ongoing list of clubs & oversee budgets; works closely with student leaders to support clubs
Articulates and oversees the discipline system (rules and consequences); mediates and resolves discipline issues; consults with the Head of the Upper School on repeat and/or significant discipline and honor issues; coordinates discipline meetings and process with students, advisors and families involved; ensures that all constituents receive direct communication related to school rules; manages Prefect Council procedures; documents all disciplinary cases; supports and encourages the faculty in their efforts to enforce the dress code & cell phone policy; works with the Head of the Upper School to update the Handbook
Oversees Grade Level Deans on fairly executing the Upper School Attendance Policy and following up with students and parents who have chronic attendance issues; in conjunction with the Upper School Divisional Assistant, ensures that all students are accounted for at all times
Leads the Upper School Advisory program; assigns students new to the Upper School to Advisory groups; visits each Advisory at some point through the year; aids the Head of the Upper School in evaluating and improving the Advisory Program. The Dean of Students does not have their own advisory group.
Oversees the life and health of the Student Commons and other community gathering places, programs and events; sets norms and holds students accountable to these norms
In partnership with the Head of the Upper School, develops and leads family programming, including new student/family orientations and retention/admission events.
Provides proactive and responsive one-on-one and group-based student support; Coordinates with the student support team to address student needs and offers leadership when considering the intersection of academic, behavioral, social, and emotional supports.
Teaches one course-either a full-credit class or an elective offering
Addresses and resolves parent concerns about the student life experience
Leads the Upper School in the absence of the Head of the Upper School
Qualifications
A minimum of six years of teaching, coaching and/or leadership experience at the high school level; training in restorative practices preferred
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university required; master's degree preferred
Excellent oral and written communication skills, and experience with public speaking
Proven success working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, parents, and community leaders
Commitment to student-centered learning and student-centered leadership
Effective facilitator in large groups, small groups, and in one-on-one situations
Desired qualities
Empathetic, compassionate, and joyful with upper school students, families, and colleagues
Maintains high professional standards for integrity, tactfulness, discretion, fairness, and confidentiality
Culturally responsive and relational
Growth-minded and committed to professional development
Resilient - offers confidence in and comfort with leading through change
Makes sound decisions and tends to problems promptly
Detail-oriented, resourceful, and collaborative
