Chief of Staff

Chief of Staff

Position Summary

The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic partner to the Head of School in advancing the mission, vision, and institutional priorities of Dunn School. This role supports the operational, strategic, governance, and organizational effectiveness of the School while helping steward initiatives aligned with Dunn's evolving strategic model and Whole Student Education philosophy.

The Chief of Staff operates as a highly collaborative leadership role that enhances institutional alignment, organizational execution, and communication across key areas of school life. The position requires exceptional discretion, professionalism, project management capacity, relational intelligence, and the ability to navigate complex institutional dynamics with clarity and care.

The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Head of School.

About Dunn School

Dunn School is committed to educating whole students to their fullest potential, preparing them for a lifetime of learning and responsible leadership. Our mission is guided by five core values: Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility, and Moral Courage.

Founded in 1957, Dunn School fosters a vibrant community rooted in its motto, Ne Tentes Aut Perfice ("All or Nothing"), inspiring students and faculty alike to pursue their goals with passion and determination. As a Round Square School, Dunn emphasizes character development through the IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. Nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, Dunn offers an exceptional environment for both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership to the Head of School

• Provide executive-level calendar and scheduling coordination to ensure alignment of the Head of School's time with governance responsibilities, advancement priorities, leadership initiatives, and institutional strategy.
• Support the planning, implementation, and follow-through of key leadership initiatives, strategic planning, accreditation goals, and organizational priorities set by the HOS

Governance Support

• Support the work of the Board of Trustees and Board Committees, including but not limited to the Governance Committee.
• Assist in the preparation of governance materials, strategic planning documents, board communications, meeting agendas, and minutes.
• Support trustee onboarding, governance education, and ongoing board development processes in collaboration with School leadership.
• Help steward governance systems and practices that support institutional effectiveness and mission alignment.

Advancement and Grant Support

• Support donor engagement processes and advancement-related projects as directed by the Head of School in coordination with Chief Advancement Officer.
• Assist with institutional storytelling and strategic initiatives connected to community engagement and philanthropy.

Committees and Coordination

• Oversee and support the Time and Space Committee.
• Provide operational coordination and logistical support for committees and special projects as assigned by the Head of School.
• Help facilitate cross-functional collaboration and communication around committee work and initiatives.

Talent and Professional Community Support

• Work with and in coordination with HR on the following:
  • Provide high-touch logistical and operational support for leadership searches and onboarding processes for new professional community members.
  • Assist with interview coordination, hiring logistics, candidate hospitality, and onboarding systems.
• Support HOS efforts related to professional culture, organizational effectiveness, and when applicable leadership transitions.

Dunn All School Events and Community Engagement

• Support the planning and execution of major all school events, including but not limited to:
• Convocation
• Fall Family Festival
• Graduation
• Leadership and advancement events
• Other mission-aligned community gatherings and school initiatives
• Coordinate event logistics and leadership support as assigned by the Head of School.

Leadership Participation and Systems Support

• Serve as point person or coordinating lead for:
  • DASL data entry and other school reporting
  • Spring and Fall survey administration and coordination
  • CAIS Accreditation processes and related logistics
  • Coordination of school visits connected to professional development and learning
  • Coordination of departmental and leadership visits to peer schools and partner institution (in partnership with HOS and Assoc. HOS)

Qualifications and Characteristics

• Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities
  • High levels of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence
  • Capacity to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic independent school environment
  • Strategic thinking paired with operational execution
  • Alignment with the mission and values of Dunn School

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Required

Salary and Benefits

This is a full time, exempt (salaried) position, which is eligible for Dunn School's full benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, retirement match up to 7.5%, life/AD&D, tuition remission, and free meals in our dining hall.


The salary for this position is $72,000

How to Apply

Apply using the link below:

Dunn School Employment Opportunities

Dunn is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks a diverse and broad spectrum of qualified candidates. Dunn's background screening process requires employees to undergo a social media check, satisfactory reference checks with all prior and current employers in accordance with CA SB 848.