Upper School Dean of Students

Abington Friends School

Nestled on a 50-acre, tree-lined campus in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania just north of Philadelphia, Abington Friends School (AFS) is a vibrant Early Childhood (3 and 4 year-olds) through Grade 12 Quaker day school grounded in more than three centuries of educational leadership and innovation. Founded in 1697, AFS is shaped by the enduring testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship, which guide the daily life of students and educators alike.

At AFS, our mission is to cultivate intellectual excellence, foster strength of character, and support the growth of each student's unique talents, while nurturing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of the whole child. Our campus provides a rich environment for discovery, supported by inspiring classrooms, expansive green spaces, robust arts and athletics programs, and a community culture that honors both individuality and collective purpose.

Position Description:

Abington Friends School seeks a Full-Time upper school Dean of Students.

The Dean of Students is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the daily life, student culture, and behavioral health of the student body in grades 9-12. Reporting to the Director of the Upper School, the Dean of Students serves as a key member of the Upper School Leadership Team.

This role requires a deeply relational leader with high emotional intelligence who can nurture a healthy, joyful, inclusive environment where students are known, challenged, and supported. The Dean manages student life and accountability with a balance of compassion, firmness, and trust, ensuring that school policies are upheld in a manner consistent with Quaker values. Additionally, this position maintains a direct connection to the academic program by fulfilling a part-time teaching requirement.

Key Responsibilities

• Nurture an Inclusive, Quaker-Rooted Student Culture: Serve as a visible, steady presence in daily Upper School life (including Meeting for Worship, student-led events, club periods, and community gatherings), fostering an identity-affirming and emotionally healthy environment where student voice is valued and respected.
• Oversee Accountability and Student Conduct: Manage all student behavioral matters, handbook updates, and accountability and attendance systems, inviting students to reflect on the impact of their choices, embrace accountability, and take active steps to restore relationships and renew their place in the community.
• Lead Student Governance and Grade-Level Structures: Supervise and align the Grade Deans and advisory structures, while serving as the primary advisor for Student Agenda Committee, clubs, and co-curricular programming focused on wellness, identity, and leadership.
• Student Support Collaboration: Work in collaboration with the student support team with developing proactive support strategies around student engagement and wellbeing.
• Teach: Maintain a direct connection to the academic program by teaching one to two classes annually.
• Build Empathetic and Transparent Partnerships: Partner proactively with parents and guardians, students and colleagues, bringing exceptional communication, clarity, and steadiness to daily updates as well as difficult conversations regarding student progress, conduct, and institutional values.

Educational and Professional Background

A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required. Minimum of 3–5 years (5+ years preferred) of successful experience in secondary education, including demonstrated leadership experience preferably within an independent school.

Application

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references. No phone calls, please.

Abington Friends School is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected under local, state or federal laws.