DEAN OF STUDENTS

Job Description

Job Description

Common Ground is Seeking a Full-Time High School Dean of Students

Common Ground High School is the nation’s longest-running environmental charter high school, founded in 1997. Our 230 students form an inclusive, powerful community of learners and leaders. These students benefit from a unique learning environment: an urban farm and 20-acre site, home to state of the art school facilities, adjacent to West Rock Ridge State Park, and located in the City of New Haven. We strive to create a learning environment grounded in foundational building blocks: rigor, responsive relationships, relevance that’s rooted in the local community and environment, and real roles & rights. Common Ground’s graduation rate consistently surpasses the state average, and between 97 and 100% of our students are accepted to college each year.

Common Ground High School is part of a community nonprofit organization that also operates an urban farm and community environmental education center. As a whole, Common Ground is a center for learning and leadership, inviting people across ages and identities to connect to their urban environment, build community, grow into their full potential, and contribute to a just and sustainable world. We work toward this mission through active, authentic learning rooted in justice and our environment: a farm, in a forest, in a city.

About the Position

We are seeking an experience, data-driven, and compassionate individual to join our team as a Dean of Students for the 2026-2027 school year.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Master’s degree in educational leadership or a related field is preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a K-12 school setting
• Three years of leadership including coaching in a charter school setting is preferred
• Proven track record of success in supporting students and creating a positive school climate
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Have a thorough understanding of Title IX regulations and procedures to investigate and address complaints effectively
• Knowledge of data analysis and assessment practices
• Familiarity with technology and digital tools

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with students, parents, staff, and the community.
• Skilled in mediating conflicts, facilitating productive conversations, and finding mutually
• agreeable solutions.
• Adept at building strong relationships and collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to critically analyze situations, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.
• Supervisory skills to be determined by the school principal.

Student Support and Development:

• Oversee the implementation of positive behavior intervention and support strategies to promote a positive school climate.
• Manage student discipline, ensuring fair and consistent application of school policies and
• procedures.
• Collaborate with school counselors, office staff, and other support staff to provide individualized interventions and resources.
• Respond to student concerns and inquiries, providing guidance and support to navigate school challenges.
• Collaborate with the Principal to develop proactive disciplinary interventions and coordinate
• Student referrals, follow up with referring teachers & staff.
• Assist new students with transitioning to the school community.
• Develop and implement data-driven plans to monitor student progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Represent the school at community events, advocating for student needs and promoting the school's mission.
• Collaborate with the Principal to supervise after school detention, Saturday Academy, and Summer Bridge/Credit Recovery.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the school principal.

Safety and Security:

• Partner with the Principal and other administrators to create a safe and secure learning environment for all students.
• Oversee the development and implementation of emergency preparedness plans and procedures.
• Partner with the Principal to ensure adequate coverage at all school events requiring supervision.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and community partners to address safety concerns.
• Supervise students during transitions and extracurricular activities.
• Collaborate with the Principal in developing and implementing practices that promote campus control and security.
• Patrol buildings and grounds in conjunction with other staff members.
• Collaborate with the Principal to ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and policies.
• Developing and monitoring of individual support plans for students with behavioral needs.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume through our ADP online portal or by submitting a cover letter and resume to View email address on ziprecruiter.com . We will be reviewing applications as received, until the position is filled.

Nondiscrimination Policy and Notice

Pursuant to Title IX and its regulations (“Final Rule” released on April 19, 2024), the Board of Directors has adopted and implemented a policy stating that the Common Ground District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity it operates, including admission and employment. Common Ground High School does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, protective hairstyles, alienage, ancestry, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law and prohibits discrimination, including harassment, in any education program or activity it operates. The Board shall provide protections from all forms of sex-based harassment, including sexual violence and unwelcome sex-based conduct that creates a hostile environment by limiting or denying a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school’s education program or activity. The Common Ground District shall take prompt and effective action to end any sex discrimination in its education programs or activities to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of sex discrimination complaints, prevent recurrence, and remedy its effects. To that end, the District shall act promptly and effectively in response to information about conduct that reasonably may constitute discrimination, including sexual violence and other forms of sex-based harassment. The district shall also ensure that all school employees are trained about their obligations to address sex discrimination and their obligations to notify or provide contact information for the Title IX Coordinator. The Common Ground Board of Directors Non-discrimination policy includes protections for students, employees, and applicants against discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, or recovery from these conditions and shall provide reasonable modifications for students based on pregnancy or related conditions, allow for lactation for employees, and access to a clean, private lactation space for students and employees. Common Ground shall not disclose personally identifiable information obtained through complying with Title IX, with limited exceptions, such as when there had been prior written consent or when the information is disclosed to the parent of a minor. Retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, makes a report of harassment or discrimination, files a complaint of harassment or discrimination, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation or grievance process is also a violation of Common Ground District’s non-discrimination policy and is prohibited.