Dean of Students

Dean Of Students

LEAD Charter School seeks an exceptional Dean of Students to join our mission-driven community. Our goal is to transform equity through opportunities for young people in Newark. The Dean of Students will support student success by maintaining a positive school culture, implementing behavior and academic interventions, and addressing the unique needs of opportunity youth. This position is designed for a strong leader who can balance student-centered support with data-driven decision-making, ensuring that all students thrive academically and socially.

The mission of LEAD is to enable students ages 16-21 in grades 9-12 to master essential skills for success in careers, postsecondary education, and community leadership within a global society. We implement the Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) school model, supporting the unique academic and non-academic needs of students who have disengaged from traditional schooling. At LEAD Charter School, we are a vibrant school community that holds an unwavering belief in the power of young people to transform their lives and their communities. We are dedicated practitioners of research-based youth development practices and systems, ensuring every student receives a tailored, personalized, and strengths-based learning experience. As passionate advocates of opportunity youth, we strive to provide the necessary support and opportunities for our students to succeed.

Being at LEAD has accelerated my career trajectory in ways that I could never imagine. I feel valued, supported, and empowered. 100% of LEAD staff feel they are trusted as professionals. 96% of LEAD staff feel supported in their work and professional development. 95% of LEAD staff feel they're treated with respect. 91% of LEAD staff say supervisors encourage feedback and suggestions.

We are looking for a candidate with a bachelor's degree required, 3+ years of experience working with youth in an urban district or charter school setting with an explicit focus on building rapport and trust. Ability to work with a diverse, multicultural staff and students. Familiarity with alternative education and school-to-career practices. Proficiency in Efforts-to-Outcome (ETO) software. Commitment to NOYN school model and implementation with fidelity. Demonstrated success developing and evaluating program models, and selecting and successfully implementing innovative programs. Ability to effectively network with public and private sector stakeholders. Experience in the development and implementation of program management systems and procedures. Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively and prioritize strategically. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including use of office productivity software.

You will thrive with weekly half-day sessions tailored to support your professional growth, opportunities to develop and lead school initiatives and engage in career planning for growth and trajectory, work with a dedicated, talented, and supportive staff and empowered school leaders, contribute to a mission that transforms equity through opportunity for young people in Newark, and a yearly resigning bonus.

Benefits include paid time off + summer vacation, health/vision/dental benefits, enrollment in NJ pension, HealthEquity (employer paid HRA debit card), 100% employer paid long term disability, 100% employer paid Talkspace access, Metlife legal plan & identity protection, laptop & supplies for all staff members, training & professional development.

Performance responsibilities include serving as a primary advocate and resource for students, leading interventions for students who are at risk academically, socially, or behaviorally, working closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators to address student needs, creating and implementing programs that promote positive behavior, social-emotional development, and personal accountability, and effectively contributing to the execution of the student registration process.

Data-driven decision making includes regularly analyzing student performance data, executing and distributing departmental reports, monitoring and inputting behavioral data for students, developing systems to track and monitor the effectiveness of student interventions, and preparing data reports for school leadership, stakeholders, and families.

School culture and climate includes fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive school environment, displaying respect towards the rights and feelings of students, promoting student leadership, ownership, and engagement, leading the development and implementation of behavior management strategies, and serving as a role model for positive behavior, academic success, and personal integrity.

Leadership and collaboration includes collaborating with other school leaders to develop and implement school-wide policies and initiatives, leading or participating in professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, serving as an integral part of the school's response team for crises, emergencies, and high-risk student issues, providing mentorship and support to teachers and staff in handling student issues and improving overall school culture, and participating in weekly education team meetings, full-staff meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, and other small group/special project meetings, as assigned.

Terms of employment include a 12-month employee and salary to be recommended by the Head of School and approved by the board.

Evaluation will be conducted annually in accordance with the board's policy on evaluation.