Upper School Dean of Students

Purpose : The Dean of Students serves as a relational leader and culture architect for the Upper School, fostering a positive, healthy, and inclusive learning environment aligned with the school’s mission and instructional goals. As the first line of administrative response for student discipline and conduct matters, the Dean oversees student behavior systems to ensure alignment with the school’s values, policies, and procedures. This role balances warmth and authority, builds meaningful relationships with students and faculty while modeling appropriate professional boundaries, and serves as a proactive thought partner to the Division Head by anticipating trends, communicating emerging concerns, and recommending solutions that strengthen the school community. Essential Functions: Serves as the primary administrator responsible for student conduct and discipline in the Upper School including attendance issues. Acts as the first line of administrative response to behavioral concerns, investigating incidents, determining appropriate consequences, and ensuring consistent application of school policies. Oversees the development, communication, and enforcement of student conduct policies, ensuring fairness, clarity, and alignment with the school’s mission. Manages all disciplinary processes, including detentions, Saturday School, in-school suspension, and out-of-school suspension. Intervenes in behavioral concerns with a restorative and growth-oriented approach, supporting students in developing accountability and strong interpersonal skills. Builds authentic, trust-based relationships with students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and modeling emotional maturity, discretion, and professionalism. Identifies emerging student trends or cultural concerns and communicates them proactively to the Division Head with recommendations for action. Consults with the Director of Culture and Student Belonging and Director of Security as appropriate to ensure coordinated and consistent responses. Serves as a student advocate, partnering with students, parents, and teachers to identify individual strengths and support growth in mind, body, and spirit. Collaborates with faculty and staff on classroom management strategies and student behavior management. Collaborates with the Counselor and Learning Specialist to assist faculty in meeting the needs of individual students, ensuring clear communication, shared accountability, and appropriate follow-through. Communicates proactively and consistently with families regarding student behavior, well-being, and expectations Navigates complex or high-conflict situations with professionalism, discretion, and a solution-oriented mindset. Student Leadership & Traditions Plans and coordinates the 9th, 11th 12th grade activities and retreats. Serves as Lead Senior Advisor and primary administrator for the senior class. Coordinates senior honors and traditions, including Madonna, May Day, Ideal Hutchison Girl, Meg Thomas Student Speaker, and Flower Girl Match. Serves as Lead Faculty Sponsor of the Honor Council, supporting student leadership and integrity within the community. Strategic Leadership & Division Partnership Serves as a strategic partner to the Division Head, maintaining regular communication regarding student trends, parent dynamics, cultural concerns. Exercises sound judgment in determining when to act independently and when to seek guidance, ensuring alignment with division priorities. Escalates significant disciplinary, safety, or cultural concerns appropriately and in a timely manner. Anticipates challenges and proposes proactive solutions that strengthen student culture, faculty support, and family communication. Supports the Division Head in fostering positive, transparent relationships across the Upper School community. Fulfills other duties and responsibilities assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required [master’s degree preferred in area of education or counseling] Minimum of five [5] years’ experience in schools required; experience in private schools is preferred. Preferred two years in school administration or leadership Strong decision-making, analytical, and organizational skills. Demonstrated success prioritizing work, operating independently, and working efficiently despite competing demands. Proactive team player with strong initiative and drive; outstanding work ethic. Exceptional interpersonal skills with ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. Proven ability to relate and communicate effectively with various constituencies and remain calm under pressure. #J-18808-Ljbffr