IMMEDIATE - Dean of Students

Job Description

Ashuelot Valley Academy | Keene, New Hampshire Area

Now Hiring Dean of Students

Full-Time | Year-Round Leadership Position

Starting salary range: $55,000-$75,000 - negotiable based on education and experience

Join a School Where Relationships Change Lives

Ashuelot Valley Academy (AVA) is a private special education school dedicated to helping students overcome challenges, achieve academic success, and build meaningful futures. We serve students whose educational and behavioral needs require a highly supportive, structured, and individualized learning environment.

Our team is passionate about making a difference every day. Through strong relationships, high expectations, therapeutic supports, and innovative programming, we help students develop the skills needed to thrive both in school and beyond.

We are seeking an experienced, student-centered educational leader to join our leadership team as our next Dean of Students.

Position Overview

The Dean of Students serves as a key member of the school's administrative leadership team and plays a vital role in creating a safe, positive, and engaging school culture. This position works closely with the Principal, faculty, clinicians, families, and sending school districts to ensure student success and program excellence.

The Dean of Students provides leadership in student discipline, behavior support, staff supervision, crisis response, school operations, and family engagement while helping maintain a structured educational environment where students and staff can thrive.

This is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring and experienced administrators looking to expand their leadership experience in a dynamic and highly rewarding educational setting.

What You’ll Do

Leadership & School Culture

Serve as a member of the school leadership team.

Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive school culture.

Promote high expectations for student behavior, attendance, and engagement.

Lead restorative practices, behavior interventions, and student accountability efforts.

Assist with strategic planning and continuous school improvement initiatives.

Student Support & Behavioral Leadership

Oversee student discipline and behavior incentive systems.

Support implementation of individualized behavior plans and interventions.

Respond to student crises and critical incidents while ensuring appropriate follow-up and documentation.

Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and related service providers to support student success.

Participate in IEP meetings, district meetings, manifestation determinations, and educational planning sessions.

Staff Supervision & Development

Provide direct supervision, coaching, and support to assigned staff members.

Conduct regular supervision meetings and performance evaluations.

Support staff development through mentoring, training, and professional growth opportunities.

Coordinate training related to crisis prevention, de‑escalation strategies, and behavioral supports.

Family & District Partnerships

Build strong relationships with families and sending school districts.

Serve as a primary point of contact regarding student progress, concerns, attendance, and disciplinary matters.

Communicate proactively and professionally with stakeholders to ensure collaborative student support.

Operations & Compliance

Support day‑to‑day school operations to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.

Monitor compliance with school policies, special education requirements, and regulatory expectations.

Assist with admissions, student evaluations, and placement decisions.

Help oversee school facilities, transportation resources, and operational systems.

Qualifications Required

Bachelor's Degree in Education, Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

Eligibility for New Hampshire certification as an Assistant Principal, Principal, Special Education Administrator, or related credential.

Minimum of three years of experience working with students in educational, special education, therapeutic, residential, or human services settings.

Minimum of one year of supervisory or leadership experience.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff.

Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred

Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Special Education, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.

Experience participating in IEP meetings and special education processes.

Knowledge of student behavior support systems, crisis intervention, and restorative practices.

Experience supervising and developing educational staff.

Why Ashuelot Valley Academy?

At AVA, you’ll join a dedicated team of professionals who believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Our staff work collaboratively, support one another, and make a lasting impact on students and families every day.

We offer:

Competitive salary based on education and experience

Leadership development opportunities

Collaborative and supportive administrative team

Meaningful work that changes student lives

Professional growth and advancement opportunities

Medical insurance with flexible spending account and health reimbursement account options

Dental and vision coverage

403(b) retirement plan

Life insurance and AD&D

Short term and long term disability

Wellness programs and telemedicine access

Employee assistance program and legal services

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Employee discount programs

Free meals and company swag

If you are passionate about student success, educational leadership, and creating a positive school culture, we encourage you to apply.

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