Academic Dean

Kirby School is an award-winning, independent college preparatory day school for grades 6-12 located in Santa Cruz, California.

For over 25 years, we have welcomed learners from all backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. Driven by our love of learning, we engage students in a wide variety of activities that activate critical thinking and inspire creative expression, preparing them to thoughtfully contribute to their communities and shape their futures with confidence.

At Kirby we listen to, value and appreciate every student admitted to our program. We see their unique potential. We get to know them for the hopes and dreams they carry, and for the challenges they face as they achieve them.

For more information about our academic program, mission, and philosophy, please visit https://kirby.org.

Overview of Position

Kirby School seeks to hire an Academic Dean for the 22-23 school year to provide overall educational leadership and vision for the entire school. This includes broad stroke strategic planning as well as day-to-day management of the school’s academic and extracurricular programs. This role creates policies and oversees curriculum in line with the Kirby mission, and advocates for all learners by creating effective student support systems. The Academic Dean collaborates with faculty (and especially Department Heads) to actualize the school’s vision for student learning outcomes, balancing student wellness with engaging and meaningful educational experiences. This office considers innovations in technology, fair and equitable assessments, and a wide range of student and family concerns that emerge in the context of a 6th-12th grade program. The Academic Dean reports directly to the Head of School and is a key member of the senior leadership team.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain congruence between the school’s board-approved mission statement and all academic activities.
• Maintain UC certification status of courses in the course catalog.
• Monitor and maintain College Board approval of AP courses.
• Maintain NCAA certification status of the course catalog.
• Oversee the priorities of department heads and academic committees.
• Advise on prioritization of Professional Development opportunities.
• Support the faculty in the development and implementation of curriculum.
• Create or modify and implement support programs for students who fall behind or return from prolonged absences.
• Collaborate with Deans of Students and School Counselor on student wellness and/or behavioral matters.
• Make recommendations to the Head of School regarding the hiring, retention, and assignment of faculty.
• Oversee coordination of co-curricular and extracurricular activity programs of the school.
• Provide both short and long term academic guidance for students and families.
• Oversee the grading and the reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to prepare the Master Schedule and create student schedules.
• Coordinate regular textbook reviews with department chairs.
• Monitor and review academic balance throughout school.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in education and/or administration preferred
• 5 years teaching experience, preferably within independent schools
• Administrative experience or curriculum/instruction experience preferred
• Knowledge of UC and State school requirements
• Focus on the whole child, including social and emotional development
• An ability to interact comfortably with individuals of diverse social, economic and ethnic backgrounds
• Successful track record of collaboration, curriculum assessment and design
• Ability to evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness

How to Apply

Kirby’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices; we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Kirby School will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.  Kirby School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, race, religion, color, handicap, gender identity, physical condition, developmental disability, sexual orientation, national origin or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interested and qualified candidates should email Joe Poirot at academichire@kirby.org. Please attach a cover letter, current resume, a writing sample, and at least two letters of reference. Position is open until filled.

Tagged as: High School, Middle School