Website The Branson School
Director of Studies Job Description
Reports to: Head of School
Direct Reports: Registrar, Assistant Director of Studies, Learning Specialist, Librarian, Academic Department Chairs, Director of Teaching and Learning
About The Branson School
The Branson School is a coeducational, college-preparatory day school of 320 students, grades 9-12, located in Marin County, California. Branson is more than just a great school. It’s an ever-evolving educational community that challenges and supports students as they grow into confident, thoughtful, ethical people.
We encourage students to be brave in whatever they do – in the classroom, on the field, on stage, in the community, even with their peers. The faculty values collaboration, continual growth and improvement, reflection, and student centered teaching. Branson teachers work in a beautiful, well-resourced environment with dedicated students. The faculty is widely regarded as outstanding and there exists in the faculty an admirable esprit de corps and a positive attitude about their work and their relationship with students.
Mission Statement
Branson develops students who make a positive impact in the world by leading lives of integrity, purpose, learning, and joy.
Diversity Mission Statement
Branson believes that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to create a truly excellent learning environment and a vibrant, caring community. We aspire to have every member of the Branson community feel a deep sense of belonging and inclusion.
Core Values: Courage, Kindness, Honor, Purpose
Description:
Branson seeks an innovative, experienced, student-centered Director of Studies eager for the challenge of assisting in the implementation of our bold and exciting Strategic Plan, A Look Ahead, A Purpose Beyond (https://bransonstrategicplan.org/) This role will oversee and manage the academic program of the school and work closely with both students and faculty as we move toward achieving the goals of the strategic plan.
Essential Responsibilities:
Facilitate the implementation of the goals of the Strategic Plan
Oversee the school’s academic program and work with all constituencies (including
teachers, students, families, and administrators)
Oversee the Registrar/Assistant DOS, in the creation of student and faculty schedules
Direct, develop, support, and evaluate the Academic Department Chairs, Director of Teaching and Learning, Registrar/Asst DOS, Librarian, and Learning Specialist
Coordinate and run the Academic Department Chairs’ meetings
Coordinate and run the Curriculum, Instruction, and Planning Committee meetings
In conjunction with the administrative team, plan and implement professional development initiatives, both individual and collective.
With the administrative team, initialize and oversee faculty feedback and evaluation system.
In conjunction with the Head of School and Assistant Head of School plan and facilitate faculty/staff meetings
Collaborate with Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to ensure that faculty/staff are
regularly trained in cultural competency with regard to content and pedagogy.
Collaborate with the Dean of Student Life in supporting the overall well-being of the study
body
Lead in recruitment efforts to attract, develop, and retain a diverse teaching staff and
oversee hiring faculty hiring process in conjunction with other administrators
Serve as a resource for faculty/staff with respect to student support
Partner with the admission team to help communicate the goal of our academic program
Engage with families and teachers seeking guidance, support, and connection.
Assume responsibility for other projects as assigned by the Head of School
Oversee the management of the Library and the Rand Center
Serve as the Mastery Transcript Consortium Site Director
Handle academic violations of the Honor Code in conjunction with the Dean of Student Life and the Community Honor Board
Serve as Branson’s Academic Dean for the Bay Area BlendEd Consortium
Oversee the student course feedback program
Organize and oversee Parents’ Day and Parent/Teacher Conferences
Oversee and lead faculty/staff through discussion and implementation of the following areas:Developing more project- and problem-based learning
Rethinking homework, student narratives, and assessments
Maintaining a schedule that matches our goals, changing as needed
Exploring mastery learning, interdisciplinary learning, culturally responsive
learning, and competency-based learning
Creating new courses that stem from the goals of the strategic plan
Expanding experiential and self-directed learning, particularly in arts and science
Examining and articulating the role of the AP program
Desired Skills, Qualifications, and Personal Qualities
A strong belief that schools need to adapt and change over time to remain excellent, relevant educational institutions
Experience managing change in a school
Experience and comfort with giving feedback to colleagues
Experience in implementing culturally relevant curriculum and pedagogy with a diverse
faculty/staff
Significant experience creating, implementing, managing and assessing curriculum.
Deep knowledge of pedagogy, curriculum, and 21st Century competencies
Love of high school students, as well as an understanding of the teenage brain
Ability to keep the well-being of students front and center when making decisions
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and to listen to, understand and
synthesize ideas.
Desire to work as a leader, manager and team player.
Authentic engaged approach to being part of the internal and external community.
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience and comfort in handling challenging situations with students, faculty, and parents
Master’s degree in education or related field.
Humor, kindness, and a willingness to be involved in all aspects of school life.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Branson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, employees, volunteers and interns, and the School makes decisions based on the merits of each candidate. Branson prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion (including all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality) national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status or registered domestic partner status, uniformed service member or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other basis protected by law. The School will afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, compensation, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.
TO APPLY: We encourage those that align with Branson’s shared commitment to its Mission Statement, Diversity Mission Statement and Core Values to apply by uploading a cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy and resume to Michelle Jones, Director of Human Resources at: https://thebransonschool.applytojob.com/apply/d7fBJ2mYgR/Director-Of-Studies
