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Windward School
Windward School is a grade 7-12 college-preparatory, independent day school in vibrant West Los Angeles. Windward faculty and administrative leaders continually seek best practices and educational partnerships to help our students and faculty pursue their passions, engage in cutting edge work, and lead meaningful lives.
Windward’s mission, as a college-preparatory school, is to challenge each student to achieve academic excellence in a nurturing environment. Windward teachers, parents, and administrators work as a team to encourage each student to be responsible, caring, well, informed, ethical and prepared, thus promoting the fullest development of the individual.
SUMMARY
Working as a member of the Collegiate Division team, the Dean of Students is responsible for supporting students in their successful participation in school life – curricular, co-curricular, The Dean of Students for the Collegiate Division monitors the academic progress of students and oversees all aspects of student citizenship. The Dean of Students also monitors student attendance, counsels any student who falls short of meeting academic and/or behavioral standards, and works to ensure that all students understand acceptable behavioral standards. The Dean oversees the Seminar program and grade level retreats, fosters the enrichment of school spirit and inclusivity, and collaborates with the administrative team to lead student leadership opportunities and plan events.
Reports to: Division Director
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dean of Students will:
● Know every student as a person and a learner.
● Show an understanding of, a commitment to, and an engagement with, Windward’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work. This should include, but not be limited to, being passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.
● Work with the Associate Division Director and Director of Counseling Services to develop and manage academic and social policies, protocols, and practices that support student development, learning, health, and safety.
● Promote high standards and expectations for academic performance, student leadership, personal integrity, and community responsibility. Support faculty in efforts to create and maintain a productive learning environment.
● Communicate and implement school policies and rules regarding student behavior and attendance. Oversee student conduct and maintain appropriate student discipline records. Follow up with faculty, administration, parents/guardians and students regarding consequences of behavioral or academic challenges.
● Participate in the planning and implementation of educational meetings. Coordinate new student orientation and student activities within the division. Assist with student leadership and service learning programs. Oversee special programs and events for attendance by the student body, such as assemblies.
● Collaborate with other Division team members in support of the social, emotional and behavioral needs of the students. Assist in the development of education/prevention programming in such topics as stress and anxiety management; issues related to social and family relationships; concerns in use of social media; transition and coping skills; conflict resolution and mediation; social skills in problem solving; healthy behaviors and relationships.
● Collaborate with the Collegiate Division team and faculty to identify and prioritize needs of students of concern. Provide strategies, advice, support, and guidance to those students and their families as appropriate to the Divisional grade levels, including but not limited to bi-weekly reports and credit reconciliation worksheets.
● Meet with students, parents/guardians, and faculty regarding student academic needs as well as interpersonal conflicts. Establish consequences for student behavioral infractions. Support positive relationships between faculty and students following student behavioral and academic lapses. Support educational leadership with a developmental focus.
● Maintain close relationships with parents/guardians, educational therapists, and psychological support personnel. Working closely with the divisional counselor, coordinate support based on educational testing and other special circumstances.
● With the Director of Counseling Services, coordinate academic programs for students who need to be out of school and work as a liaison for parents/guardians, outside experts, other school departments as necessary.
● Cultivate mutually beneficial working relationships with colleagues and other professionals; attend conferences and professional meetings as well as school-sponsored events appropriate to position. Track current research trends in executive functioning and social development of adolescents, as well as discipline practices. Attend conferences and professional meetings in order to remain current with trends.
● As an active member of the broader school community, join faculty activities such as faculty meetings, teach students in a classroom setting, proctor standardized exams. Participate in the admission process as requested, through prospective student and parent/guardian presentations and applicant family interviews.
● Maintain regular communication with the Dean of Students for Middle School and the Dean of Students for the Prep Division, ensuring smooth transitions for students as well as symmetry and age-appropriateness of school policies and expectation across divisions.
● Assume responsibility for other projects as assigned by the Division Director or Head of School.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and proven ability to collaborate with students, families and faculty in a warm, compassionate and nurturing manner.
● A bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred
● At least 3 to 5 years’ prior experience in education
● Experience working in student life or student support services preferred
● Successful track record working with students and families.
● Excellent organizational and time management skills; detail-oriented
● Strong work ethic and high level of integrity
This is a great chance to be part of a dynamic, close-knit, independent school culture and community. Please see the Employment page on our website, which includes a salary calculator. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including:
● Medical, dental, vision insurance
● Paid Holidays, Vacation and Wellness days
● Retirement Plan, including up to 6% employer match
● School-paid Life and Disability Insurance
● Flexible Spending Account Plans
● Annual $2,000 FlexCheck
● Annual $2,000 Lunch Allowance
● Access to Peak Performance Center to promote physical and mental health
● Wellness Initiatives
● Employee Assistance Program
● Tuition Remission
● Funds for Professional Development
● Nurturing, supportive and inclusive community
● And much more!
For more information about Windward, see our website: www.windwardschool.org.
To Apply: All interested candidates should submit a resume, three letters of recommendation and a letter of interest.
EOE
