High School Dean of Students (rev.10282024)

Position Description and Qualifications

Job Summary:

The High School Dean of Students works alongside the Head of High School and other administrators to implement the school’s Mission and Vision Statements on Frist Campus. As a key member of the high school leadership team, s/he works collaboratively with school administrators, counselors, faculty, staff, students and parents to develop and maintain a positive, joyful school culture that enhances community and promotes student growth and accountability. The Dean of Students has primary oversight over all non-curricular aspects of student life including advisory, PCL programming, student events and activities, and student discipline.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Abides by Ensworth’s Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct
• Commits to the ideals expressed in Ensworth’s Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
• Fosters meaningful relationships with students in all grade levels and teachers across disciplines
• Assists in communicating expectations and overseeing school culture specifically pertaining to student behavior and discipline
• Partners with parents, school counselors, and academic support personnel to promote student health and safety both on and off campus
• Manages the discipline process for all cases, including communicating with students, parents, and appropriate faculty regarding disciplinary investigations and consequences
• Supervises the documentation of all student discipline including citations and disciplinary actions
• Provides direct supervision and oversight of the four class sponsors and meets with them regularly
• Works with class sponsors and other administrators to plan, organize, and execute Prescribed Community Life programming (including student orientation and class retreats)
• Partners with the Dean of Faculty in the oversight of faculty in their advisory role
• Partners with faculty regarding classroom management and student behavioral issues
• Maintains a visible presence in the academic, arts, and commons buildings at key times throughout the school day, including visiting classrooms throughout the year
• Collaborates with faculty and students to enhance school spirit and plan related events
• Attends student events and activities outside of the school day, including but not limited to school dances, student government events, and significant home and away athletic contests
• Oversees Tiger House captains and activities
• Manages the Dean of Students Office budget
• Teaches up to one academic course each semester
• Responds to security concerns and conditions as directed by the campus security team
• Other responsibilities as necessary supporting the general management of the high school

Qualifications/Experience:

• 5 years of student life experience in a high school setting, with independent school experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to form meaningful relationships with adolescents and fellow educators
• Experience leading adults and managing operations in a high school setting
• Highly developed organizational skills
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school environment
• Teamwork, dependability, flexibility, willingness to listen and learn, problem-solving skills, and congeniality are essential
• Bachelor’s degree or higher, with a master’s degree preferred
• Must successfully complete background screening and verification
• Continued Education Programs (as required by Grade Level and/or position) – Periodically participate in different training sessions identified by you, the employee and/or Divisional Leadership/Supervisor with the goal of keeping our teachers and staff up to date with current teaching methods, practices and any new knowledge in their respective field. Depending on the program, such training may need to take place outside of normal working hours and/or in the summer months.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate, occasionally works outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate
• Regularly uses close and distance vision, Works at a computer screen for extended periods of time, Ability to observe students from various distances comfortably
• Works at a desk for extended periods of time, frequently moves around campus
• Ability to occasionally move items 30 lbs. across the campus
• Effectively deals with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts
• Stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions
• Ensworth requires employees to be physically present on campus, with limited exceptions that are at the sole discretion of the School. Under extraordinary circumstances, some or all of the workforce may be required to move to a remote working environment. Additionally, certain individuals may also be approved for limited remote work, based on the nature of the job description, specific circumstances, and only with written prior approval by a direct supervisor.

Application Requirements:

Qualified candidates should complete an online application for employment and attach a cover letter and résumé Contact Nowell Hesse at hessen@ensworth.com with any questions.

About Ensworth School:

Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.

Located on two campuses in Nashville, Tennessee, Ensworth enrolls approximately 1,250 students and serves families in more than 50 zip codes. Ensworth is recognized among the leading independent schools in the nation. The school’s challenging academic program is embedded in a culture of support and encouragement and reflects a commitment to the core skills of observation, collaboration, communication, analysis, questioning, evaluation, and most importantly, the application of knowledge. Graduates have the adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness necessary for success in the 21^st century and are not only prepared to meet the demands of the future but are also imbued with a sense of purpose and service to others.

Ensworth School is an extraordinary place to work and seeks employees who are passionate about learning and motivated by the opportunity to awaken that passion in students.

It is Ensworth's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law. It is the intent and resolve of Ensworth to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, evaluation, promotion, disciplinary action, termination, compensation and training. Employment decisions at Ensworth will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities.