Upper School Dean of Students

Germantown Academy We inspire students to be: Independent in Thought • Confident in Expression • Compassionate in Spirit • Collaborative in Action • Honorable in Deed Position Title: Upper School Dean of Students Germantown Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school located on a beautiful 126-acre campus in the Fort Washington suburbs near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school serves more than 1,200 students in grades PK-12. Founded in 1759, GA is America’s oldest non-sectarian day school with rich traditions and a strong commitment to ongoing innovation of curricular and pedagogical practices. Germantown Academy is committed to the work of equity and inclusion and believes that equal opportunity in all aspects of employment supports the mission of the school and the successful attainment of our strategic objectives. Candidates must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and a respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying socioeconomic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds. Position Purpose: Reporting to the Head of Upper School, the Upper School Dean of Students is a core member of the Upper School administrative team. The GA Upper School’s administrative structure is relatively unique among independent day schools, with the day-to-day care of the student body overseen by a team of seven House Heads, each of whom fosters the individual well-being of the 80 students under their care. This team approach provides broad systems of support within the division, thereby allowing the Dean of Students to focus on creating the programs and curricula that can set the standard for what post-2020 education can and should offer teenagers. GA’s Upper School Dean of Students envisions and facilitates a deliberate, holistic, and future-oriented curriculum dedicated to the socio-emotional growth and well-being of Upper School students at Germantown Academy. In the Upper School, we have developed over recent years curricular space – called Community Time – which dedicates 100 minutes per 7-day rotation to co-curricular elements in the life of the Upper School: a mix of advisory programming, assemblies, affinity-group led activities, and House Activities, all dedicated to fostering the vitality, wellness, and culture of belonging within the Upper School. While the Upper School’s Dean of Students also oversees the more traditional elements of a Dean of Students role – including leadership training, discipline, help for students in crisis, and facilitation of student events – the development of Community Time programming offers the opportunity for GA’s Upper School Dean of Students to set a vision for a key element of the division’s curriculum. We are seeking candidates who are eager to make a positive mark in the lives of GA’s Upper Schoolers, and in the work of education more broadly. This is an 11-month position beginning in July of 2025. We are seeking candidates who… •Are excited to work with and support upper school-aged students (Grades 9-12). •Have at least five years of experience working in a high school environment. •Have a minimum of two years of management experience in a school environment. •Hold a degree, certificate, and/or advanced professional development in Education. •Demonstrate creativity in program development. •Can lead and facilitate conversations about student socio-emotional well-being. •Possess the cultural competency necessary for working with a diverse population in an equitable and inclusive community. •Demonstrate a commitment to student-centered learning. •Demonstrate a collaborative and growth mindset as a teacher and professional. •Model a culture of flexible, continuous learning to challenge and support students. •Are informed about and abreast of literature on innovations in co-curricular programming, including a focus on preparing future-ready children. •Demonstrate the flexibility to use technology in support of student learning and other professional responsibilities. •Communicate well, both in writing and verbally, with colleagues, students, and families. Core Job Responsibilities This role is a full-time position with the following major responsibilities: •Teach two classes. •Serve on Upper School leadership team with the Head of Upper School, Upper School Dean of Faculty, and Assistant to the Head of Upper School. •Oversee development of Community Time programming focusing on student socio-emotional growth and well-being, including intersections with community-wide assemblies and programming. •Coordinate with program directors to facilitate integration of the Upper School’s co-curricular programs, including Service Learning, Senior Project, student activities, and affinity groups. Work to ensure alignment of division’s co-curricular programs with NAIS’ 21st-century competencies. •In collaboration with the Head of Upper School oversee disciplinary proceedings in the Upper School, including oversight of Honor Council and the envisioning and oversight of a non-academic disciplinary response process. Continue the school’s ongoing progress in a move toward Restorative Justice practices. •In collaboration with the Head of Upper School and the House Heads, promote the vitality and curricular impact of the Upper School’s House system, including running House Head meetings and mentoring individual House Heads to ensure the quality and timeliness of the advising structures within the House System. •In collaboration with the House Heads, envision and execute meaningful, deliberate, and mission-aligned leadership training, student orientations, and retreats. •Work with Head of Upper School and Dean of Faculty to develop and facilitate evaluation process for Upper School advisors. •Develop and maintain a calendar for student-facing events within Upper School life, and work with faculty to oversee the facilitation of major events on that calendar (including pep rally, semi, and prom). •Envision and facilitate systems of communication that ensure students remain aware of and connected to happenings in the life of the Upper School. •As necessary, collaborate with House Heads, Division Head, and Upper School counselors to support students in crisis. •Collaborate with the Upper School leadership team to ensure the smooth functioning of the day-to-day operations in the Upper School. •Other responsibilities including attending regular faculty meetings, professional learning communities, in-service days, and other supervision duties as assigned.