What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dean of Culture position at Opportunity Education?
Dean of Culture | Cedar Rapids Prep
About Cedar Rapids Prep
Cedar Rapids Prep is a new public charter school opening in August 2025 to serve 300 sixth and seventh grade students in its inaugural year. The school will add an additional grade level each year, building out a full comprehensive middle and high school that offers academic excellence, a wide array of extracurriculars, and hyper-focused college prep experience. As one of our flagship schools for Opportunity Education, Cedar Rapids Prep aims to set a model for schools nationwide.
About the Role: Dean of Culture
The Dean of Culture will play a critical role in shaping and maintaining a safe, equitable, and joyful student culture rooted in high expectations and support. As a key member of the administrative team, the Dean will be responsible for implementing school-wide systems that promote positive student behavior, strong relationships, and a sense of belonging among students, staff, and families. Reporting to the school principal, the Dean of Culture will ensure that all students experience a school environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth.
This role is ideal for an experienced educator or leader who is passionate about student development, skilled in behavior management, and committed to building a school culture that balances accountability with encouragement and support.
Responsibilities
As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities may evolve; however, core areas of focus include:
Student Culture and Behavior Management (35%)
Interested applicants should apply online and must submit a resume.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to candidates applying before March 21, 2025 . Candidates advancing through the process should expect multiple rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, a performance task, thorough reference checks, and a blend of in-person and virtual interviews.
Compensation
Salary is currently budgeted in a range of $65,000-70,000, commensurate with experience. This role is eligible for IPERS (Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System).
Start Date & Additional Questions
The expected start date for the position is late June of 2025 as a year-round employee.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Cedar Rapids Prep is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.
About Cedar Rapids Prep
Cedar Rapids Prep is a new public charter school opening in August 2025 to serve 300 sixth and seventh grade students in its inaugural year. The school will add an additional grade level each year, building out a full comprehensive middle and high school that offers academic excellence, a wide array of extracurriculars, and hyper-focused college prep experience. As one of our flagship schools for Opportunity Education, Cedar Rapids Prep aims to set a model for schools nationwide.
About the Role: Dean of Culture
The Dean of Culture will play a critical role in shaping and maintaining a safe, equitable, and joyful student culture rooted in high expectations and support. As a key member of the administrative team, the Dean will be responsible for implementing school-wide systems that promote positive student behavior, strong relationships, and a sense of belonging among students, staff, and families. Reporting to the school principal, the Dean of Culture will ensure that all students experience a school environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth.
This role is ideal for an experienced educator or leader who is passionate about student development, skilled in behavior management, and committed to building a school culture that balances accountability with encouragement and support.
Responsibilities
As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities may evolve; however, core areas of focus include:
Student Culture and Behavior Management (35%)
- Serve as the Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) Lead, implementing and overseeing school-wide behavior expectations and supports
- Develop and maintain a proactive student behavior management system that is rooted in clear expectations, strong relationships, and restorative practices
- Lead student behavior interventions, including tracking behavior trends, implementing tiered supports, and addressing disciplinary incidents in alignment with school values
- Draft and implement behavior plans for students who require additional support
- Serve as the Student Ambassador Program Lead, designing and facilitating opportunities for student leadership and peer mentorship
- Co-lead the Advisory program with the Dean of Academics, ensuring that students receive meaningful mentorship and character development opportunities
- Develop and facilitate initiatives that strengthen student engagement and connection to the school community
- Build strong relationships with students and families, fostering a culture of communication, trust, and partnership
- Lead family meetings and communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress, behavioral concerns, and interventions
- Collaborate with staff to ensure families feel welcomed, informed, and involved in their child’s educational experience
- Serve as a key member of the administrative team, contributing to the overall vision, strategy, and culture of Cedar Rapids Prep
- Work closely with teachers and staff to ensure that classroom culture and school-wide expectations are aligned and consistently upheld
- Support staff in implementing classroom management strategies and student engagement practices
- 5 years of experience in education, youth development, or school leadership with a strong track record of student impact
- Experience implementing behavior management systems and positive school culture initiatives
- Background in working with families, students, and staff to create inclusive and supportive environments
- Experience designing and facilitating student leadership and engagement programs
- Commitment to Cedar Rapids Prep’s mission to deliver on our promise to cultivate an experience of excellence and joy for our students, staff, and families
- An unwavering belief in the potential of all students and a commitment to equitable support structures
- School leaders must consistently embody our core values to connect, aspire, persevere, and achieve
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff
- A proactive and solutions-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills
Interested applicants should apply online and must submit a resume.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to candidates applying before March 21, 2025 . Candidates advancing through the process should expect multiple rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, a performance task, thorough reference checks, and a blend of in-person and virtual interviews.
Compensation
Salary is currently budgeted in a range of $65,000-70,000, commensurate with experience. This role is eligible for IPERS (Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System).
Start Date & Additional Questions
The expected start date for the position is late June of 2025 as a year-round employee.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Cedar Rapids Prep is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.
Salary : $65,000 - $70,000
