Director of Belonging and Student Support

Director of Belonging & Student Support 

The Little School is an intentionally diverse and international community. 65% of our families identify internationally, speaking 29 different home languages. 68% of our students identify as people of color. The diversity of religion, gender identity, sexuality, politics and learning styles is also robust at the school.   

Our mission and values embrace this diversity and commit to “expand sense of self, belonging and possibility” for each member of our community. Toward this ideal, we continuously explore and grow in how we understand identity, culture & community, particularly as it intersects with social-emotional and academic learning.  

As a member of the school’s Leadership Team, our inaugural Director of Belonging and Student Support will lead these efforts by expanding how we understand and differentiate for individual students and in how we evolve our structures, policies and practices to design a stronger and more authentic culture of belonging.   

The person to fill this role will be a collaborative, facilitative and big-picture thinker who leads with 1) a passion for children, education and community engagement, 2) strong collaborative and coaching skills, 3) the ability to build and sustain relationships and 4) a strong understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and identity and a commitment to learn beside and lift communities in service of a more just world. 

Primary Responsibilities (see full description on website for more details): 

• Analyze culture and design training, solutions and structures that enhance a sense of belonging for all constituents in partnership with the school’s Leadership Team. 
• Champion a culture of belonging and student support in curricular and professional development choices. 
• Lead, supervise and coordinate the school’s Student Support Team to center student learning and well-being throughout the school. 
• Support the social-emotional and identity development of each student in partnership with teachers, families and the Student Support Team. 
• Launch, lead and coordinate the faculty Task Force for Belonging to inspire reflection and action that deepens our commitments to belonging and inclusion. 
• Support the Board’s strategic thinking and priorities as a member of the DEIJ Committee.  

Desired Experiences: 

The school recognizes that the ideal candidate will bring a host of unique experiences that will inform their success in this role. Here are some experiences that would pique the school’s interest in you:  

• 3 years of previous school leadership  
• DEIJ/B work in school settings 
• School counseling or school psychology 
• Work supporting neurodiversity and the design, communication and implementations of differentiated plans 
• International experience or perspective 
• Curricular coaching 
• Developing parent partnerships  
• Managing caseloads and communication for multiple students 
• Mentoring colleagues in strategies for differentiation and support of student’s social emotional needs 

Professional and Personal Attributes and Commitments: 

• Deep understanding of learning and its intersections with diversity, equity and belonging. 
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.  
• A commitment to collaboration and building partnerships with children, colleagues and families. 
• A sense of humor and a love of life in school. 
• Creativity, intellectual agility and initiative. 
• A willingness to pitch in when/where needed. 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make decisions that are best for school. 
• Ability to honor and uphold confidentiality. 

Compensation:  

This is a salaried, 12-month position that includes competitive salary, health, vision, dental and retirement benefits. Salary will range between $100,000-$120,000 depending on experience. 

Start Date:  

Start date is negotiable but could begin as early as July 14, 2025 and no later than August 11, 2025. 

To Apply: 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to employment@thelittelschool.org   

Our Mission: 

The Little School cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility. 

Our Vision: 

We foster vibrant understanding and promote action that forwards sustainability, justice and joy. 

DEIJ Mission:  

We will reflect on our own identities, be curious about the experiences and perspectives of others and seek to understand how our identities intersect. We strive to create an educational culture where struggle and discomfort are embraced as necessary for increased understanding, and a community whose members are humble, curious, kind and committed to social justice. 

Non-discrimination Statement: 

The Little School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or family composition in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, hiring or any other school-administered programs. The Little School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.