Dean of Students (Upper Campus, Grades 7-12)

ABOUT US:

Pinewood School is a joyful community with passionate, accessible teachers and administrators who partner with students and parents in the education journey. Our three-campus K-12 school balances challenging academics with robust enrichment classes. Our students engage in meaningful, varied opportunities that empower them to explore their talents and develop new skills. Our three historic campuses provide the space for all to flourish. We inspire the best in our students as we encourage them to become kind, well-rounded people who are poised to change their world for the better.

Pinewood School is nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. Drawing from diverse communities throughout the San Francisco Peninsula and greater San Jose area, Pinewood is comprised of students who seek challenging academics and support a high standard of character. Pinewood provides a nurturing environment where our students are encouraged to grow as considerate, adventurous, expressive, self-aware young people, prepared for their top-choice colleges and for meaningful and productive lives.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Dean of Students is a highly visible member of the Upper Campus administrative team and plays a critical role in leading a positive school culture.  With approximately 300 students in grades 7-12 and 75 faculty/staff, the Dean is expected to have a pulse on the school community by collaborating with students and faculty.  The Dean of Students provides leadership and guidance for all aspects of the student life experience. This is a 12-month, full- time position and reports to the Head of Upper Campus. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create and lead student life vision for the Upper Campus community (students, faculty, staff, and parents)

• Participate in ongoing research and professional development to promote school-wide best practices in community engagement and student well-being

• Facilitate a positive and healthy school experience for all students

• Develop school rules, expectations, and standards and ensure clear communication and consistent enforcement

• Oversee all aspects of Student Government such as ASB, HS class councils, and activities budget

• Organize, plan and collaborate with students on all HS student activities such as dances, homecoming, winter formal, and prom

• Oversee all aspects of student life including but not limited to:  orientation activities, student assemblies, student clubs, grade level advisors, and other leadership programs

• Oversee, develop, and coordinate the advisory program

• Supervise and effectively implement student discipline

• Communicate with and support for the faculty in managing and enforcing student discipline

• Oversee student community service requirements

• Assist in maintaining school master calendar as it relates to all student activities

• Support ongoing initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Work closely and in collaboration with the student support team including the college counselors, school counselors, and learning specialists

• Assist in the planning and implementation of the master student class schedule

• Collaborate and partners with HS Athletic Director and JH Athletic Director; supervises the JH Activities Director

• Work closely with Director of Community and Alumni Engagement to foster relationships and to encourage continued school engagement with students past graduation

• Contribute to the development of the Weekly Notes and other staff, student, and parent communication

• Lead drafting of Student Weekly Notes

• Other duties as expected of faculty or as assigned by the Head of Upper Campus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to spend long hours in a stationary positions, using computers and office equipment

• Ability to move from place to place and communicate/exchange information accurately and effectively with others in person and on the phone

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior teaching and leadership experience in an independent school is required

• Enthusiasm and commitment to caring for adolescents

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required

• Minimum of five years of demonstrated success as an educator

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Detailed- oriented and excellent organizational skills

• Proficient in Google workspace

• A collaborative and respectful approach in working with all school constituencies

• Energetic  with strong interpersonal skills

• Ability to model standards of ethics, confidentiality and professionalism 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Salary range is $130,000-$150,000 annually. Pinewood offers comprehensive benefits to employees. Our benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, a retirement plan with an employer match, life insurance, and more. Pinewood promotes a healthy work-life balance among our community by offering employees a generous holiday and PTO policy that includes school breaks during the academic year. Find a full list of our employee benefits here.

HOW TO APPLY: 

Please send your cover letter and resume to Cindy Ho, Director of Human Resources, at cho@pinewood.edu by January 31, 2024 with the subject line: Dean of Students. The anticipated start date is between June 1-July 1, 2024.