[2022-2023] Dean of Students - High School

  • Full-time
  • Grade Level: High
  • Start Date: Next year opening
  • Department: School-based Support

Company Description

KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of free, public charter schools that prepares students for success in college and life. In 1995 we started our first middle school, KIPP Academy, in The Bronx.  Our goal was to graduate students with the strength of character and academic abilities needed to succeed in high school, college and beyond – and in so doing, to prove what is possible for all students.  Today, our New York City network is comprised of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, one high school, and KIPP Forward, a comprehensive support program for our alumni. KIPP NYC Public Schools currently serves more than 9,350 students and alumni and has a staff of more than 850. KIPP NYC is continuing to grow and opened two new middle schools and an elementary school August 2021!

About KIPP NYC College Prep High School:

KIPP NYC College Prep is a free college-preparatory public school serving students from KIPP NYC’s five middle schools. In July 2009, KIPP NYC College Prep opened its doors to its founding 9th grade class. Now fully grown, the high school serves over 1000 students. We have set ambitious goals for our students: 95% will graduate from high school, 85% will matriculate to college, and 75% will graduate from college. Year over year, we have exceeded both our graduation and matriculation goals, and are on track for over 50% of our alumni to graduate from college (5x the national average for low-income students), while continuing to work towards our ultimate 75% college graduation goal for our students.

Job Description

The Dean of Students leads the school’s efforts to create a positive, structured, disciplined school culture.  The Dean of Students reports directly to the Assistant Principal of Students, who provides guidance and direction and sets school policy.  The Dean of Students is a main school contact for parents and guardians. A successful Dean of Students is passionate about supporting our students, adapts to changes and cultivates productive relationships with all members of the school community, including faculty, students and families.

Responsibilities:

  • Work closely with the leadership team to develop a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and creative school culture.
  • Serve as a point person for discipline/culture issues; in this role, the dean is the primary contact person for all acute discipline issues.
  • Contact families about attendance and truancy on a daily basis, primarily via telephone. Because much of this work is done via phone, the person in this role must exhibit exemplary communication skills and, ideally, be a fluent Spanish-speaker.
  • Be highly present and visible during school hours, relentlessly ensuring the school has a strong school culture.
  • Lead breakfast, lunch/recess, dismissal, and other transitional experiences and whole-school operations.
  • Reinforce the effective use of a school-wide behavior plan.
  • Proactively circulate throughout classrooms and hallways during the day to gain valuable context on student behavior and help support positive school culture.
  • Aid teachers to improve their instructional practice, especially as it relates to issues of discipline, relationships with students, and school culture.
  • Assist teachers, students, and parents in the effective creation and implementation of individual behavior plans (in conjunction with the Social Worker/Guidance Counselor).
  • Assist the Social Worker/Guidance Counselor in designing and executing parent workshops.
  • Assist in optional Saturday School programs.

Qualifications

  • At least three years of experience working with large groups of students strongly preferred
  • Strong interpersonal skills that contribute to a collegial working environment and a healthy measure of the character traits we value: zest, grit, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude and a sense of humor.
  • A tremendous ability to be flexible and modify plans in order to best serve students
  • Exhibit a “whatever it takes” mentality and easily adapt to changes
  • A passion for being part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture
  • Demonstrated success in raising the achievement levels of students within our KIPP NYC communities 
  • Bachelor’s degree required

Additional Information

This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position.  It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

KIPP NYC LLC is an anti-racist organization that believes in the importance of being diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City. BIPOC, women, gender expansive, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.

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