Dean of Academics

Summary

Wayland is an independent, coed college preparatory school for boarding and day students (grades 9-post-graduate), founded in 1855. The school’s rich, rigorous academic program features exceptionally small classes, capstone projects at every grade, active STEAM, media studies, environmental science, and student success programs, and an array of AP offerings. The diverse and welcoming school community brings together students from across the United States and more than 25 other countries in an intimate learning environment, with a student-faculty ratio of 6:1.

Wayland’s historic campus is located in the heart of the Midwest in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin—just 40 miles from Madison and 60 miles from Milwaukee.

Wayland Academy’s Dean of Academics (Dean) serves as the school’s “Chief Academic Officer,” as a key member of the administrative leadership team reporting to the Head of School. The Dean ensures that Wayland Academy continues to lead through a rigorous academic program preparing students for college and beyond. The Dean works closely with the Head of School to lead all academic initiatives with an emphasis on delivering 21 st Century skills through the mission to develop knowledge and character.

The Dean implements strategic initiatives, with a particular focus on continuous improvements in teaching and learning methods, creative and innovative classrooms, curriculum alignment, effective use of new and emerging technologies, an atmosphere of growth and professional development for faculty. Like many educational institutions Wayland is immersed in innovation and change. The Dean will oversee the next phase of Wayland’s “Student Success Program,” with a key role in envisioning, implementing, and tracking Wayland’s efforts to support the full range of mission – appropriate learners and profiles within an integrated model.

Responsibilities essential to these functions include:

• Serve as a critical thought partner to the Head of School and participate as a collaborative and engaged member of the Administrative Leadership Team.
• Serve as the Academic leader on campus through strategic planning, and operational oversight.
• Envision, implement, manage, and measure the next iteration of Wayland’s “Student Success Program.”
• Supervise the Chairs of the Academic Departments and work closely with Academic Affairs Committee.
• Coordinate the faculty recruitment and hiring process in close partnership with school leadership and key operational partners. Plan and oversee the New Faculty and Staff Orientation and the Faculty Mentoring Program.
• Work with Department Chairs to support and challenge the faculty and oversee the annual faculty evaluation process; observe all faculty annually and facilitate faculty professional development.
• Serve as a thought leader at Wayland and beyond, sharing expertise and best practices.
• Oversee all academic policies, procedures, and activities.
• Work closely with the Administrative Leadership Team to establish the academic calendar and master schedule.

Wayland Academy expects all administrators to be fully engaged in the school's life and mission, in and out of the classroom. To that end, the Director is expected to take meals in the dining hall, participate in Wayland Academy community events and to be a positive role model for students.

• Thrives in a fast-paced close-knit, diverse community.
• Experience with, expertise in, and passion for supporting students with a range of learning profiles.
• Motivated, flexible, and collaborative with strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Highly organized, passionate, and able to motivate others.
• Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
• Exercises an understanding of and supports the mission and vision of Wayland Academy.
• Displays enthusiasm and dedication to contributing to our healthy learning community, energetically supporting colleagues, sharing ideas and resources, and being there for others.
• Maintains an accepting and supportive attitude that encourages diverse perspectives and productive risk-taking to challenge students to think and explore opportunities that allow them to become their best.
• Authenti…