Dean of Students

EQA serves students who have dropped out, been expelled from, or have struggled academically or behaviorally in traditional settings and are looking for an accelerated path to graduation. There are three high school campuses: EQA Central City (opened 2011), EQA Gentilly (opened 2017), and The NET East (opened 2020). Students earn a high school diploma and participate in internships, career counseling, and career training in fields such as construction, medical, and digital media.

EQA also serves middle school students through The Bridge Middle School, a therapeutic program for 7th‑ and 8th‑grade struggling students. In all settings, our goal is that students leave school with the skills, confidence, and experience necessary to succeed in the career and education path of their choice.

Over 50% of students at EQA struggle with behavior or mental health issues and many have been expelled from prior schools. One of the school’s most important missions is to help students improve their behavior and conflict‑management skills. This is accomplished through building transformational relationships, practicing restorative approaches, and consistently and lovingly holding students accountable for growing. As an Assistant Dean you are not “punishing” or “fixing” students;

you are leveraging therapeutic and research‑based strategies to help young people develop.

• Managing the team of deans and liaising with the school's leadership team
• Building genuine and transformational relationships with every student
• Using, and supporting other staff in using, restorative approaches—including and not limited to leading restorative conversations, developing student plans, and mediating conflicts
• Managing student check‑in and the front office, which includes maintaining building safety
• Maintaining a warm and welcoming environment for the front entrance of the school
• Managing student check‑outs
• Managing bus passes as well as student cell phones
• Screening building visitors
• Answering the front desk phone
• Supporting student attendance through calls, home visits, and other initiatives
• Teaching and maintaining student expectations regarding dress, electronics, etc.
• De‑escalating students who are in crisis
• Investigating and problem‑solving student issues and concerns
• Establishing and maintaining strong communication with students, teachers, and parents and family members
• Documenting and following up on all incidents, issues, resolutions, or next steps with students
• Developing and implementing culture‑building practices—including but not limited to student orientation, student handbook design, classroom circles, trips, and Town Halls
• Supporting the Dean of Students and leaders with other projects as appropriate

• BA or BS required
• Experience with and commitment to working restoratively with students with emotional and behavioral struggles
• Deeply respectful, calm, and de‑escalating approach to students in crisis
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexible, open to change, quick‑learning, self‑directed, and able to manage in a highly dynamic and fast‑paced environment
• Learning mindset dedicated to effectively and innovatively problem‑solving and constantly improving
• Comfortable with Excel, databases, and online communication
• Passion for improving educational opportunities for urban students and for being part of a strong, mission‑driven team
• Commitment to EQA’s mission, vision, and growth

• Start Date:
  
  ASAP
• Schedule:
  
  School is year‑round with a generous leave schedule
• Location:
  
  12000 Hayne Blvd., New Orleans, LA
• Salary: $40,000–$50,000 depending upon experience
• Benefits:
  Comprehensive benefits and generous 403(b) retirement plan
• Reports to:
  
  Dean of Students

EQA encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position. We are an equal‑opportunity employer fully committed to hiring a talented and diverse group of individuals. EQA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. EQA does not sponsor employment visas. In compliance with state law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in a Louisiana public school via the appropriate background checks.