Interim Middle School Dean of Students

La Jolla Country Day School is seeking a dynamic, student-centered, and mission-aligned Interim Middle School Dean of Students to serve as a key member of the Middle School leadership team for the  academic year. This individual plays a critical role in fostering an inclusive, supportive, and respectful school culture while advancing initiatives that strengthen student engagement, leadership development, and community belonging across grades 5–8.

Serving approximately 325 students, the Dean of Students oversees student life and activities, supports student wellbeing and accountability through restorative practices, and partners closely with students, faculty, parents, and administrators to cultivate a positive and enriching Middle School experience. This highly relational role requires a visible, approachable, and collaborative leader who is passionate about adolescent development and committed to building a thriving school community grounded in integrity, empathy, and mutual respect.

The Interim Dean of Students will help shape programs and systems that support student success, morale, and belonging while contributing to the overall health and culture of the Middle School. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, excellent communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of the developmental needs of middle school students.

• Student Life & Community Engagement
  • Oversee the day-to-day student experience within the Middle School, fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging campus environment
  • Organize and support student clubs, affinity groups, and alliance organizations, with an emphasis on amplifying student voice and developing leadership skills
  • Advise and meet weekly with members of the Torrey Leadership Council (TLC) in grades 5–8 to cultivate leadership growth, collaboration, and community involvement
  • Collaborate with the Head and Assistant Head of Middle School to plan and facilitate community-time assemblies, guest speakers, and student programming
  • Support program leaders as a chaperone for one or more outdoor education programs
• Student Support & Restorative Practices
  • Partner with faculty, staff, and families to address student behavioral and disciplinary matters while supporting teachers in the development and implementation of behavior plans grounded in restorative practices
  • Guide students through restorative processes following behavioral missteps using a clear, tiered system of support and accountability
  • Manage and facilitate the Ethics Council process, as appropriate
  • Co-lead the Middle School Student Success Team in partnership with the Director of the Learning Resource Center to support student wellbeing, growth, and achievement
  • Collaborate with the Wellness team on Health and Wellness curriculum and planning
  • Monitor attendance and tardiness trends and collaborate with the administrative team to address concerns proactively

• Mission-Aligned Leader:
  You embody and promote the values of integrity, inclusion, empathy, and belonging.
• Student-Centered Educator:
  You build authentic relationships with middle school students and create environments where students feel safe, respected, and supported.
• Collaborative Partner:
  You work effectively with faculty, families, administrators, and staff to support student success and strengthen community culture.
• Restorative Practitioner:
  You approach student discipline and accountability through relationship-building, reflection, and growth-oriented practices.
• Visible Community Member:
  You are actively engaged in daily campus life and contribute positively to the energy and spirit of the Middle School.
• Growth-Oriented Professional:
  You demonstrate adaptability, resilience, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Empathetic Communicator:
  You listen actively, communicate clearly, and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives and experiences.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education, counseling, leadership, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience working with middle school students in an educational or student-life setting; academic…