Middle School Dean of Students; Interim

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Full Time | La Jolla, CA, US

Posted 14 days ago | Requisition

Salary Range: $95,000.00 – $ annually

La Jolla Country Day School is seeking a dynamic, student-centered, mission-aligned interim Middle School Dean of Students to serve as a key member of the Middle School leadership team for the  academic year. The Dean will foster an inclusive, supportive, and respectful school culture, advance initiatives that strengthen student engagement, leadership development, and community belonging across grades 5–8, and partner with students, faculty, parents, and administrators to cultivate a positive and enriching Middle School experience.

• 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, emphasizing 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 outdoor education programs.
• Student Support & Restorative Practices
  • Partner with faculty, staff, and families to address student behavioral and disciplinary matters while supporting teachers in developing and implementing 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 they 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 leadership experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of adolescent development, middle school culture, and student social‑emotional needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive school community.
• Experience designing and implementing student leadership, advisory, or community‑building programs.
• Knowledge of restorative practices, student discipline processes, and conflict resolution strategies.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication…