Interim Dean of Community and Belonging
Listed on 2026-08-06
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Education / Teaching
Education Administration, School Counseling & Student Support, Academic
Job Type: Full-time
DescriptionFounded in 1894, Pomfret School is a coeducational, independent boarding and day school serving approximately 350 students in grades 9–12 and postgraduate. Located in Connecticut's Quiet Corner, Pomfret prepares students to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and impact through intellectual curiosity, meaningful relationships, and active engagement with the world around them.
At Pomfret, we believe that a thriving community is built on mutual respect, empathy, belonging, and the meaningful exchange of diverse perspectives. We seek educators who are committed to developing strong relationships, supporting adolescent growth, and contributing to a school culture where every member of the community is known, valued, challenged, and supported.
Position SummaryPomfret is seeking an Interim Dean of Community and Belonging for the 2026–2027 school year
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This individual will serve as a strategic leader responsible for fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and connected school community where every student and adult experiences a genuine sense of belonging. Reporting directly to and working closely with the Head of School, the Interim Dean partners with faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, trustees, and senior leadership to strengthen institutional culture through education, collaboration, and systems thinking.
This highly relational role works across all areas of school life to ensure that policies, practices, programming, and community experiences align with Pomfret's mission and values. The Interim Dean serves as a visible presence on campus, helping students flourish while building a culture grounded in respect, accountability, and shared responsibility.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Institutional Culture- Lead school strategic initiatives that strengthen community, belonging, inclusion, and overall institutional culture.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret school climate and belonging data to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and inform continuous improvement.
- Serve as administrative liaison to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee of the Board of Trustees.
- Represent Pomfret at regional and national conferences, professional associations, and independent school organizations.
- Design, facilitate, and evaluate engaging professional learning for faculty, students, and the Board of Trustees on topics related to belonging, community building, cultural competency, leadership, restorative practices, and effective communication.
- Develop meaningful educational programming throughout the school year, including orientation, heritage and identity celebrations, Martin Luther King Jr. Day programming, leadership initiatives, belonging programming for QUEST, and community dialogues.
- Advise, mentor, and support student affinity groups, foster collaboration among student organizations, and create opportunities for cross-cultural engagement.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner for students, faculty, and families in navigating community issues with empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment.
- Collaborate with school leaders to integrate restorative practices and conflict resolution strategies that promote learning, accountability, and healthy relationships while implementing our Growth and Accountability Plan (GAP).
- Partner with Academic Affairs, Student Life,Residential Life, Admissions, Athletics, Advancement, Human Resources, and senior leadership to develop connected systems that support student success and employee engagement.
- Support equitable recruitment, hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and retention efforts in partnership with the Dean of Faculty, Human Resources, and school leadership.
- Collaborate with the Admissions and Advancement Offices to communicate Pomfret's commitment to community and belonging while supporting outreach and engagement initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Dean of Students Office, including integrating restorative practices and conflict resolution strategies that promote learning, accountability, and healthy relationships while…
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