Upper School Dean of Students & Culture

Why This Role?

The inaugural Upper School Dean of Students and Culture is a visible and inspiring educational leader who cultivates a culture of integrity, inclusion, and engagement for students in grades 9–12. The Dean is responsible for supporting student growth, accountability, leadership, and wellness while building a spirited and connected community aligned with Overlake’s mission and values.

This role oversees student programs, culture, discipline, leadership initiatives, and co‑curricular activities while collaborating with students, families, faculty, and staff to ensure a cohesive and mission‑driven student experience.

• A joyful and visible presence on campus—building a community where students feel seen, known, and inspired to belong and contribute.
• A practitioner of restorative, non‑coercive discipline who leads with empathy, fairness, and accountability, guiding students toward integrity and self‑awareness.
• An exceptional decision‑maker who balances compassion with clarity, leading with both wisdom and courage in moments of challenge.
• A cultivator of culture and connection , fostering relationships that strengthen trust among students, faculty, families, and staff.
• A strategic and steady leader who upholds high standards for student conduct, leadership, and community responsibility while nurturing emotional well‑being.
• A creative problem‑solver who approaches complex situations with perspective, humor, and grace.
• A clear communicator who can connect with students, families, faculty, and staff both verbally and in writing.
• A champion of student voice and leadership , empowering students to grow through meaningful engagement and reflection.
• A collaborative partner who works intentionally across departments to align student life, wellness, and academics in support of the school’s mission.
• A mentor and model —grounded, authentic, and compassionate—who brings out the best in both students and adults.
• An eager learner and culture sustainer , curious and reflective, committed to evolving alongside the community they serve.

• Develop and articulate a leadership philosophy that guides athletics, ASB, clubs, and co‑curricular life.
• Build and sustain programs that reflect Overlake’s values of integrity, compassion, and inclusion.
• Partner with the Middle School Dean of Students & Culture to ensure continuity and coherence of culture across grades 5–12.

• Advisory Program: In collaboration with the Division Heads and the Middle School Dean of Students and Culture, design, implement, and evaluate a mission‑aligned Advisory Curriculum grounded in Overlake’s values and mission. Provide structure, resources, and training for advisors.
• Leadership Curriculum/Pathway: Design and guide a developmental leadership framework through which students can progress across roles such as club leader, ASB officer, and team captain.
• Traditions & Events: Oversee major upper school traditions and events (e.g., Green & Gold, Senior Celebrations, Winter banquet, Dances, Carnival) while empowering student‑led initiatives.
• Wellness Integration: Collaborate with the Assistant Head for Inclusive Excellence, Director of Experiential Education, Director of Health and Wellness, Learning Specialists, and Personal Counselors to embed wellness, belonging, and leadership education into student life including flex programming.
• Affinity Program: Lead affinity group programming for both student leaders and affinity advisors (orientations and mid‑year touch points). Support affinity group programming including chaperoning excursions and conferences, presentation of annual events, organization of affinity fundraisers, etc.
• Cocurricular Programs: Provide vision and oversight for clubs, student organizations, academic teams (Speech and Debate, Robotics, DECA, etc.), ASB activities and leadership initiatives, and affinity groups.
• Lead and guide student leadership: ASB, affinity leaders, captains, etc. through their respective programming and community engagement.

• Empower and support meaningful student voice contributions…