Middle School Dean of Students & Culture

Why This Role?

The inaugural Middle School Dean of Students and Culture is a dynamic and visible educational leader who fosters a joyful, equitable, and inclusive student experience for grades 5–8. The Dean is responsible for shaping student culture and supporting a vibrant and engaged community aligned with Overlake’s mission and values.

This role oversees student programs, discipline, leadership initiatives, wellness programming, and co‑curricular activities while building meaningful partnerships with students, families, faculty, and staff. The Middle School Dean collaborates closely with the Upper School Dean and Division Heads to ensure continuity of experience and values across grades 5–12.

• 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.

• Advisory Program: In collaboration with the Division Heads and the Upper 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.
• Traditions & Events: Oversee and preserve key middle school traditions and events (e.g., Spirit Weeks, service days, socials) while fostering new opportunities for joyful community connection.
• 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, social‑emotional learning, and DEI 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.
• Vision and Oversight for Cocurricular Programs:

• Clubs and student organizations
• Academic teams
• ASB activities and leadership initiatives
• Affinity groups

• Lead and guide student leadership: ASB, Affinity leaders, captains etc. through their respective programming and community engagement.

• Empower student voice and foster shared ownership of school culture.
• Lead restorative, developmentally appropriate systems for student accountability.
• Establish clear expectations for attendance, behavior, and community responsibility.
• Coordinate with teachers to administer fair, consistent, and educational discipline.
• Effectively communicate with students and parents balancing empathy, mutual respect, and fairness while upholding school expectations.
• Partner with Division Heads to ensure fairness, consistency, and alignment with school values and policies.
• Review and update middle school sections of the Student Handbook annually.

• Partner with…