Upper School Dean of Students

Overview

Dana Hall School seeks an inspiring, compassionate, and decisive leader to join our community as the Upper School Dean of Students. This pivotal role is more than an administrative position; it is an opportunity to directly shape the student experience and foster a vibrant, supportive culture where every girl can thrive. We are looking for a collaborative partner who is deeply committed to the well-being and development of adolescent girls.

• Overseeing the smooth operation of student life in the Upper School, including the advising program, new student orientation and new family onboarding, attendance/permissions, discipline/accountability processes, student government, student activities, student leadership, clubs, and school traditions
• Managing and leading the Student Affairs staff, including the Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Residential Life, and the Student Affairs Coordinator
• Supporting the Dean of Residential Life in overseeing the residential life program, including student needs and issues, as well as the orientation, training, and evaluation of dorm faculty and on-campus faculty
• Facilitating effective communication and coordination with the Head of School, the Director of the Upper School, and other members of the administrative staff
• Serving as a resource, ensuring our faculty are equipped to support and guide students effectively in their crucial roles as advisors, Class Deans, club/organization advisors, and on-campus faculty
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with families
• Working closely with the Health Center and counseling staff in support of Upper School students, including serving on the Student Support Team and Wellness Team
• Participating in and managing the annual review and revision of the Student/Parent Handbook
• Upholding and building upon school traditions, ensuring they are both relevant and meaningful
• Teaching a section or two of Forum, Dana Hall’s Health and Wellness curriculum
• Serving as Dean on Duty and Administrator on Duty throughout the school year

Successful candidates will have the ability to work effectively in a vibrant educational environment with a broad array of constituencies including students, faculty/staff, and families. They must possess highly developed executive functioning skills and an ability to organize multiple and, at times, competing priorities. In addition to strong communication skills, candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to current community, equity, and inclusion practices and the humility to pursue ongoing growth in this area.

Further, they must be a highly collaborative team player who is also able to make autonomous decisions that prioritize the best interests of our students and community.

Candidates must have a master's degree in a related field and at least 3-5 years of administrative experience creating and implementing student programming in a secondary school setting. Further, candidates must have experience with student accountability and discipline rooted in restorative practices. Work experience in a boarding school environment is strongly preferred.

This is a twelve-month, full-time position reporting to the Director of the Upper School and starting July 1, 2026. This position includes on-campus housing.

Dana Hall seeks candidates who have demonstrated experience and commitment to community building, nurturing a culture of belonging, equitable and inclusive practices, and collaborative solutions to complex challenges.