Poly Prep seeks applicants for the position of Upper School Dean to start on July 1, 2025.

The Upper School Dean works with approximately 95 students in grades 9-12 to optimize the school experience and help shape their educational path, both during and after their time at Poly. The dean is a student’s principal advisor for academic, extracurricular, social-emotional, and disciplinary matters. From figuring out how to find more success in classes, to connecting families with opportunities at school, to guiding a child through facing the consequences of mistakes, to creating a college application strategy, the dean is the co-pilot – with each student in the pilot’s seat – of Upper School. The deans also work with US faculty/staff to help manage student, parent, and teacher concerns. As a primary contact for families and as co-leaders of the college guidance program, they are a crucial and valued representative of the School. 

The deans operate in a team of seven led by a chair and supported by the deans’ coordinator. They meet multiple times weekly on shared concerns and rely on each other’s judgment, support, and wisdom to do their best work. The deans report directly to the Director of College Guidance, also a dean. The US Dean is not a classroom teacher but must have a strong understanding of academic life and school culture with skill at counseling adolescents. The Upper School Dean is a 12-month administrative position.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Dean-Specific Student Guidance and School duties include:

• Leading and setting tone in school (both in the day and at after-school meetings, presentations, etc.), managing schedule and routines with other administrators 
• Meeting with every student / family in caseload of Grades 9-12 at key points in the year
• Maintaining relationships with students to support their achievement and well-being; short and long-term academic planning
• Collaborating with fellow administrators, faculty, and staff to attend to students’ needs, develop policies, and shape the student experience
• Collaborating with Upper School Head to guide and support students when their choices have led to disciplinary outcomes
• Responding to family inquiries in a timely fashion; connecting them with appropriate resources at the school

College Guidance duties include:

• Providing strategic, comprehensive advice throughout the college research and application process to full cohort of students (approximately 22-25 per grade level) 
• Co-creating and contributing fully to materials and presentations for use in educating students and families about the college research and application process
• Innovating to build and improve college counseling approach, both individually and as a team; pursuing relevant PD to enhance practice
• Crafting counselor recommendations for all rising seniors in spring/summer prior to Grade 12
• Supporting US Dean Coordinator in ensuring the school’s role in supporting all college applications (document delivery, school profile, teacher recommendations etc.) is performed to the best possible standard

General Administrator Duties: 

• Attending conferences and PD opportunities to stay current with best practices
• Joining committee, department, staff meetings and other appropriate faculty-staff events
• Speaking in school venues both small and large, participating in / attending school events, and engaging fully in the life of the school
• Collaborate with admissions office to evaluate students applying to Poly Upper School
• Other tasks as may be assigned by Head of School

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred

Experience: At least five years of secondary school and/or college counseling / admissions experience; accountability to multiple stakeholders in prior positions

Specific Skills: Excellent spoken and written communication, sound and independent judgment, ability to collaborate well and manage time efficiently, strong understanding of academic life and secondary school routines, and skill at counseling adolescents

Certifications/Licenses: None

Special Requirements: Occasional availability required for advancement and admissions initiatives such as after-hours presence at special events.

Salary Range: $118,000 - $125,000

Poly Prep strives to be an equitable, just, and diverse community, one proud of and deeply committed to empowering students to discover who they are and what they want to be. In keeping with the country day school philosophy, we seek community members who will share a passion for learning in and out of the classroom. 

We offer a supportive environment, with a full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a generous match on our 403(b) retirement plan, long-term disability, flexible spending account, pre-tax commute benefit, and free lunch).   

How to Apply: Click [Apply for this position] to submit your resume, cover letter, and specific evidence of qualifications to Emily Gardiner, Director of College Guidance and Chair of Upper School Deans.

Poly Prep is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.