Academic Dean - Starting June 1, 2026
About The Position
Are you a strategic educational leader ready to architect and champion a truly transformative academic program? Aspen Academy seeks an exceptional Academic Dean to drive innovative curriculum, elevate instructional quality through coaching, and ensure school-wide academic coherence in line with our mission and core values. If this describes you, please apply today! Why Aspen Academy? Located in the southern metro area of beautiful Denver, Colorado, at Aspen Academy, we're not just a school; we're a community committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Our dedication to Next Generation education sets us apart, as we equip students with the enduring life skills they need for future success. We look at learning as a way to ignite the personal passions and interests of each and every student. Our unique leadership, finance, and entrepreneurial development (LiFE) program prepares students for life. Students thrive as they build lasting relationships with peers and teachers through small class sizes and a community focus. We embody and promote the community's values in our thoughts, words, and actions, serving as committed and supportive co-leaders in realizing Aspen Academy's vision and mission: Our values: Be Kind. Do Good. Work Hard. Make the World Better. Our mission: We edify and inspire students and educators to grow, learn and lead. Our vision: We are a national leader in innovative and transformative education. About Your Role You possess demonstrated experience in academic leadership, including curriculum design, instructional improvement, and/or assessment strategy. You design and lead professional learning systems grounded in adult learning and evidence-based practice. You supervise instructional leaders and build coherence across grades, disciplines, and programs. You possess strong analytical skills, interpreting assessment data to translate insights into instructional action. You lead accreditation, standards alignment, or comparable school-wide compliance processes. You possess exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to influence, align, and build shared understanding. You exhibit high levels of emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and relational leadership. You possess strong organizational, project management, and systems-thinking skills. What You’ll Love About Us Be Kind. Do Good. Work Hard. Make the World Better. These are the values our team embodies day to day. Below are some of the ways in which we’ll promise to value you in your time here: Further details about our total compensation package can be found here. More about Aspen Academy Aspen Academy is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace committed to providing an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and military and veteran status.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or Curriculum and Instruction preferred.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in: Curriculum management, including standards, scope and sequence, and research.
- Instructional coaching, differentiation, flexible groupings, and working with neurodivergent and high performing students.
- Data collection and analysis in student growth and performance, and school-wide data. I-Ready experience is a plus.
- Experience developing and leading a school-wide or district-wide professional development plan.
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Proficiency with Google Suite and learning management systems, preferably Blackbaud.
- Grant permission for a criminal background check upon hire.
- Meet physical demands to perform essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: Ability to work full-time, including occasional evenings and weekends; work in person/in the school building; speak for long periods of time. Regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; occasionally life up to 50 pounds.
Nice To Haves
- 5+ years teaching experience, teaching certification or license. As an elementary and/or middle school classroom teacher, preferably within independent schools.
- experience serving in school-wide leadership roles.
Responsibilities
- Curriculum & Program Leadership: Lead curriculum selection, adoption, and implementation; author and maintain academic portfolios to ensure instructional quality and coherence.
- Instructional Leadership & Improvement: Drive instructional improvement through learning walks, classroom observations, and analysis of practice, translating insights into targeted coaching and professional learning.
- Professional Learning & Faculty Development: Design and facilitate a school-wide professional learning strategy, including coaching, communities of practice, and leadership development pathways.
- Assessment, Data & Learning Insights: Guide assessment strategy and analyze school-wide learning data (e.g., i-Ready) to inform instructional decisions and continuous improvement.
- Standards, Accreditation & Educational Frameworks: Establish and revise academic standards and frameworks; lead accreditation and re-accreditation processes.
- Strategic Leadership: Supervise Instructional Coach and Domain Chairs and ensure alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment with the school’s mission and vision.
Benefits
- Retirement: 403(b) plan with employer matching
- Healthcare: Medical, dental and vision plans with various options to support your unique needs. Free telehealth.
- Wellness: Holistic employee assistance program (EAP) including mental health support. Fitness challenges, gym & yoga discounts, health education, and fun team activities.
- Life Insurance & Voluntary Benefits: Group life insurance and option to enroll in additional voluntary life insurance and other supplemental coverages
- Time-off: Flexible PTO policy
- Career development: Professional development reimbursement program and monthly onsite professional development
- Family Care: Tuition assistance and potential financial aid
- Community: A sense of belonging
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Number of Employees
51-100 employees
