Laboratory Schools: Dean of Student Success, High School

University of Chicago • Blaine, WA

2d • $89,246 - $115,500

About The Position

The Dean of Student Success plays a pivotal role in fostering the academic, social, and emotional development of students as they transition to U-High and navigate their high school journey, while discovering their own personal definition of success. This position ensures personalized support through progress monitoring; data collection and analysis; collaboration with the Learning and Counseling Team; and oversight of student transition and belonging initiatives, including Advisory and Summer Bridge, with particular attention to the onboarding of new-to-Lab and 9th grade students. As a member of the high school administrative team (Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students), the Dean of Student Success partners with key stakeholders to cultivate a holistic understanding of students’ educational experiences, ensuring smooth transitions to high school and empowering students to thrive and reach their full potential. Working in conjunction with the High School Principal, Assistant Principal, the Dean of Students, the Dean of Student Success works in close partnership with faculty to develop and implement effective ways to monitor and assess students’ academic progress. By drawing on multiple data points, the Dean helps identify patterns, address challenges, and explore strategies that support student achievement—ensuring that each student receives the guidance and resources needed to thrive academically.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in a related field.
• School leadership experience, preferably at the high school level.
• A minimum of three years experience in program development and leadership.
• A strong academic background and experience in adolescent development.
• Teaching experience.
• Counseling experience.
• A track record of collaboration, facilitation, team-building, and results.
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Patience and excellent listening skills.
• Analytical skills: Proficiency in the use of quantitative and qualitative data to assess results against improved student learning.
• Supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies.
• Ability to develop and assess curricula, lesson plans and assessment tools.
• Decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Computational skills.
• Creativity.
• Flexibility.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Learning and Counseling team for individual students to monitor academic progress.
• Identify intervention strategies and coordinate support plans for students in need (i.e. Academic Support and Academic Intervention).
• Implement systems for tracking academic student progress using a proactive approach to anticipate challenges and identify school-wide trends, student needs and programming steps.
• Collaborates with the Dean of Students' Office to analyze student attendance patterns, identifying trends and their correlation with academic performance to develop targeted support strategies.
• Together with the High School administration, coordinate with the Middle School to develop transition plans for students who require academic and/or social and emotional intervention.
• Oversee the Summer Bridge program and support those faculty who provide the content for entering Grade 9 students.
• Assist with the integration of new-to-Lab students to U-High.
• Provide workshops at the Grade 9 retreat to help facilitate the transition to high school for all students in Grade 9.
• Co-facilitate the Grade 9 Seminar with the Dean of Students.
• Represent the high school administration on the high school admissions committee.
• Oversee the high school advisory program providing training and resources for to ensure meaningful student engagement and mentorship.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Academic Dishonesty and minor disciplinary infractions, as outlined in the Student and Family Handbook, while partnering closely with the Dean of Students to support a holistic approach to student development.
• Collaborate with the Dean of Students and members of the assembly planning committee to create and implement meaningful programming that fulfills our mission of providing a school environment that prioritizes our theory of action where we recognize that each student thrives in an environment that nurtures their academic, social, emotional, and identity development.
• In collaboration with the Learning and Counseling Team and administrators, partner with teachers to support students on Academic Support, Academic Intervention, and Medical Leaves, addressing student needs and advancing strategies that promote academic growth and social-emotional well-being.
• Partner with the Principal, Dean of Students and other administrators, faculty and staff to provide targeted programming for U-High parents/guardians to assist them on their parenting journey with a teenager(s).
• Supports students, families, and faculty.
• Administers student services in the areas of extracurricular activities and programs, investigation and discipline.
• Administers communications systems between home and the school, including providing for parent conferences.
• Manages student personnel matters.
• Collaborates across divisions to ensure consistent implementation of process and policy related to student discipline, instructional support, academic programming and co-curricular activities.
• Build deep relationships with students, families, faculty and staff to foster a culture of community.
• Emanate optimism, solve problems collaboratively, reflect on how actions impact others, create an engaging and inclusive school culture, and share in the united pursuit of Lab’s mission.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level