Dean of Upper School Life

UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY•Seattle, WA

4d•$108,000 - $123,000•Onsite

About The Position

University Prep is seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and inspiring Upper School Dean of Student Life to help nurture a vibrant, inclusive community where every student is known, challenged, and supported. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder and problem-solver who brings strong communication skills, creativity, and a deep commitment to student growth and well-being. Working in partnership with the Director of Upper School and the Dean of Students, the Dean of Upper School Life plays a key role in shaping a positive school culture, supporting students’ academic and social-emotional development, and fostering meaningful connections among students, families, and faculty. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking school that values innovation, inclusivity, and joyful learning. University Prep offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a dynamic professional community that encourages growth, collaboration, and lifelong learning

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in education or a related field
3 to 5 years’ experience in school environment required
One year of experience overseeing or managing a program related to student life and development (e.g. dean, department head/chair, or other programmatic leadership)
Demonstrated experience working with students, building strong relationships with them, and holding them to high standards and expectations
Demonstrates an empathic, compassionate, and inclusive leadership practice with the ability to work with broad constituencies in an approachable and diplomatic manner
Strong organizational ability and the capacity to manage a complex job description with many components
Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively, to take initiative, and to manage Middle School student life with confidence and clarity
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff
Ability to work and communicate well with students and their parents
Ability to maintain confidential information
Adaptability, punctuality, flexibility, maturity, enthusiasm and a sense of humor
Proficient at working in a Microsoft Windows environment (Windows 7 or higher), using Office (version 2010 or higher), including Outlook; ability to master common automated systems for record keeping, and confidently learn new technology
Ability to talk on the phone
Ability to sit and keyboard up to 8 hours per day

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in education or related field preferred
Classroom teaching experience strongly preferred
Experience with school-focused technology is a plus

Responsibilities

Support the Director of Upper School in all aspects of divisional operations particularly related to student life and school activities on campus and can act as Division Director in their absence.
Serve on school committees and councils as assigned; represent the Upper School at internal and external meetings and events.
Lead advisory meetings to gather feedback on student needs and coordinate academic or social-emotional interventions.
Serve as a leading member of the Upper School Student Services team.
Attend weekend events, student performances and athletic games in conjunction with Director of Upper School and Dean of Students.
Attend and contribute to parent representative meetings and family information sessions.
Evaluate and support Grade Level Coordinators in conjunction with Director of Upper School.
Foster a welcoming environment that supports students’ social and emotional well-being.
Collaborate with the Director to foster a dynamic school culture centered on student leadership and growth.
Collaborate with Grade Level Coordinators to design and implement advisory and community-building activities.
Advise and mentor Upper School student government and class representatives, including planning leadership retreats and ongoing programming.
Oversee student clubs and after school programs, including scheduling, budget management and liaising with program coaches.
Lead, manage and attend all non-athletic Upper School events (e.g., weekly assemblies, three school dances per year, August orientations, fall overnight retreats), including scheduling, budgeting, and supervision.
Coordinate and oversee the daily Upper School calendar, including Community Time, Flex Time and space usage.
Plan and facilitate weekly Upper School assemblies in coordination with the Upper School ASB.
Supervise ASB–sponsored events and activities.
Coordinate class-specific and community activities such as new student orientations, grade-level trips, and special events.
Assign supervision duties for lunch and other school events like Reading Day.
Run Upper School division meetings with Director of Upper School and Dean of Students.
Participate in Upper School admissions events and other outreach opportunities as a divisional representative.
Partner with program directors (SEL, DEI, Integrated Learning, Global Link, etc.) to manage non-traditional curricular programming.
Assist with low-level discipline cases in conjunction with Director of Upper School and Dean of Students.
Engage in ongoing professional development and model lifelong learning.
Adhere to all school policies and safety standards, ensuring a secure environment for all community members.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Employer-Seeded Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Account
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Employer-Paid Life Insurance
Voluntary Life Insurance
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer contribution and match after one year of service
Paid Time Off
Paid Parental Leave after one year of service
Professional Development opportunities