Director of Student Life

State of Montana•Great Falls, MT

About The Position

As a key member of the administrative team, you will shape the operational success of the Student Life program: Staff Development & Team Leadership (30%) You will mentor and build the team that directly impacts our students' lives: Talent Acquisition: Lead the recruitment, hiring, and evaluation of Student Life staff. Individualized Coaching: Provide regular, one-on-one coaching to supervisors and frontline staff. You will help them hone their skills in sensory-specific communication, behavior intervention, and student advocacy. Leadership Development: Identify and nurture high-potential employees, providing them with the mentorship and opportunities needed to grow into future leadership roles within the MSDB community. Modeling Excellence: Act as a "leader-in-the-trenches" by modeling the school’s beliefs in real-time. Whether it's navigating a complex student situation or improving ASL proficiency, you lead by example. A Culture of Growth: Establish a safe and constructive feedback loop that encourages staff to take initiative, learn from challenges, and continually improve the residential and after-school experience. Data-Driven Excellence (30%) Creating Meaningful Tools: Design and implement robust tools to collect data across various departments, including ASL instruction, Health Services, and the Food Service program. Analyzing Trends: Rigorously analyze collected data to identify patterns, evaluate program effectiveness, and pinpoint areas for growth. Programmatic Evolution: Make evidence-based decisions to change and improve programming, ensuring MSDB remains a leader in sensory-specific education and care. Administrative Leadership (20%) As a key member of the administrative team, you will shape the operational success of the Student Life program: Strategic Management: Assist the Superintendent and Business Manager in developing and managing the program budget. Facility Stewardship: Contribute to and approve improvements and maintenance for residential facilities to ensure a safe, high-quality environment. Operational Oversight: Schedule and monitor monthly student travel home weekends and approve staff leave and timesheets. Representation: Represent the Student Life program at weekly administrative meetings, Labor Management meetings, Bi-monthly Board of Public Education meetings, and various Great Falls Public School Committees. Student Advocacy & Engagement (20%) You are the heart of the student experience, ensuring every child feels safe, capable, and confident: Holistic Support: Serve on the Campus Support Team to address student behavior and mental health needs through a "whole-child" lens. Community Life: Be a visible presence at student functions, including Prom, holiday programs, and graduation. Practical Mentorship: Manage student funds and accounts, helping students develop financial stewardship skills.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science, Social Work, Deaf Education, Education of Students with Visual Impairments, Educational Administration, and/or a related field.
Communication: Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) or a willingness to reach target proficiency levels to foster cooperative relationships with students and staff.
Leadership: Ability to handle controversy objectively, manage a diverse team, and maintain effective relationships with families and stakeholders.
Technical: Understanding of basic employment law, ADA implications, and child development/counseling procedures.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a residential setting and knowledge of administration, child development, facility management, and budget monitoring.
Specific experience working with students and staff who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind.

Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition: Lead the recruitment, hiring, and evaluation of Student Life staff.
Individualized Coaching: Provide regular, one-on-one coaching to supervisors and frontline staff. You will help them hone their skills in sensory-specific communication, behavior intervention, and student advocacy.
Leadership Development: Identify and nurture high-potential employees, providing them with the mentorship and opportunities needed to grow into future leadership roles within the MSDB community.
Modeling Excellence: Act as a "leader-in-the-trenches" by modeling the school’s beliefs in real-time. Whether it's navigating a complex student situation or improving ASL proficiency, you lead by example.
A Culture of Growth: Establish a safe and constructive feedback loop that encourages staff to take initiative, learn from challenges, and continually improve the residential and after-school experience.
Creating Meaningful Tools: Design and implement robust tools to collect data across various departments, including ASL instruction, Health Services, and the Food Service program.
Analyzing Trends: Rigorously analyze collected data to identify patterns, evaluate program effectiveness, and pinpoint areas for growth.
Programmatic Evolution: Make evidence-based decisions to change and improve programming, ensuring MSDB remains a leader in sensory-specific education and care.
Strategic Management: Assist the Superintendent and Business Manager in developing and managing the program budget.
Facility Stewardship: Contribute to and approve improvements and maintenance for residential facilities to ensure a safe, high-quality environment.
Operational Oversight: Schedule and monitor monthly student travel home weekends and approve staff leave and timesheets.
Representation: Represent the Student Life program at weekly administrative meetings, Labor Management meetings, Bi-monthly Board of Public Education meetings, and various Great Falls Public School Committees.
Holistic Support: Serve on the Campus Support Team to address student behavior and mental health needs through a "whole-child" lens.
Community Life: Be a visible presence at student functions, including Prom, holiday programs, and graduation.
Practical Mentorship: Manage student funds and accounts, helping students develop financial stewardship skills.