Middle School Dean of Student Life

San Francisco Friends School • San Francisco, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning, aiming to inspire a peaceful and caring society. The school seeks educators and administrators who align with its mission of providing an exemplary education in a community dedicated to problem-solving, service, simplicity, social justice, and quiet reflection, and who will contribute to a diverse and inclusive community. SFFS is looking for an enthusiastic, flexible, and student-centered educator to serve as the Dean of Student Life for grades 5-8. This role, in partnership with the Middle School Head, supports the academic life and social/emotional experience of Middle School students. The ideal candidate should have experience creating and managing student programs, a deep understanding of the developmental needs of middle school students, and experience navigating complex situations with teachers, advisors, and parents. They must be committed to fostering curiosity, collaboration, and resilience in a diverse learning environment. Rooted in Quaker values of community, equity, and reflection, the Dean will manage a system for responding to student issues and addressing community needs with patience, a wide perspective, and a focus on restorative practices. The position requires a deeply student-centered, mission-aligned individual committed to creating a meaningful and impactful student experience both in and out of the classroom.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• Late elementary, middle school, or early high school teaching and administrative experience
• Love and appreciation for middle school
• Alignment with the school’s mission and openness to Quaker philosophy
• Highly collaborative and creative team player
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and an ability to work with and support a diverse population of students and families.
• Patience, empathy, adaptability, and ability to work with and communicate clearly and directly with students, parents, and faculty.
• Strong communications skills both written and oral.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree or program certification in administration or educational leadership
• 2-3 years of experience in middle school leadership position
• Experience working with neurodiverse students and families
• Understanding of Restorative Practices

Responsibilities

• Create and manage a student behavior system, including clearly articulating policies, standard responses, and restorative practices, maintaining discipline records, tracking intervention patterns, and guiding responses grounded in a Quaker approach.
• Respond to escalated student issues, supporting students and teachers with clear, consistent follow-up, including partnering with advisors regarding communication home after initial intervention.
• Follow up with MS Head where necessary.
• Coordinate communication among student-facing teams via kid talk meetings, meeting with SLS/Counseling teams, and checking in with A3 teams and the nurse to ensure best support of students.
• Oversee MS Club program and manage student council.
• Support work of MS Field Studies/Service Coordinator and chaperone 2 of 4 MS Field studies overnight programs.
• Organize MS participation in assemblies, special events, and All MS Morning Meeting gatherings.
• Work with the Director of Institutional Equity and Belonging regarding MS programming, including serving as MS affinity coordinator, supporting parent education, and responding to identity-based incidents.
• Serve as a Middle School advisor.
• Assess and rebuild the advisory program and coordinate PD centered on advisory.
• Orient, train, and support MS advisors.
• Maintain a visible and accessible presence throughout the school day, including hallways, lunch, recess, and other student spaces.
• Participate in/Teach grade-level Skills class, Connections Class, Flex lessons, or IS at each grade level.

Benefits

• Competitive, exempt salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Excellent benefits are offered including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and matching 403(b).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees