The Organization
Girard College is a full-scholarship boarding school that fosters intellectual curiosity, social development and emotional growth in academically focused students from underserved communities. We ensure every student the opportunity and the means to achieve excellence and preparation for advanced education through purposeful academic and residential programs.
The Position
Reporting to the Dean of Residential Life, the Assistant Dean of Residential Life is responsible for helping to establish and maintain a safe and healthy boarding environment in which all residential staff are committed to making positive contributions to the lives of the students who have been entrusted to their care. The Assistant Dean supervises assigned residential advisors and other residential staff as required. Under the leadership of the Dean of Residential Life, the Assistant Dean will assist in hiring, supporting, coaching, and managing residential staff, as well as developing a team with a culture of professional maturity, support, and mutual accountability. The Assistant Dean will manage and ensure the highest standards for residential living, after-school programming, and enrichment activities.
Key Responsibilities
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Assist in providing programmatic leadership in the development, implementation, coordination, supervision, and assessment of the residential program, inclusive of after-school program activities, summer programs and New student/family orientations within the division of Student Experience. (i.e. coordinating coverages, program communication, active supervision during student transitions and activities, designing scopes of programming, reviewing lesson plans, implementing PBIS programming and incentives, enforcing the code of conduct, data collection into Infinite Campus, event/trip planning, etc.)
- Promote the mission and core values of the school, articulate a clear vision, build a strong, positive, nurturing culture of community, and work closely and collaboratively with the other members of the student experience team to execute a seamless, integrated, safe and secure 24-hour program.
- Manage and coach assigned residential life staff to maximize their effectiveness and performance.
- Collaborate with leaders within the Student Experience division and other members of the school’s leadership team to deliver a dynamic program that results in high student achievement and a positive nurturing school culture.
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Use data to assess, improve and manage program impact, staff performance and student development and achievement.
- Model highest behavior standards for students and staff at all times.
- Promote and embrace synergy with the leaders across all programmatic areas and the Student Experience departments.
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Coordinate with other school leaders in promoting the school’s core values and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support that ensure all students succeed.
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Provide crisis intervention and support for disciplinary issues as necessary.
- Support ongoing efforts related to social emotional learning, enrichment activities and authentic experiences which foster learning and personal growth for students.
- Establish and maintain close relationships with parents/guardians.
- Maintain a visible presence and rapport with students, parents, staff and other community members. Communicate and regularly inform staff, parents and other stakeholders about residential programming.
- Maintain a visible presence and rapport with students, parents, staff and other community members. Communicate and regularly inform staff, parents and other stakeholders about residential programming.
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Actively seek program innovations and industry best practices which foster student development.
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Maintain commitment to personal professional growth and learning through research and involvement in professional organizations.
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Reside on campus and respond to/support emergency situations as necessary (i.e. student or staff infractions, inclement weather, medical emergencies, power outages, and/or staff shortages).
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Other duties as required or as assigned by the Dean of Residential Life.
Professional Qualifications
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Bachelor’s Degree required, Masters Degree preferred, in social sciences, education or related fields, with training and/or experience in child and adolescent development and adult learning.
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2-4 years of experience as a leader of an educational community such as a residential, boarding school or overnight camping program with demonstrated success in working with urban adolescents and youth.
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Outstanding management and leadership skills with a successful record of coaching and developing a diverse group of adults in order to better support student success.
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Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, and the ability to generate enthusiasm and confidence from others.
- Highly organized and experienced in managing multiple staff and projects with a broad set of goals.
- Comfortable working in a fluid environment and capable of making adjustments in both day-to-day and larger-scale activities based on new information and situations.
- Highly collaborative and comfortable working in a team that includes managers, peers, and advisors; able to interact with team members on a non-hierarchical basis.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with individuals at all levels, both one-on-one and in groups.
- Proven understanding of education in traditionally underserved communities.
Personal Skills (Intangibles)
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Commit to Girard’s mission and the belief that with the right resources any child can succeed.
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An ability to build and maintain a strong, positive boarding culture based on the core values.
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A relentless focus on positive culture and growth and development for all students.
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A natural curiosity, with an inclination to listen, learn and improve.
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Possess personal integrity and a strong moral and ethical character.
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A belief in high standards, accountability for all and continuous improvement.
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A goal-setter with boundless energy who goes “above and beyond” what is expected.
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Demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy; approachable, accessible and highly visible.
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A positive and enthusiastic consensus-builder. Respectful, collegial and empowering with a focus on helping others grow and become more successful.
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Coolly decisive, with an ability to gather facts and make decisions under pressure.
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A secure sense of self that results in steady leadership; personally reflective and thoughtful.
WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time; 12 month/non-union; hours vary and could include weekends.
On campus housing provided.