Assistant/Associate Dean of Student Life - Worcester Academy

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The primary responsibility of the Assistant or Associate Dean of Student Life is to partner with the Assistant Head of School for Student Life in overseeing the student experience of Upper School Students. The Assistant/Associate Dean of Student of Life works closely with the Student Life team to develop, execute, and revise community life programs throughout the school. The Assistant/Associate Dean of Student Life helps to manage and coordinate communication with advisors, faculty, students, parents, and other community constituents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND KEY OBJECTIVE

• Organize and manage the opening of school: summer sessions, registrations, orientation, and arrival days with the Assistant Head of School for Student Life
• Support the Assistant Head of School for Student Life in the day-to-day organization and management of school life. This includes but is not limited to attendance and missed commitments; special programs, residential life, behavior follow up with students, and parent communications

Attendance

• Keeping track of student attendance and the whereabouts of boarding students in partnership with the Director of Residential Life
• Responsible for follow up with students, faculty, and families regarding absenteeism
• Manage and oversee study hall hours for unexcused absences, including on Thursday mornings and scheduling for Saturday mornings

Student Life Programming

• Coordinate and Support Large School Events (Mountain Day, Oskee Week, Halloween on the Hilltop, Holidays on the Hilltop, Battle for the Hilltop, Spree Day, Prom) with the Student Activities Coordinator
• Assist in the coordination and planning of X block, including clubs times, Hilltopper 101, assembly preparation and planning, and advisory communication
• Oversee the club proposal process, manage and evaluate major and minor clubs, visit each club a minimum of once per year, and make decisions on credits for clubs in partnership with the Assistant Head of School for Student Life

Behavioral Follow Up

• Work with the Assistant Head of School for Student Life to address all discipline situations
• Serve as point for process on non-major school rule infractions
• Assume the decision-making authority of Assistant Head of School for Student Life in urgent student behavioral matters when the Assistant Head is unavailable
• Develop and manage a tracking system for all student disciplinary concerns

Student Leadership

• Oversee the student leadership program, including management of the student leadership advisors
• Support and collaborate with the adult student leadership mentors to supervise, and assist in the development of the strategic and mission-driven leadership curriculum through monthly leadership cohort meetings
• Oversee the implementation of orientation specific to student leadership roles and events
• Collaborate with various student leadership group mentors to plan and implement the annual Worcester Academy Student Leadership Season, selection and election processes for each group
• Serve as the advisor to at least one leadership position

Upper School Office

• Participate in regular and ongoing policy reviews and revisions for community life; participate in the annual review and revision of Upper School Community Handbook
• Be a presence in the Upper School Office, when necessary
• Support the Director of Residential Life in the building of programming, community, and support for residential life
• Serve on the Student Support Team

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Audit current programming and traditions for future realignment
• Responsible for doing two Qualified Activities as a member of the Faculty Community
• Serve as an Administrator on Duty
• Serve as an advisor to up to 8 students
• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Head of School for Student Life

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree Required
• Master’s Degree Preferred

Experience

• Minimum of three years living and working in a residential educational setting
• At least two years with student life experience
• Student leadership and programming experience
• Experience working with a large and diverse international student population

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have proven people skills
• Must be comfortable speaking in large group settings
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certified
• Proficiency with Reach Systems, Google suite
• Must be able to live on-campus and work flexible hours, including nights, evenings, and weekends
• Must be available for student emergency situations throughout the year

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Hear, see, and speak to effectively communicate in-person and by telephone with supervisors, staff, and external contacts
• Must be able to navigate around walking campus in all-weather elements, day and night conditions

Competitive Benefits Package included