Henry Ford Academy Associate Director of Student Affairs - The Henry Ford

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Henry Ford Academy is a college prep high school (grades 9-12) located inside the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation & Greenfield Village and surrounded by the campus of Ford Motor Company. Students come from districts within Wayne County, as well as private, parochial, and home schools. The model partnership focuses some of the best thinking from the business, non-profit, and public education worlds toward the common goal of building a school that prepares students for life in the 21st century.



Job Title: Associate Director of Student Affairs (Administration)



Job Summary:



We are seeking a compassionate and experienced administrator to join our educational leadership team*. The ideal Associate Director of Student Affairs will excel in managing and caring for the educational needs of students, while engaging and supporting teachers in their pedagogical and socio-emotional work with students. The Associate Director of Student Affairs should understand the diverse mental health and behavioral needs of students. A background in counseling or a related mental health field is required, as well as the ability to build relationships with students, staff, and families. The candidate should either have or be pursuing an administrative degree and have at least five years of experience in a school setting as a teacher, school counselor, or school social worker.



*Note: This district/school has two campuses. The primary responsibilities of this job would occur on a single campus of approximately 150 9th graders. The other administrators and counseling staff that comprise the leadership team would primarily assist with the other campus.






Key Responsibilities:



● Student Behavior and Support: Lead efforts to maintain a positive school climate by promoting student accountability, managing behavior interventions, and addressing disciplinary issues in a restorative and empathetic manner. Provide one-on-one support to students facing challenges, understanding their emotional, social, and behavioral needs.



● Teacher Support, Evaluation and Collaboration: Partner with teachers to address classroom academic and management concerns and provide strategies for supporting students with learning, behavioral or mental health challenges. Serve as a resource for educators in identifying student needs and implementing interventions. Assist with evaluation of teacher effectiveness and collaborate with teaching staff to increase students achievement and staff collective efficacy.



● Behavior and Mental Health Initiatives: Develop and implement school-wide programs focused on mental health awareness, social-emotional learning, and positive behavior reinforcement. Collaborate with the school psychologist, social worker, Special Education caseworkers, and outside agencies to ensure comprehensive, tiered systems of student support.



● Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution: Respond to critical incidents involving students, providing immediate support and conflict resolution. Work closely with teachers and mental health professionals to develop appropriate responses and follow-up plans for students in crisis.



● Student Supervision and Coordination: Manage and supervise large groups of students in various settings such as hallways, cafeterias, assemblies, and extracurricular events. Coordinate and oversee daily student activities, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining a structured and safe environment.



● Staff Development and Training: Provide professional development for teachers and staff on mental health awareness, student behavior management, trauma-informed practices, and other relevant topics. Promote a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and understanding across the school community.



● Family and Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents and guardians, ensuring open communication regarding student progress, behavioral concerns, and mental health needs. Collaborate with families to create individualized plans for student success.



● Administrative Duties: Assist the principal in the overall administration of the school, including school operations, core standardized testing, student attendance, safety procedures, and policy enforcement. Participate in school leadership meetings and help shape school-wide decision-making.







Qualifications:



● Master's degree in education, counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.



● Currently holds or is pursuing a school administrative certification or degree.



● At least five years of experience working in a school setting as a teacher, school counselor, or school social worker.



● Strong understanding of mental health issues and social-emotional needs of students, particularly in diverse school communities.



● Strong understanding of the science of learning and pedagogy.



● Proven ability to manage and coordinate large groups of students.



● Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.



● Ability to manage time, schedules, and processes efficiently.



● Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.



● A calm and assertive demeanor with the ability to maintain order.







Key Competencies:



● Ability to build relationships and connect with students.



● Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.



● Patience and empathy, with a firm approach to discipline.



● Capacity for supporting healthy mental health habits and strategies.



● Teamwork and collaboration with school staff.







Work Environment:



The Associate Director of Student Affairs will work primarily in a 9th grade school setting, supporting student academic and counseling needs, managing student behavior, supporting teachers, and collaborating with school staff and community partners. The position requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to handle high-stress situations calmly and effectively.



Henry Ford Academy - Dearborn is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.