Vacancy expired!
Director of Upper School
2024-2025 Job Description
To be seen, heard, and known are the outcomes of whole student education at Dunn School. To accomplish this our community is aligned around our mission such that no student is allowed to be anonymous. We see each student and cultivate them to become responsible leaders in the world. Ne Tentes Aut Perfice is Dunn School’s motto and it means to “attempt not but achieve.” The Director of the Upper School helps our students achieve all the outcomes of a Dunn School education by being an out front administrator who works directly with all students throughout their years in our high school program.
Position Summary
This role directs the entire Upper School of 180 students and the adults who manage parts of the residential and student life program. This role has direct oversight of the daily and strategic processes of Dunn School as they relate to the Upper School and is a key voice on the Head’s Compass administrative team. This position reports directly to the Associate Head of School. This role has the following direct reports: Director of Health Services, Director of Counseling Services, Athletic Director, Assistant to the Upper School.
Opportunities/Responsibilities
Oversee and assess daily operations of Dunn School as they relate to student life
Oversee the Restorative Discipline Committee
Collaborate with Director of Middle School, the Associate Head of School and the
Assistant Head of School for Leadership for school wide decisions
Support Residential Life curriculum, and implement policies and procedures for
the Residential Program
Develop goals and strategies to accomplish the mission of the Residential
Program in collaboration with residential staff, the Dean of Dunn Upper School,
Associate Head of School, and the Director of Residential Life
Work with Associate Head, Deans, and House Heads on design, implementation,
documentation, articulation, and assessment of residential curriculum
Serve as the primary Administrator on Duty within the Residential Life Program
In partnership with the Dean of Dunn Upper School and the Director of Residential Life develop and implement policies, procedures, and documentation for disciplinary responses for residential students
Attend Admissions events and support the admissions process
In partnership with Campus Security and the Emergency Preparedness Team,
develop, implement and enforce safety and security procedures, facilitating
appropriate responses to any type of emergency situation involving residents
Inspect and/or report major maintenance problems and determine severity,
ensuring that appropriate follow-up occurs by necessary campus staff
Work with the Facilities Department to ensure the material readiness and safety
of the dormitories and student centers on campus
Assess physical and structural needs of residence halls and advocate for
resources to address these needs with the assistance of the Associate Head and Chief Financial Officer
Collaborate with Head of School, Senior Administrative Team, and Department
Chairs in executing faculty evaluations
Support a faculty culture of innovation, accountability and growth where
faculty are clear about both responsibilities and opportunities through regular
observation and clear, specific feedback
Core Competencies
Commitment to the ongoing work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across the Dunn School community
Demonstrated ability to lead others in an academic environment
Experience working with students in a 9th- through 12th-grade educational environment
Growth mindset, flexibility, comfort with quick pace of change and openness to collaboration and experimentation
Demonstrable commitment to professional growth, openness to feedback and improvement, modeling lifelong learning
A sense of humor, a commitment to teaching the whole student, and a desire to help guide adolescents in their journey from childhood to young adulthood
Understanding of the critical development issues facing adolescents.
Ability to relate to a diversity of age groups (from adults/ parents to incoming late adolescent students), as well as individuals from a diversity of cultures and economic backgrounds.
Ability to keep calm in stressful or crisis situations.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Other Requirements
Successful completion of criminal background and driving record check
Successful completion of employment reference checks with your current employer
Successful completion of a social media review
Satisfactory proof of identity and legal authorization to work in the U.S., and completion of an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9
About Dunn School
Dunn is a community centered on educating the whole student. For us, whole student education is not just a meaningless phrase, instead it captures all of what we try to do at Dunn in and out of the classroom. We deliver on whole student education through the following learning outcomes that we call core values: Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility, and Moral Courage.
Our curriculum, co-curricular programs, advisory, evaluative systems, and pedagogical approach are measured by our core values, and this is how we know whole student education is more than just a phrase.
Dunn School was founded in 1957 by a dynamic educator who embodied the spirit of our motto, “Ne Tentes Aut Perfice,” essentially translating to mean “all or nothing” — a statement that reflects a special entrepreneurial spirit urging Dunn community members, adults and students alike to accomplish what they set out to do. Following in the traditions of our founder, Tony Dunn, our professional community members throughout the decades have helped build a vibrant community of kind learners who pride themselves on building lasting relationships with each other.
All this unfolds before the beautiful Santa Barbara County backdrop of Los Olivos, California, nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Santa Ynez Valley, and within a stone’s throw of the Pacific Ocean. Outdoor opportunities abound, and what better way to experience them than from within such an encouraging and nurturing professional community?
Salary and Benefits
This is a full time, exempt (salaried) position, which is eligible for Dunn School’s full benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, retirement match up to 7.5%, life/AD&D, tuition remission, and free meals in our dining hall. Housing may be included.
The annual salary range for this position is $95,000 to $115,000. Actual salary will be dependent upon experience, qualifications, and duties.
How to Apply
Apply for Director of Upper School using the link below:
https://www.dunnschool.org/employment-opportunities
Dunn is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks a diverse and broad spectrum of qualified candidates. Dunn's background screening process requires employees to undergo a social media check, satisfactory reference checks with prior and current employers, and a successful criminal background screening.
