St. Mary Academy Bay View seeks a full-time Dean of Lower School for the 2024-2025 school year. S/he will model how to build strong, mutually respectful relationships with students and families, and support teachers to do the same. The Dean is the keeper of the culture, ensuring that our Mercy Values and mission support high academic achievement, positive relationships, and a commitment to the development of young women who live their faith.The Dean is an integral member of the Academy Leadership Team and reports directly to the Academy Principal.
S/he will serve as the primary liaison with parents and families; and work closely with the Principal and the Vice Principal of Curriculum & Academics to ensure the coherence and success of the Lower School. The Dean of the Lower School will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Lower Schools academic and social programs in Preschool through Grade 5. S/he is responsible for creating and sustaining a learning environment in which all members of the Lower School community - students, staff, and families - are welcomed and thrive. Primary ResponsibilitiesAcademicsShare direct accountability for the successful delivery of the Academys mission as a whole; Support and ensure individual student achievement meeting curricular expectation in the Lower School; Develop rapport with the students, and handle specific student concerns and issues; Assist in the day-to-day running of the Academy; Be a member of the Academy Leadership Team taking a comprehensive view of policy and curriculum implementation; in addition to assuming the many and various tasks required by Academy leaders; andEnsure that all students across the full ability range have maximum support and opportunities to reach their full potential and become effective and valued participants in a global society.Student LifeBuild and maintain relationships with parents/guardians regarding students growth and progress;Center diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of student life, with the belief that these ideals are critical to engendering a true sense of belonging;Monitor student attendance and tardiness and contact home to follow-up on extended or excessive absences or tardiness;Conduct orientation meetings with new families and exit interviews with students and families who transfer to different schools;Cultivate strong partnerships with families through engagement and leadership with the Parent Council; andPlay a leading part in the Academys community by being present for all events, modeling expectations for staff, and all other activities that demonstrate building a strong culture.Faculty and Staff Maximize the effectiveness of all stakeholders in promoting an inclusive Academy culture; Ensure high quality teaching and learning, including evaluation and review of teachers and staff of the Lower School in conjunction with the Principal and Vice Principal of Curriculum & Academics;Contribute, as part of the senior leadership team, to training, coaching and mentoring of the Lower School staff and the professional learning of staff;Participate in the process of appointing new staff including interviewing and providing recommendations to the Principal; andProvide support for new staff members to learn the Academys routines, structure, and curricula materials related to their role.
ManagementContribute towards the formulation of all Academy policies and procedures;Plan, schedule and support duties including but not limited to lunch/recess/before- and after-school programming;Assist in planning and delivering Academy-wide assemblies and meetings;Ensure that the Principal and Vice Principal are well informed about the status and concerns related to the Lower School operations; Collaborate the Extended Day Director in providing after school enrichment programsAttend Academy leadership meetings as appropriate; Maintain records as required by statute or policy through the use of various logs, tracking records, computer programs, or other programs; andAssume responsibility for emergent issues as needed. School SafetyLeads the Lower School safety team in coordination with the Middle/ Upper School Dean of Students; andSchedule safety drills in compliance with state requirements.Knowledge and DispositionsModels academy standards of ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism;Upholds Mercy values;Committed to promoting an all-girls education;Meets schedules and deadlines;Plans or organizes work;Creates an environment where students from diverse backgrounds are comfortable and experience success;Prepares and delivers oral presentations to groups; andUses effective interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy.
