Upper School Dean of Students

Upper School Dean of Students

This is a full time position within the Upper School reporting to the Head of Upper School. The Dean of Students is responsible for duties related to student life, and teaches at least one major class in addition to their administrative duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Working in partnership with the Class Deans to oversee the disciplinary processes for each grade, bonding trips, and student leadership
• Overseeing and partnering with the Class Deans in creating and implementing advisory programming, as well as working with faculty advisors for training
• Overseeing the US attendance system, setting policies, and coordinating specific student trends, disciplinary systems with the Upper School Assistant
• Working with the student support team, including the counselor, to address student support and health needs relevant to the success and well-being of students
• Reporting to faculty on discipline with academic and behavior cases data, upcoming student events, and other matters, as well as leading discussions from time to time in various faculty venues
• Serving as coordinator of and the primary adult presences in regular assemblies and using them as a venue in which to communicate with the student body
• Meeting regularly with and overseeing Student Government to coordinate the planning of US assemblies, Gator Cons, monthly spirit events, and larger events such as the Homecoming dance, prom, Spring Fling, etc.
• Meeting regularly with and overseeing the Events Planning Committee to coordinate the planning of four major events: Super Saturday, the Homecoming Dance, Swamp Night, and Spring Fling

General Responsibilities

• Staying current with student grades and comments (together with the deans and other division level administrators) to track the progress of individual students as it relates to their health and well-being
• Supervising the elections for all student leadership positions
• Coordinating with the Committee advisors for upcoming elections in terms of presentation of information and also elections
• Leading student government and managing student concerns
• Overseeing (and evaluating) the deans and their work with students, both individually and by class
• Working with the Middle School and Lower School Assistant Heads to coordinate all school spirit weeks, events, and assemblies
• Coordinating with the Director of Community Engagement for all school events and assemblies
• Coordinating the logistics of all spirit events, dances, etc. on campus with physical plant, security, SAGE dining, the school nurse

Qualifications and Expectations

• Fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and balance within the division
• Must be results-oriented, organized, effective under pressure, and energetic.
• Ability to work well with all constituencies (parents, colleagues, administration, and students)
• Familiarity with, and interest in implementing, Restorative Practices
• Commitment to the centrality of relationships
• Listening with understanding and empathy
• Must be effective at establishing priorities and following through on agreed-upon divisional and school objectives

Shipley and Its Commitment to Equity

The Shipley School, founded in 1894, is a co-educational, college preparatory, independent day school currently enrolling approximately 800 students in grades Pre-K through 12. Located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, the school is committed to educational excellence and dedicated to developing in each student a love of learning and compassionate participation in the world.

The Shipley School is committed to equal employment opportunities for all individuals. The school will make all employment decisions for employees and applicants without unlawful discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, pregnancy, age, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity and expression, creed, genetic predisposition, victim of domestic violence or any other basis protected by law.

Additional Opportunities

In addition to this position, Shipley seeks talented new colleagues across a host of full- and part-time positions ranging from teaching, to coaching, to staff support. Go to to learn more.