Dean of Academic Life

Company: The Hotchkiss School
Location: Lakeville
Posted on: February 24, 2021

Job Description:

Position Summary:
The Dean of Academic Life (DAL) works to promote, sustain, and measure the effectiveness of teaching, learning, and assessment at Hotchkiss in close partnership with the Head of School (HOS) and the Associate Head of School/Dean of Faculty (DOF). The DAL provides leadership in instructional planning, curriculum design, and educational technology and in collaboration with the relevant people integrates Teaching and Learning Center resources, Library services, and experiential learning opportunities into the academic program. The DAL coordinates all matters concerning students and curriculum. Qualifications:
A B.A. in an academic discipline or a related field required; master's degree in a relevant field is preferred. Several years of teaching experience, ideally at the secondary level, is preferred. The successful candidate will be well-regarded by community members as a teacher and citizen. They must possess strong intercultural competencies and be able to assess all matters related to curriculum and teaching from the lens of equity and inclusion. Candidates should possess excellent writing and listening skills and be able to speak clearly and confidently to all school constituencies, Additionally, the candidate will be:

• a student-centered educator, skilled in discussion facilitation;
• an excellent oral and written communicator;
• eager to work collaboratively with colleagues and committed to improving their practice through a variety of methods; and
• dedicated to making positive contributions to the student experience both inside and outside the classroom.
  Duties & Responsibilities:
  The Dean of Academic Life will:
  • Develop and implement initiatives as guided by the School's strategic goals, mission, and purpose.
  • Identify or develop appropriate benchmarks for school performance and student achievement; review student performance and achievement data annually; and adjust programs accordingly.
  • Oversee all initiatives related to academic policies and curriculum development.
  • Identify and integrate best educational practices into the academic program.
  • In collaboration with the Associate Head of School/Dean of Faculty, assure that the established professional evaluation and development program is administered by academic Department Heads annually and that faculty members and department heads receive timely constructive feedback about their teaching and broader engagement in school life, reflected in an annual review.
  • In collaboration with the Associate Head of School/Dean of Faculty, provide leadership and direction to academic Department Heads in relation to curriculum review and development. Integrate experiential learning opportunities more fully into the academic program.
  • Provide leadership in the implementation of instructional technology.
  • Supervise the Director of the Library, to provide leadership in the development of library services.
  • Oversee the development of the class schedule.
  • Provide guidance to Class Deans, as they monitor the academic progress of each student.
  • Provide guidance to the Class Deans, the Study Skills Coordinator, and Health Services, in identifying and supporting students experiencing academic difficulty. Additional Duties:
    Hotchkiss faculty participate actively in all aspects of community life through service in Hotchkiss' residential, advising, and co-curricular programs. The Dean of Academic Life will teach one course, coach one co-curricular (or the equivalent), and serve the residential program as assigned. Full-time faculty members are generally expected to obtain a public service endorsement on their CT drivers license within the first year of employment, so that they may drive students in school vehicles.
    The Dean of Academic Life chairs the Committee on Honors and Academic Standing, the Calendar Committee, and serves on the Head of Department Committee, the Administrative Team, and Board of Trustees' Academic Life Committee. Direct Reports:
    Registrar, Scheduler, Testing Coordinator, and the Director of the Library. Compensation:
    Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and education level. In addition to housing, Hotchkiss provides a comprehensive benefit package, which includes a variety of health insurance offerings, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability offerings, HSA/FSA options, and retirement benefits through TIAA-CREF. Ample funding exists to support participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel, as well as advanced degree work. Faculty are encouraged to enjoy meals in our dining hall while school is in session. Application Information:
    Through the online application process, located at Hotchkiss.org/careers , interested candidates should submit a cover letter that addresses interest in teaching at Hotchkiss with particular focus on the ability and interest in working in an intentionally diverse and inclusive residential community. Applicants should also submit their r--sum--/CV, a statement of teaching philosophy, relevant college and graduate school transcripts, and contact information for three references. The School is committed to building and supporting a diverse community where all feel safe, seen, and supported. Successful applicants will address their ability to contribute to a warm, inclusive, and exciting learning environment. APPLY NOW! The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
    The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination). In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Department: Deans
    FLSA: Exempt
    Reports to: Associate Head of School/Dean of Faculty
    Schedule: Full-time, 11 months
    Travel: Rare

Keywords: The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville , Dean of Academic Life, Other , Lakeville, Minnesota