THE ROLE
LEAD Charter School seeks an exceptional Dean of Students to join our mission-driven community. Our goal is to transform equity through opportunities for young people in Newark. The Dean of Students will support student success by maintaining a positive school culture, implementing behavior and academic interventions, and addressing the unique needs of opportunity youth. This position is designed for a strong leader who can balance student-centered support with data-driven decision-making, ensuring that all students thrive academically and socially.
WHO WE ARE
The mission of LEAD is to enable students ages 16-21 in grades 9-12 to master essential skills for success in careers, postsecondary education, and community leadership within a global society. We implement the Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) school model, supporting the unique academic and non-academic needs of students who have disengaged from traditional schooling. At LEAD Charter School, we are a vibrant school community that holds an unwavering belief in the power of young people to transform their lives and their communities. We are dedicated practitioners of research-based youth development practices and systems, ensuring every student receives a tailored, personalized, and strengths-based learning experience. As passionate advocates of opportunity youth, we strive to provide the necessary support and opportunities for our students to succeed.
WHAT OUR STAFF SAY
- "Being at LEAD has accelerated my career trajectory in ways that I could never imagine. I feel valued, supported, and empowered."
- 100% of LEAD staff feel they are trusted as professionals.
- 96% of LEAD staff feel supported in their work and professional development.
- 95% of LEAD staff feel they're treated with respect
- 91% of LEAD staff say supervisors encourage feedback and suggestions
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Bachelor's degree required.
- 3+ years of experience working with youth in an urban district or charter school setting with an explicit focus on building rapport and trust.
- Ability to work with a diverse, multicultural staff and students.
- Familiarity with alternative education and school-to-career practices.
- Proficiency in Efforts-to-Outcome (ETO) software.
- Commitment to NOYN school model and implementation with fidelity.
- Demonstrated success developing and evaluating program models, and selecting and successfully implementing innovative programs.
- Ability to effectively network with public and private sector stakeholder.s
- Experience in the development and implementation of program management systems and procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively and prioritize strategically.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including use of office productivity software.
HOW YOU WILL THRIVE
- Professional Development: Weekly half-day sessions tailored to support your professional growth.
- Career Advancement: Opportunities to develop and lead school initiatives and engage in career planning for growth and trajectory.
- Supportive Environment: Work with a dedicated, talented, and supportive staff and empowered school leaders.
- Impact: Contribute to a mission that transforms equity through opportunity for young people in Newark.
- Career Bonus: Yearly Resigning Bonus
BENEFITS
- Paid Time Off + Summer Vacation
- Health/Vision/Dental Benefits
- Enrollment in NJ Pension
- HealthEquity (Employer paid HRA debit card)
- 100% Employer Paid Long Term Disability
- 100% Employer Paid Talkspace Access
- Metlife Legal Plan & Identity Protection
- Laptop & Supplies for all staff members
- Training & Professional Development
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Student Support and Development:
- Serve as a primary advocate and resource for students, providing guidance, counseling, and conflict resolution in collaboration with staff and families.
- Lead interventions for students who are at risk academically, socially, or behaviorally, using data to assess progress and adjust strategies.
- Work closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators to address student needs and ensure their success in the school environment.
- Create and implement programs that promote positive behavior, social-emotional development, and personal accountability.
- Effectively contributes to the execution of the student registration process which is inclusive of Mental Toughness planning, facilitation and reflection activities.
Data-Driven Decision Making:
- Regularly analyze student performance data, including attendance, behavior, grades, and standardized test scores, to identify trends and gaps in student achievement.
- Executes and distributes departmental reports that are required by multiple sources, including but not limited to: Board of Directors, existing and potential funders, and stakeholder groups
- Monitors and inputs behavioral data for students using available school system
- Develop systems to track and monitor the effectiveness of student interventions and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Prepare data reports for school leadership, stakeholders, and families, ensuring transparency and accountability in student performance.
School Culture and Climate:
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive school environment that aligns with the school's values and mission.
- Displays respect towards the rights and feelings of students, thereby encouraging students to develop attitudes of respect for the rights, feelings, opinions and property of others.
- Promote student leadership, ownership, and engagement through school-wide initiatives.
- Lead the development and implementation of behavior management strategies that align with the school's discipline policy, including restorative practices.
- Serve as a role model for positive behavior, academic success, and personal integrity for students and staff.
- Confers with program personnel to provide technical advice and to assist in solving problems.
Leadership and Collaboration:
- Collaborate with other school leaders to develop and implement school-wide policies and initiatives.
- Lead or participate in professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to build skills related to student support, behavior management, and data analysis.
- Serve as an integral part of the school's response team for crises, emergencies, and high-risk student issues.
- Provide mentorship and support to teachers and staff in handling student issues and improving overall school culture.
- Displays a high level of effort and commitment to performing work; operates effectively within the organizational structure; demonstrates trustworthiness and responsible behavior.
- Participate in weekly education team meetings, full-staff meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, and other small group/special project meetings, as assigned.
- Adheres to and promotes the philosophy and objectives of the school and the Board of Trustees.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
- 12-month employee.
- Salary to be recommended by the Head of School and approved by the board.
EVALUATION
- Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the board's policy on evaluation.