Dean of Culture

Overview

Academy for Urban Scholars is looking for dynamic and visionary leaders who will engage scholars, families, and other members of our learning community to ensure high scholars outcomes. The Dean of Culture works closely with the Administrative Team to maintain a positive and supportive school experience for scholars, families, and staff. They manage behavioral issues and proactively work to instill an equity-focused culture of success.

They engage the school community in serving the child and ensure ALL scholars achieve at high levels prepared to succeed in any setting. They know how to successfully work in an urban high school with a high English Learner and low-income population.

Position Summary:

Academy for Urban Scholars is seeking leaders who will engage our learning community to support scholar outcomes and a positive school climate.

• Oversee all attendance, outreach, and retention activities year-round.
• Lead and supervise a team of engagement coaches to ensure that attendance, outreach, and retention outcomes are met.
• Lead site Culture & Climate Team and help implement Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) framework, restorative/community circles, and our No Nonsense Nurture culture/discipline framework. Establish a positive learning culture that promotes academic achievement and social/emotional well-being.
• Design and facilitate ongoing professional development around Culture and Climate, and tier 1 behavior management.
• Build trusting, supportive relationships with scholars to help them make good choices and navigate the school environment.
• Collaborate with and assist staff in successful behavior intervention supports for all scholars, including providing feedback to teachers on tier 1 classroom culture strategies.
• Work with site administrators to provide supervision and behavior support for scholars.
• Build relationships with and communicate with families on a consistent basis. Communicate regarding behavior successes, challenges, and consequences.
• Help maintain school/home communication systems, including home visits.
• Oversee and maintain student referral documentation using the School Wide Information System (Quick Base) database.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and monitoring of scholars’ behavior plans.
• Coordinate team and scholars support schedules.
• Facilitate restorative justice circles.
• Provide evidence-based direct and indirect counseling services to support student success in academics, college/career readiness, and social/emotional development.
• Organize monthly Saturday luncheons for scholars with guest speakers and enrichment activities.
• Plan and execute weekly mentoring sessions and classroom guidance activities involving both staff and students.
• Participate in and/or lead scholars’ social development groups.
• Be able to manage multiple databases.
• Other duties as assigned (recruitment in summer months, overseeing the work program, attending leadership meetings, etc.).

• Bachelor's degree or a related field.
• Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities, preferably in a community-based setting.
• Knowledge of assessment tools, instructional strategies, and behavior management techniques specific to individuals with disabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with individuals, families, educators, and community partners.
• Familiarity with community resources, transportation systems, and safety protocols to ensure individuals' well-being during outings.
• Organizational skills to plan and coordinate community-based instructional activities and maintain accurate records.
• Patience, empathy, and flexibility to support individuals with diverse abilities and needs.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying abreast of best practices in special education and community-based instruction.
• Results-driven, innovative thinker, flexible (ability to pivot), and adaptable scheduling (weekends and late days).
• Excellent quality of outcomes, meeting deadlines, accountability, and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.