Dean of Residential

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Associate Head of School for Student Life, the Dean of Residential Life develops and manages the school’s residential education efforts; coordinates support for residential faculty; implements advising programs; supervises the Assistant Dean of Residential Life, Residential Heads and dorm faculty; integrates the Academy’s student engagement efforts into the residential program with the Director of Student Engagement; maintains a visible, supportive presence in the community to promote student safety, wellbeing and adherence to student life policies.

The role also serves as a Grade Dean for one grade and teaches one class in a department aligned with the candidate’s background and expertise. Primary responsibilities outside the classroom include leading a co-curricular activity (e.g., varsity or sub-varsity teams, community service activities, publications), dormitory supervision and support, advising, committee work, and participation in family-style dining hall meals with students.

Faculty also have opportunities to design and lead domestic and international travel programs.

We are looking for candidates who exhibit excellence in the classroom and who can help develop in students the fundamental learning traits outlined in The Deerfield Student and A Framework For Schools. Beyond the classroom, candidates must be prepared to fully engage in activities and less formal spaces that help define a strong residential educational community. Additionally, candidates for this position will possess the following specific attributes/qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 5-7 years of residential life experience
• Ability to develop meaningful relationships with students and adult members of the community
• Strong commitment to inclusion and cultural competency
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage, and sensitivity to, highly confidential information
• Strong technology skills, including MS Office
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and to serving the needs of a diverse community
• Ability to plan, multi-task and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment accurately and efficiently
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

• Close visual acuity to view a computer terminal, analyze text, data and/or figures.
• Ability to frequently stand and/or sit for sustained periods of time
• Ability to frequently reach items and paperwork
• Ability to frequently sustain substantial movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Ability to frequently receive and communicate information, verbally and in writing
• Ability to occasionally stoop or kneel
• Ability to occasionally lift/carry/push up to 10 pounds

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. This job description is not intended to be construed as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. It is expected that job duties and responsibilities will develop over time commensurate with performance.

• Application materials must include a cover letter (specific to this position) and a resume. Candidates may also submit a brief statement of educational philosophy.
• Writing prompt (300 words):
  What specific experience would you draw upon to be effective in the Dean of Residential Life role?

Deerfield Academy offers a competitive total compensation package, where base compensation or salary is just one component. Pay within the published range is determined by factors such as qualifications, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, allowing for growth and progression within the role.

We also offer a comprehensive suite of benefits to eligible employees, including:

• Health & Financial:
  Medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b)-retirement plan; and employer-paid life and disability plans.
• Time Off:
  Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Campus Perks:
  Tuition remission, fitness center access and complimentary dining hall meals

See benefit plan details here.