Middle School Dean - Seventh Grade

About Riverdale Country School

Riverdale Country School, a Pre‑K through Grade 12 independent all‑gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose‑driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses.

This holistic approach aims to develop well‑rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color.

We seek educators and leaders who bring a student‑centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community.

The Middle School Dean of 6th grade is responsible for the academic and personal growth of nearly 90 students each year. The dean reports to the Head of Middle School and the Assistant Head of Middle School, teaches two classes, and works in the summer months with a five‑week vacation period. A Bachelor’s degree is required;
Master’s and Doctoral degrees will receive additional consideration.

• Extensive experience with Middle School age students and the Middle School experience, particularly with 6th graders;
• Proven experience and understanding of the social, emotional development of a Middle School student;
• Classroom teaching excellence;
• A desire to connect personally with adolescents;
• The ability to both advocate for students and hold them accountable to high standards;
• The capacity to work effectively in a fast‑paced and sometimes unpredictable environment;
• Exquisite written and oral communication skills with attention to detail;
• High organization skills to effectively keep grade records and respond to email in a timely manner.

• Ensure the efficient execution of all 7th‑grade programming, events, and daily routines;
• Coordinate the team of 7th grade teachers;
• Create the program of study for each individual;
• Assist students as they select and engage in co‑curricular activities;
• Help students discover and cultivate both academic and co‑curricular interests;
• Set the culture of the class through grade‑level meetings, by working with teachers and home‑base teachers of the class, and through individual interactions;
• Partner with families formally and informally to encourage student growth;
• Collaborate with the Middle School team in the day‑to‑day operations of the Middle School;
• Collaboratively determine and execute disciplinary responses when students violate school rules;
• Attend school functions, which occasionally are outside of regular school hours, including parent events, student functions, and admission open houses;
• Run orientation programming for new 7th graders.

Salary: $130,000 - $175,000 a year

Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and

D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.

Professional Development: A generous professional‑development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as…