The Dean of Student Life at Bethany School is a full-time, salaried administrative position responsible for supporting the well-being, discipline, and day-to-day student experience of all students in Grades K–8. This individual serves on the school's Student Support Team and plays a key role in cultivating a safe, joyful, inclusive, and respectful learning environment that reflects Bethany School's mission and core values: Christian Education, Academic Excellence, Diversity, Character Education, and Family Commitment.

The Dean of Student Life works closely with faculty, staff, students, and families to support student growth socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, while fostering student engagement in school life and maintaining an orderly and respectful campus culture. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, good judgment, and a deep commitment to student development and community building.

Knowledgeable, detail-oriented, welcoming, calm, positive, cooperative, organized

Reporting Structure

The Dean of Student Life reports to the Assistant Head for Academic Affairs. The Dean of Student Life works with Division Leads and faculty to implement schoolwide discipline and build a positive student culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Life & Culture

• Design, implement, and oversee schoolwide student life programming, including assemblies, advisory/homeroom programming, and special events.
• Promote a positive school culture grounded in Bethany's values of kindness, simplicity, and joy.
• Support and supervise student activities, clubs, athletics, performances, and extracurriculars, including evening and weekend events as needed.
• Attend and be a visible presence at key student events and programs.
• Serve as liaison to the Extended Day Program and student activity groups.

Student Conduct & Discipline

• Develop, communicate, and enforce disciplinary procedures aligned with school policies and values.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for student behavior matters, including investigating incidents, counseling students, and communicating with families.
• Maintain discipline records and documentation; coordinate disciplinary panels as necessary.
• Collaborate with the School Counselor, Nurse, Chaplain, Division Leads and other staff to support student wellness and conflict resolution.

Attendance & Supervision

• Monitor attendance and tardiness; communicate with families; implement attendance improvement plans.
• Supervise students during arrival, lunch, recess, transitions, and dismissal.
• Direct drop-off, pick-up, and lunch/recess duty schedules and procedures.

School Operations & Leadership

• Maintain ongoing communication with the Assistant Head for Academic Affairs and leadership team on all student-related matters.
• Serve as Acting Assistant Head for Academic Affairs as needed in their absence.
• Collaborate in the planning and execution of emergency drills and school safety procedures; maintain the school safety plan.
• Support maintenance of the school's master calendar.
• Lead and/or participate in school-wide initiatives, staff hiring processes, and professional development.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Passion for working with K–8 students in a mission-driven, faith-based environment.
• Strong leadership, conflict-resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Collaborative mindset with excellent listening, communication, and presentation abilities.
• Technologically proficient; comfortable with tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional and ethical standards.
• Highly organized, flexible, and responsive to student and community needs.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or a related field (required).
• Advanced Degree (MA, MEd, EdS) in Education, Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 3+ years of teaching experience (required).
• Prior school administrative or leadership experience (preferred).
• Experience in independent, faith-based, or mission-driven schools is a plus.

Mental & Physical Requirements

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualifying disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and actively move around the campus
• Ability to supervise students both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to participate in and lead physical activities, including emergency drills
• Capacity to use technology and office equipment daily
• Occasionally lift or carry supplies and materials (up to 25 pounds)

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualifying disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• School campus and office setting with daily interaction with students, faculty, parents, and administrators
• Exposure to typical school noise levels and activity
• Fast-paced, dynamic, and student-centered environment rooted in Christian values
• Requires availability during some evenings and weekends for events and activities