Dean of Students

Job Description

Dean of Students

Mission: Since its founding in 1905, the mission of Cathedral High School (CHS) has been to provide young women with a transformative Catholic education that challenges them to fulfill their academic potential, inspires them to serve and care for their communities, and imbues them with a deep awareness of their own human dignity.

Background: CHS is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school in Manhattan serving nearly 400 young women, most of whom represent economically disadvantaged populations. Our students come from all five New York City boroughs, as well as Long Island and Westchester, and represent 59 nationalities. The student body is also racially diverse: 54% Hispanic, 27% Black, 11% multiracial, 5% white, and 3% Asian. 75% of our students are first or second-generation Americans. 37% of our students will be the first in their families to graduate from college, and 14% of our students will be the first in their families to graduate from high school. 74% of Cathedral students are eligible for free New York City lunch, 47% are from single-parent households, and 34% receive public assistance. All student tuition is partly subsidized.

About the Position: Reporting to the Principal, the Dean of Students facilitates the formation of Cathedral students in alignment with the school mission and Cathedral High School's academic and disciplinary standards. The Dean of Students is responsible for managing several disciplinary programs, attendance, campus supervision, and emergency protocols. The ideal candidate for the Dean of Students position will display a willingness to cultivate Catholic teachings and culture and have experience with a Catholic high school setting. The ideal candidate will have teaching experience, a developmental sensitivity and understanding of adolescence, and an ability to work with students and parents.

Responsibilities:
-Support the principal in growing an authentic Catholic school culture through the active supervision of a vibrant student life program and all discipline matters.
-Direct disciplinary practices, procedures, and related records including dress code, attendance, detention, and probation.
-Create and lead the implementation of the school's discipline system and other structures necessary to promote student achievement and character development both inside and outside the classroom.
-Communicate with parents regarding disciplinary issues and facilitate necessary meetings to resolve conflicts.
-Meets with students and parents regarding issues related to behavior, determines and implements appropriate consequences with the support of the school administrative team, and monitors behavioral and academic contracts.
-Collaborate with the Guidance Department on issues and efforts pertaining to the social and emotional development of students.
-Facilitate student orientations and teacher bullying prevention training.
-Conduct supervisory rounds of the building including hallways and cafeterias to limit and deter interruptions to the learning environment and inappropriate behavior.
-In conjunction with the assistant principal, assigns duties to faculty for supervision of students on campus before and after school, during lunch, and during extracurricular activities.
-Promote and ensure campus safety through the promotion and practice of emergency drills (evacuation and lockdown).
-Act as the liaison with the security guard and the school nurse in matters relating to student safety and wellness.
-Be present and/or coordinate supervision at school functions such as athletic competitions and dances.
-Work with the Athletic Director to ensure that student behavior meets expectations on the field of competition.
-Support the Dance Instructor for all planning and logistics of recitals as well as supervise student associated with the performances who are not dancing (stage crew).
-Oversee all policies regarding student conduct and update the Student Handbook annually with the help and advice of the faculty and administration.
-Participate in developing the annual school calendar and faculty and student handbooks, ensuring content is communicated effectively.
-Daily supervise the campus after school dismissal.
-Engage outside community members for participation and service in local events.
-Maintain paperwork for trips, events, and activities.
-Other responsibilities as assigned by the President or Principal.

This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities but highlights the main components of discipline, student activities, and promoting a positive Catholic school culture.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills:
-Personal commitment to the mission of Cathedral High School and a love and enthusiasm for Catholic teachings, education, and culture
-Spanish fluency preferred
-Masters degree in related field with 3+ years relevant school administrative experience
-High level of interpersonal skills and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy, and the ability to handle families with grace.
-Ability to listen and develop mutual trust with students, parents, and colleagues
-Excellent time management skills
-Ability to maintain the confidentiality and private nature of such information with the utmost good faith, especially as it pertains to student, family, and other proprietary and protected information
-Excellent oral and written communication skills
-Positive and solution-oriented temperament
-Demonstrated leadership and facilitative skills
-Availability to work after school hours and special events as needed
-Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word, with an ability to learn additional systems

The salary range is $75,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to Joe DeBona at jdebona@cathedralhs.org.

About the Employer

Since its founding in 1905, the mission of Cathedral High School (CHS) has been to provide young women with a transformative Catholic education that challenges them to fulfill their academic potential, inspires them to serve and care for their communities, and imbues them with a deep awareness of their own human dignity.