About Salem Academy

Salem Academy and College is the oldest continuously operating educational institution for girls and women in the country. Since 1772, the institution has engaged in transformational change to innovate women’s education. Founded with the mission of making education accessible to all, Salem has a rich 251-year-old history and a long-standing track record of educating girls and women who are prepared to make a bold impact locally, nationally and globally through liberal arts education. Salem Academy is a boarding and day college preparatory school with focus on interdisciplinary learning using STEAM, wellness and leadership. Salem College is the nation’s only liberal arts college exclusively dedicated to developing the next generation of health leaders. Our graduates are committed to making the world a better, healthier and more equitable place.

Niche lists Salem Academy as the No. 1 boarding school in North Carolina; No. 5 college prep high school in North Carolina as well as the No. 1 college prep school in the Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem, NC area. Salem Academy has students from more than 10 states and 5 countries. Over 85% of the faculty and staff have a master’s degree or higher. Courses are taught at the college prep, honors, AP and dual enrollment levels. The unique partnership and shared campus with Salem College allows for collaboration with college faculty/staff on curriculum ideas, club activities and more. Salem completed its 250th-anniversary campaign exceeding a $12.5M goal.

Salem Academy is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a vibrant college town known as the “City of Arts and Innovation”. Winston-Salem is a lively academic community, home to six institutions of higher education and more than 26,000 students. Winston Salem has a collaborative and engaged academic community with strong private and public schools, excellent healthcare systems, and affordable housing. The Winston-Salem area also offers a rich variety of cultural opportunities and has a vibrant art and restaurant scene. Within a few hours of campus are mountains for skiing, camping, or hiking; rivers for whitewater rafting; and the beautiful ports and beaches of North and South Carolina.

Position Summary

The Dean of Students is responsible for providing leadership for the student experience and well-being, in ways which match the Academy’s missions and core values. The Dean of Students is an integral part of the administrative team, working with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to support students in their academic, social, and emotional growth.

This position will work collaboratively with the Head of School, the Assistant Head of School, School Counselor, Athletic Director and the Director of Residential Life, to design, refine, and nurture a student experience that meets the unique needs and opportunities of a girl’s high school years.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about the development of adolescent girls and will have experience leading student-led disciplinary or honor councils and developing or leading programs or initiatives that support a healthy culture guided by student agency and integrity.

This role also collaborates cross-divisionally to support community initiatives.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities: Administrative

• Facilitate and track conversations with students and families regarding consequences to conduct, attendance, and school policies;
• Work with students and families to adhere to the attendance policies, including following up on excessive tardies, absences, and patterns of absences;
• Articulate, oversee and maintain records of the student conduct system (rules and consequences) by addressing missteps and student discipline with appropriate and timely consequences;
• Work with faculty and administrators to develop and follow up on student interventions;
• Management of appropriate student services budget;
• Participate in the hiring, retention, and assignment of student-facing faculty and staff;
• Work with the Director of Residential Life to update, oversee, and communicate all emergency procedures (fire drills, lock down, etc.);
• Serve as the Division Head for the Student Support team;
• Assist in the admission process making an effort to meet with all visiting families and present to prospective student groups when appropriate;
• Coordinate with appropriate departments in matters connected to physical plant, public safety, and dining services;
• Oversight of visitors (parents, community representatives, student guests) on campus;
• Serve as primary contact for the Parents Association;
• Handle questions from parents and guardians on issues of attendance, discipline, handbook policies and school events;
• Collaborate with colleagues in the alumnae office and and institutional advancement as needed for events or activities;
• Oversight of creation and implementation of Student Handbook in conjunction with the administrative team;
• Prepare the master calendar in conjunction with the administrative team;
• Assist, along with Director of Residential life, managing and overseeing domestic and international travel for international students to ensure compliance with appropriate policies, procedures and supervision;
• Willingness to assist with residential life staffing shifts as needed; and
• Participate in the rotation for Duty Phone shifts.

Programming

• Implement, oversee, and support a mission-based advisory program;
• Work with faculty/staff class sponsors, Student Activities Coordinator, and Administrators to develop and oversee student activities such as clubs, campus events, Academy traditions, and dances;
• Collaborate with the School Counselor, Student Activities Coordinator, Director of Residential
• Life, and Assistant Head of School to develop student programming to meet student needs.
• These will include social and emotional wellness programming, advisory programming, and guest speakers connected to each month’s wellness theme;
• Partner with Salem College Student affairs on cross-campus student programming and Academy student supervision at shared events;
• Work with the College Counselor and School Counselor to plan meaningful opportunities for students to engage in service learning;
• In partnership with the appropriate departments assist with family programming, including new student/family orientations and retention/admission events;
• Address and resolve parent concerns about the Students experience; and
• Serve as co-sponsor along with the Student Activities coordinator for the Student Council.

Communication

• Function as a chief spokesperson of the school’s programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed and cognizant of their individual roles; and
• Handle school communication for events that are within the Dean’s purview, and ensure that the
• Office of the President, students, faculty, staff, and families are well informed of the school’s events and activities.

Events

• Work with Student Activities Coordinator and appropriate faculty/staff member to plan and carry out major school events (such as but not limited to Orientation, Opening Ceremony, Senior Vespers, Closing Ceremony, Recognition, Baccalaureate, Graduation);
• Organize and supervise all Academy regular events and programs, including student assembly and special speakers;
• Work with the Student Activities Coordinator and offer support in the planning and scheduling of student activities; and
• Collaborate with Director of Residential Life and Student Activities Coordinator to implement vibrant, student-centered co-curricular programming that supports the school’s mission and develops student leadership skills.

Retention Work

• Assist with tracking and assessing student retention based on metrics developed with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Director of Enrollment Management and Director of Residential Life,
• Track individual plans to support students who are considered at-risk; and
• Work in collaboration with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, and Director of Residential Life to design and facilitate retention-oriented programming.

Additional

• Be a visible presence in all areas of the school, which includes athletic events, assemblies, and dances;
• Create a strong sense of belonging and calm in the Academy community;
• Support a strong sense of belonging in the Academy community;
• Promote positive school spirit and collegiality; and
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Assistant Head of School.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree and experience in education preferably in independent schools or any appropriate combination of education and experience;
• Possess an understanding of, interest in, and passion for girls, how they learn, interact and succeed;
• Valid Driver’s License and clear driving record;
• Ability to drive at night and drive different vehicle types such as mini-vans or mini-buses;
• Train for a CDL license and be available to drive 24-passenger bus;
• Proven track record of working collaboratively in educational leadership;
• Dynamic instructional leader with a solid understanding of the developmental and curricular needs of high school girls;
• Outstanding leadership skills;
• Effective communication (including listening), interpersonal and management skills;
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, as well as presentation skills, and an inclination to contribute to high-level decisions;
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills;
• Strategic thinker and empathetic problem solver;
• Technologically savvy; and
• Positive attitude and sense of humor

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of boarding school culture
• Classroom teaching experience and a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a senior administrator

Physical Functions

While performing the responsibilities of the Dean of Students, the employee is required to sit for varying lengths of time; bend, reach, lift, push, and pull up to 25 pounds; occasionally stand, walk, and kneel and regularly ascend/descend stairs; use hands and fingers to handle or feel and manipulate keys on a keyboard; perform extended periods of work at a computer workstation, view a computer monitor; perceive sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and receive detailed information through oral communication; express and exchange ideas by means of spoken word; and work in an office setting.

Application Process

To apply, please send a letter of interest addressing your qualifications to kris.sorrells@salem.edu and hr@salem.edu. The letter of interest may be addressed to the “Search Committee.” The review of applications will begin immediately. For best consideration, please respond by November 2, 2023.

Salem Academy and College is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.