9/10 Academic Dean

Watkinson School, offering inventive teaching and learning since 1881, seeks a 9/10 Academic Dean. Reporting directly to the Head of the Upper School, the Dean will be a member of the school’s Senior Leadership team. This is a full-time, 12-month position.

The 9/10 Academic Dean will be an experienced educator first and foremost, with a track record of collaboratively engaging at the leadership level within a school community. The Dean will demonstrate the qualities of compassion, empathy, and openness, while utilizing excellent active listening and communication skills.  The successful candidate will be committed to collaboration with students, parents, and faculty and possess a sense of perspective and a sense of humor. 

The 9/10 Academic Dean will serve as the main point of contact for students, teachers and parents regarding all 9/10 students’ academic progress.  They will coordinate plans to reach all students and provide the best possible education across all subjects.  They will communicate with all parties in times of both success and concern in order to ensure the personalization that sits at the center of a Watkinson education. 

The successful candidate will bring to the position: 

• Expertise, experience and demonstrated success in working with students 13-16 years of age
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills that reach all age groups and constituencies within our school community - including students, faculty, and parents
• Timeliness and follow-through in terms of action steps across multiple simultaneous projects
• A strong educational background of teaching and learning, with a sturdy foundation of specialized services and individualized learning plans
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and systems thinking skills
• A contagious sense of enthusiasm and joy 

Some of the Dean’s key responsibilities will include:

• Working closely and communicating regularly with the Student Support Team - Head of Upper School, Dean of Students, School Counselor, School Nurse, 11/12 Academic Dean, Director of the Learning Skills Program, and Director of College Counseling 
• Communicating with all upper school faculty to understand student progress across disciplines
• Sharing expertise on best practices for teaching and learning and bringing themselves as a thought leader to all aspects of our upper school academic program 
• Convening and managing 9/10 Team Meetings on a regular rotation to coordinate plans for grade-level and individual learning
• Participating fully in our Senior Leadership team as a community leader to solve problems and lead the school in a wide variety of ways. 
• Teaching up to three classes 

Watkinson School is an equal opportunity employer and an open and affirming community. We seek candidates of diverse backgrounds. This position commences July 1, 2026 and is a 12-month position. Qualified candidates, please send a letter of interest, resume, and a list of no fewer than three references.