Associate Director of Upper School (SY26-27)

Description

Primary Function: Dean of Students & Student Life and Strategic Thought Partner 

Reports to: Director of Upper School

Tentative State Date of : July 1, 2026

Position Purpose

The Associate Director of Upper School serves as a critical member of the divisional leadership team, acting as the primary administrator for student life and a strategic thought partner to the Director of Upper School. This role is responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive school culture, overseeing student conduct and well-being, and collaborating on long-term divisional strategy and reorganization initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Partnership: Serve as the primary "thought partner" to the Director of Upper School in managing divisional operations in alignment with school mission and values and in accordance with research-backed best practices. 
• Dean of Students Functions: Supervise Grade Level Deans in their daily work of communicating community norms and implementing restorative practices while leading the overall student discipline program.
• Student Life & Culture: Direct all facets of the student experience, including Student Government, Clubs, student leadership development, community-building events such as retreats and assemblies, and student discipline, in partnership with Grade Level Deans.
• Student Support Coordination: Collaborate with the learning specialist, Psychologist, and faculty to identify and support students facing academic or social-emotional challenges.
• Administrative Management: Assist in scheduling and new student onboarding 

Requirements

• Education: A Master’s degree in Education, School Leadership, or an academic discipline.
• Experience: Significant, progressive experience in independent school teaching or administration, specifically with grades 9–12.  
• Strategic Competency: Demonstrated ability to serve as a high-level strategic thought partner, contributing to divisional reorganization, long-term planning, and operational excellence.  
• Student-Centered Leadership: Proven track record in fostering a positive school culture, a commitment to relational approaches to conflict resolution and community building, and a deep understanding of adolescent development, and enforcing student discipline policies. 
• Communication & Presence: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain confidentiality and serve as a visible, accessible leader for students, faculty, and families. Vested interest in seeing high school students thrive (or something that suggests that we want this person to like kids)

Salary

Laurel offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Laurel enjoys an outstanding local and national reputation and is home to the Laurel Center for Research on Girls. In a highly competitive school landscape, Laurel is fortunate to be a school of choice in Cleveland. Our emphasis on the whole child and our legacy of excellence in the teaching of girls set us apart. Located in Shaker Heights, OH (15 minutes from downtown Cleveland) with an additional rural campus 17 minutes away, the school has a suburban/rural advantage. The work environment is noted for being family-friendly and flexible. The feeling in the school is joyous, collaborative and innovative. Our curricular philosophy emphasizes community-based, interdisciplinary and experiential learning. Collaboration and reflective practice are key to pedagogy at Laurel. The school is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body.  

Laurel School is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all personnel and applicants for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; gender identity; national origin; handicap or disability; sexual orientation; or status as a veteran, Vietnam era, or special disabled veteran.  

Laurel enjoys an outstanding local and national reputation and is home to the Laurel Center for Research on Girls. In a highly competitive school landscape, Laurel is fortunate to be a school of choice in Cleveland. Our emphasis on the whole child and our legacy of excellence in the teaching of girls set us apart. Located in Shaker Heights, OH (15 minutes from downtown Cleveland) with an additional rural campus 17 minutes away, the school has a suburban/rural advantage. The work environment is noted for being family-friendly and flexible. The feeling in the school is joyous, collaborative and innovative. Our curricular philosophy emphasizes community-based, interdisciplinary and experiential learning. Collaboration and reflective practice are key to pedagogy at Laurel. The school is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body.  

Laurel School is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all personnel and applicants for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; gender identity; national origin; handicap or disability; sexual orientation; or status as a veteran, Vietnam era, or special disabled veteran.