Berkeley Carroll is a Pre-K through grade 12 college preparatory school of close to 1,000 students located in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn in New York City. Our vibrant intellectual community draws students from all over the city. Admission to the school is competitive, and both our parents and students value achievement and community.
Job Summary
The Lower School Dean of Faculty collaborates with the Lower School Director and the Lower School administrative team to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. The Dean of Faculty ensures that our faculty have the support, resources, and guidance needed to deliver high-quality education and student experiences. The Dean of Faculty is responsible for overseeing the faculty and their professional growth and development, conducting regular observations, and evaluations. They provide constructive feedback to teaching partnerships and grade level teams to enhance their professional practices and effectiveness. Additionally, the Dean of Faculty will partner with Lower School learning and support teams to strategically plan and develop lower school professional development opportunities. The successful candidate is capable of swiftly adapting when necessary, and is highly skilled at helping employees to navigate complex workplace situations while building a positive and inclusive community. The Dean of Faculty reports directly to the Lower School Director.
Leadership Competencies:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey ideas, provide feedback, and foster open dialogue among faculty, students, parents/ guardians, and the broader school community
- Capacity to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others, fostering empathy, trust, and collaboration among the faculty
- Ability to provide mentorship and coaching to faculty members, supporting their professional growth, skill development, and job satisfaction
- Ability to effectively address and resolve conflicts among faculty members and other stakeholders in a constructive and respectful manner
- Skill in developing strategic plans and initiatives to achieve organizational goals, and ability to effectively implement and monitor progress towards these goals
- Understanding and appreciation of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and an ability to foster a culturally responsive learning and working environment
Primary Responsibilities:
School Mission and Culture
- Work closely with the Lower School Director and administrative team to set divisional goals
- Lead committees as needed to support deeper work around pedagogy, academic policy and school culture.
- Serve as a member of the Student Support Team, LS DEI team, and Instructional LeadershipTeam
- Read and edit faculty’s progress reports for students
- Engage in cross-divisional work with Middle and Upper School Deans of Faculty to develop school-wide systems for faculty evaluation, as well as the Office of Equity and Inclusion, to promote belonging.
- Assist with student initiatives, such as 4th grade electives, assemblies, concerts and showcases, play groups.
- Support arrival and dismissal duties and logistics
- Attend evening and weekend community events.
Faculty Development and Support
- Participate in the hiring process including faculty recruitment and ongoing career progression.
- Provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities for faculty members to enhance teaching effectiveness and promote a positive working environment
- Works with the Lower School Administration to create a framework for professional development grounded in principles of adult learning and development.
- Lead by example in demonstrating effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution, empowering faculty members to navigate challenges with grace and humility
- Support faculty members in developing strong interpersonal skills, and resilience in handling conversations with colleagues and parents/guardians
- Works collaboratively with the Human Resource Department to apply policy and best practice to the workplace.
- Foster a culture of continuous feedback and reflection, encouraging faculty members to learn and grow from their experiences
Employee Relations
- Provide guidance, facilitation, and support to faculty members in navigating interpersonal issues, professional disagreements, and challenging situations while promoting open communication, understanding and mutual respect.
- Use effective conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate tense situations and foster collaborative problem-solving
- Implement proactive measures to promote a culture of inclusivity and empathy within the faculty community
Community Engagement
- Cultivate strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and parents/guardians, serving as a trusted liaison for employee well-being and positive workplace culture
- Foster a sense of belonging among employees, promoting constructive discourse around teaching, learning, and curriculum as well as dialogue around challenging topics
Qualifications:
- Masters degree required
- Experience in any of the following is preferred: independent schools, adult learning and development, counseling, restorative practices.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary and benefits are highly competitive and will be offered commensurate with experience and credentials. The salary range for this position is $90-$130K. This position is a 12 month administrator role.
Berkeley Carroll is committed to creating an environment that includes a diversity of perspectives and to cultivating an equitable, inclusive learning community in which everyone has the opportunity to experience a sense of belonging. Candidates with a demonstrated commitment to and experience with diversity, equity or inclusion work are especially encouraged to apply.
Candidates should send a cover letter, resume with a list of references, and completed Berkeley Carroll Employment Application to:
Kelly Grimmett Director, of Lower School: kgrimmett@berkeleycarroll.org
Briar Sauro, Assistant Director of Lower School: bsauro@berkeleycarroll.org
Erita Doko, Administrative Assistant to the Lower School: edoko@berkeleycarroll.org