We are looking to hire an exceptional counselor and educator for a 9th Grade Dean position at our middle school. This position begins in August for the 2025-2026 school year.

The middle school dean team consists of seven deans: two for 7th grade, two for 8th grade, and three for 9th grade. This 9th-grade dean position focuses on our school's approximately 95 newly enrolled 9th graders each year. Whereas the other six deans stay with their cohorts from 7th through 9th grade, the resident 9th-grade dean works with each new group of 9th graders new to the school.

Duties and expectations are myriad and multifaceted, and will include:

Onboarding and Transition

• Create a process for new students that assists them and their parents in the transition to Harvard-Westlake and high school academics and extracurriculars.
• Foster student social and emotional well-being and a sense of belonging within a grade level that has already been together for two years.
• Ready students for the move to the upper school for 10th grade, helping to instill proper study habits, a sense of balance, and coping strategies.

Counseling

• Provide social and emotional counseling for students in conjunction with our school counselors.
• Provide academic counseling for students, including scheduling, placement considerations, and reinforcement of study habits in conjunction with our faculty and learning support.
• Communicate and partner with parents on individual students.
• Lead parent education programming for the entire grade-level parent body

Discipline and Policy Making

• Investigate disciplinary matters and work with the Head of the Middle School to determine proper consequences and restorative measures.
• Work collaboratively with the dean team to develop and enforce mission-aligned school rules and policies.

Grade Level Guidance, Leadership, and Admissions

• Organize and lead weekly grade-level class meeting.
• Plan and lead a four-day, three-night outdoor education retreat on the Colorado River and an end-of-year amusement park trip.
• Conduct applicant interviews, read admissions files, and serve on 9th 9th-grade admissions committee.
• Assist students through the course selection process in the Spring and course changes in the Summer.
• Actively work toward our school’s vision of every member feeling an equal sense of belonging

Teaching

• Teach one academic class--the specific course for this position will depend on the expertise and experience of the successful candidate.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum – Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred
• Experience counseling middle or high school students
• Strong communication and presentational skills
• Demonstrated collegiality, teamwork, and organization.
• Flexibility, adaptability, responsiveness, and patience during a sometimes-unpredictable workday
• Ability to foster a collaborative, inclusive, joyful, and creative learning environment.
• Enthusiasm for becoming part of our vibrant school community, broadly engaging with students and colleagues.

We are an independent school consisting of two campuses located in Los Angeles, California. We have approximately 1,600 curious, thoughtful, and inspiring students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.

We are committed to creating a community of belonging and actively strive to be a diverse and inclusive community. We do not discriminate on any basis. We seek candidates who demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members; have the ability to work flexibly, independently, and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with individuals from a diverse set of backgrounds; and have the capacity to serve as a model of openness, generosity, and acceptance.

Compensation: Anticipated base salary $105,000-$125,000 based on experience.

Great benefits we offer:

• Top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage with zero to low premium contributions
• 403(b) Retirement with a 10% match and immediate vesting
• Cafeteria allowance – lunch is on us!
• Professional development support including continuing education.
• Personal Growth grants
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee affinity groups
• Mental wellness resources and workshops
• Partially subsidized employee housing (subject to availability)
• Tickets to local sporting and entertainment events
• Discount at school bookstore (get your HW swag!)
• Paid Holidays, including time off for Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring break!