Dean of Culture and Climate

College Achieve Public Schools is seeking a Dean of Culture and Climate for its middle school in Paterson, NJ. This role involves fostering a positive school culture, addressing academic performance, student conduct, and community engagement. The Dean will collaborate with the Principal and staff, analyze data to develop initiatives, and promote professional development. Candidates must have a valid NJ Supervisor Certificate and a Master's degree, along with experience in diverse educational settings.
Dean of Culture & Climate

Location: College Achieve Paterson Charter School/Paterson

Organization: College Achieve Public Schools

About College Achieve Public Schools

College Achieve Public Schools is a growing network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to preparing scholars for college and lifelong success. Our mission is to equip every student with the academic foundation and character necessary to thrive in a competitive world. We believe in high expectations, a supportive environment, and providing every teacher with the tools to succeed.

Position Overview

College Achieve Public Schools is seeking a Dean of Culture and Climate for one of the middle schools in Paterson. The Dean of Culture and Climate is an integral component to aid in supporting and maintaining an inviting, collaborative, and positive culture of the School community. The Dean of Culture and Climate is responsible for addressing areas that pertain to academic performance, student conduct, attendance, social-emotional development, and community planning events. The Dean of Culture and Climate will report directly to the Principal and support the building’s Administrative Team to ensure that all of the policies are addressed. The ideal candidate is a strategic, creative, and critical thinker, problem solver, and a proven leader. The candidate must have a strong knowledge and application of restorative justice, culturally responsive pedagogy, and effective use of data to drive decision making.

Key Responsibilities
• Maintain the School’s overall mission; assist in supporting and implementing school guidelines with students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members.
• Oversee and Supervise School Dean and Counselors and Conduct weekly meetings and professional learning communities.
• Analyze attendance reports and rapport cards and develop initiatives based on the data that is presented.
• Work collaboratively with the Principal, Administrative Team, and school staff to best meet the educational needs of the student population based on individual student needs.
• Work collaboratively with the Principal and Administrative Team in conducting coaching visits and providing feedback for continuous growth to staff.
• Works collaboratively with the Principal and Administrative Team in guiding decision making and problem solving in relation to student, family, or team needs.
• Demonstrates the promotion of life-long learning by participating in pertinent professional development in both the academic curriculum as well as cultural proficiency and awareness of understanding diversity.
• Co-Teach and Facilitate professional development to the staff to address pertinent areas that impact the academic, social-emotional needs of scholars.
• Develop initiatives that promote the “12 Pillars of the College Achieve Public Schools Model for Learning.”

Required Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills
• Possess a valid NJ Supervisor Certificate
• Hold a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Successful teaching and/or counseling experience in a multicultural diverse setting preferred.
• Demonstrated philosophy that all students can and will learn at the highest level.
• Demonstrated record of success which exemplifies instructional leadership, standards of academic excellence and personal/moral integrity.
• Knowledge of current best practices impacting upper elementary and middle school scholars.
• Capacity to build and maintain strong relationships with scholars, staff, parents, administration and the community.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment including appropriate handling of all confidential matters with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to diverse stakeholders.

Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive salary range: Starting at 70K, commensurate with experience
• Additional bonuses can include Signing and Retention incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• NJ State Pension Plan
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Professional development support, including access to a lesson plan repository
• Teacher referral program
• Extended time off for the Thanksgiving and winter breaks

Performance Evaluation

Staff are evaluated by the principal.

Supervision
• [For classroom-based roles]: Supervision of students, paraprofessionals, and volunteers

Desired Skills & Attributes
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Passion for educational equity and high academic standards
• Commitment to continuous professional growth
• Ability to build strong relationships with students and families
• Flexibility and a solutions-oriented mindset