Dean of Culture

Meridian Public Charter School; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian Public Charter School in Washington, DC is seeking a Dean of Culture for the 2026-27 school year. The Dean collaborates with school leaders, teachers, students and families to lead student culture across all grade levels, providing direct support to students and staff while serving as the primary contact for culture-related issues.

The role includes building a positive climate, implementing PBIS and recognition programs, coordinating interventions, and guiding professional development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred.
• At least five years in a school setting in roles such as teacher, coach, counselor, dean, or school leader.
• Proven track record of improving student outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead building staff and students to foster a positive school climate.
• Develop and manage positive behavior supports and incentives (PBIS, rewards).
• Coordinate disciplinary steps and communicate with families on issues.
• Lead professional development on student culture for teachers.
• Support family engagement and align home/school goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Behavior management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

about Meridian PcsFounded in 1999 by a group of dedicated volunteers, Meridian Public Charter School is one of Washington, DC’s oldest continuously operating public charter schools. Serving students in grades K–8, Meridian has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to educating the whole child through its academic approach - Language, Literacy, and the Arts.

about Meridian PcsFounded in 1999 by a group of dedicated volunteers, Meridian Public Charter School is one of Washington, DC’s oldest continuously operating public charter schools. Serving students in grades K–8, Meridian has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to educating the whole child through its academic approach - Language, Literacy, and the Arts. Meridian operates across two campuses (Elementary and Middle) housed in historic buildings that reflect the school’s deep roots in the city. With our elementary campus located in the historic U Street Corridor of downtown Washington, DC, and our Middle School Campus located between the Petworth and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, Meridians Campuses are both located in vibrant neighborhoods known for its rich cultural history, diverse dining options, and bustling small business community.

What New Staff Can ExpectMeridian is deeply committed to attracting and retaining talented educators and professionals who believe in equity, growth, and impact. New staff join a collaborative, mission-driven environment where expectations are clear, support is intentional, and leadership is encouraged at every level.
Staff can expect:

• Competitive pay and benefits within the DC public charter landscape
• Ongoing professional development and instructional coaching
• A culture rooted in curiosity, resilience, and leadership
• Thoughtful onboarding and systems designed to support effectiveness and growth

A SCHOOL THAT STANDS OUTWhat truly distinguishes Meridian among DC public charter schools is its ability to blend academic rigor, artistic expression, community connection, and educator investment within a historic and dynamic urban setting. Meridian is a place where students are known, staff are supported, families are valued, and learning is driven by purpose. Together, Meridian’s students, families, and staff form a vibrant learning community; committed to excellence, grounded in equity, and united by a shared belief in what’s possible when Arts, Language, and Literacy lead the way. Join us as we continue to take Meridian from good to great! For additional information about Meridian visit mpcs-dc.org.

About The PositionMeridian is seeking a Dean of Culture for 2026-27 school year. The Dean of Culture works alongside school leaders, classroom teachers, students, and parents to lead student culture across all grade levels. The Dean provides direct student and teacher support and serves as the primary contact for families for all issues related to student culture, rewards, and discipline. The Dean ensures students are motivated in a positive direction helping them become academically, socially, and emotionally successful at Meridian.

This position reports to the Elementary School Principal. The Dean of Culture will be responsible for duties in the following areas:

• Serve as primary lead for building staff, administrators, students and parents in working with students, creating a positive school climate, and helping students develop a positive sense of self.
• Develop and manage positive behavior support systems and collaborate with school administration, teachers and families to implement them.
• Develop and manage all positive incentives and recognitions (grade specific and school-wide) including honor roll, student of the month, and awards ceremonies.
• Develop, manage, maintain, and track individual student support plans to support students in meeting individual student culture goals including rewards, attendance, and truancy.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and implement disciplinary intervention steps, including PBIS, suspension, trauma-informed education, and community-wide processes.
• Consistently communicate with families on academic and behavior related issues and document these communications.
• Support the student referral system through Student Support Team (SST) participation and the IEP process by providing timely feedback, participating in meetings, and coordinating support documentation.
• Lead assigned professional development for teachers pertaining to student culture.
• Advise parents and/or legal guardians of student progress and achievement, and develop methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Foster student leadership, efficacy, and stewardship.

Safety and Security

• Provide a safe and positive learning environment by actively monitoring students in a variety of educational environments, develop school safety protocols, respond to emergency situations, and resolve immediate safety concerns.
• Devise, monitor, and manage all student supervision plans; provide student supervision for student check-in, breakfast, lunch, dismissal and school-wide events.
• Support the school-wide emergency preparedness team meetings and implementation efforts.

Systems and Operations

• Ensuring Meridian meets all goals and compliance requirements concerning student culture goals, family events, and attendance.
• Collect, enter, and manage student conduct data.
• Prepare and maintain accurate student records as required by the school, and submit such records for both internal and external compliance by established deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by school administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college required; graduate degree in education or counseling preferred.
• At least five years of experience in a school setting as a teacher, instructional coach, counselor, dean, or school leader.
• A proven track record of reaching successful student outcomes in prior roles.

Salary And BenefitsMeridian teachers and staff are compensated competitively for their time and have opportunities to earn additional income through leadership opportunities at the school level, offering extracurricular clubs and sports for students, and facilitating tutoring programs. Compensation for the Manager of Student Health and Wellness will be based on certifications, level of education, and years of experience; the range for this position is $110,000.00-$115,000.00. Additional information about Meridian's competitive benefits package can be found on the Meridian website.

Meridian Public Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School’s EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Meridian PCS prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability. Under this policy, equal employment opportunity is required in recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as required by applicable law.