Dean of Students (2027-2028 School Year)

DSST Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 78,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Fertility & adoption support

Wellness program

Grocery discounts

Job summary

DSST Public Schools in Colorado is seeking a Dean of Students for middle and high school campuses in Denver and Aurora. This is a full-time, in-person role beginning Summer 2027 with administrator training.

The Dean will lead school culture, coach staff, and build partnerships with families to support student belonging and achievement. You'll work across multiple campuses, shape discipline and engagement strategies, and promote equitable, inclusive practices that help every student thrive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution OR current enrollment in a DSST-approved degree program.
• Strong belief in the potential of every student and a commitment to educational equity and culturally responsive practices.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to reflection, professional growth, and developing a school culture where students and staff can thrive.

Responsibilities

• Lead and strengthen schoolwide culture systems grounded in DSST's core values and high expectations.
• Coach teachers and leaders to build positive classroom cultures and support student engagement.
• Use behavior, attendance, and culture data to identify trends and improve systems.
• Develop strong relationships with students, families, and staff to support belonging and achievement.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Problem-solving

Educational equity mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree

Enrollment in DSST-approved degree program

Job description

Thank you for your interest in joining DSST Public Schools for the 2027-28 school year! Please note that final interviews for these positions are expected to begin by February 2027. If you have questions or need to be considered on a different timeline, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Talent Team at [e-mail]. We're excited to learn more about you throughout the hiring process!

POSITION: Dean of Students

GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both middle school and high school positions

LOCATION: Multiple DSST Public Schools locations across Denver and Aurora, Colorado. View current openings.

SALARY: $77,500-$92,500 based on up to 10 years of aligned experience. We also offer a relocation stipend for candidates moving from more than 75 miles outside Denver!

STATUS: Full-time, year-round, benefits-eligible, exempt, in-person position

START: Summer 2027, beginning with new administrator training. Specific start date will be confirmed closer to the beginning of the school year. View the school-year calendar.

Build a School Culture Where Every Student Can Thrive!

At DSST Public Schools, we believe a strong, joyful school culture is essential to student success. We're looking for passionate, relationship-driven leaders who believe that every student deserves to feel a sense of belonging, be challenged to grow, and have access to an exceptional education.

As a Dean of Students, you'll be a key school culture leader, working alongside students, teachers, families, and school leadership to build an inclusive, structured, and supportive school community. You'll coach and develop staff, lead schoolwide culture systems, and provide individualized student support to help all students thrive academically and personally.

Why Join DSST as a Dean of Students?

• Shape a Joyful, Inclusive School Culture: Play a central role in creating a school community where students feel known, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.
• Lead & Develop Others: Coach teachers and grade-level leaders, strengthen classroom culture, and help build systems that support student engagement and success.
• Grow as a School Leader: Gain meaningful schoolwide leadership experience and participate in DSST's Culture Leadership Development Series alongside leaders across our network.

Explore School Leadership at DSST: Interested in growing your career as a school leader? Visit our School Leadership webpage to learn more about our leadership approach, professional development opportunities, and the community of leaders you'll join.

See Student Culture Leadership in Action at DSST!

• Growing as a School Leader at DSST: Hear how Dean Malik Burton developed his leadership skills through DSST's Advanced Leadership Cohort.

What You'll Do

Lead a Strong, Supportive School Culture

• Lead and strengthen schoolwide culture systems grounded in DSST's core values, high expectations, and a deep commitment to student belonging and achievement.
• Manage schoolwide culture initiatives, including Morning Meetings, community celebrations, and systems that promote positive student behavior.
• Use student behavior, attendance, and school culture data to identify trends, evaluate effectiveness, and continuously improve schoolwide systems.
• Partner with teachers and school leaders to develop consistent, supportive classroom cultures that promote student engagement and success.

Coach & Develop Students and Staff

• Coach and develop teachers, grade-level leaders, and other staff members to strengthen culture practices and achieve schoolwide goals.
• Build strong relationships with students through individual, small-group, and schoolwide interactions that reinforce expectations, belonging, and personal growth.
• Lead and monitor individualized student behavior plans and intervention systems, collaborating with Special Education and mental health teams to ensure students receive appropriate support.

Build Strong Family & Community Partnerships

• Develop trusting, collaborative relationships with families and communicate proactively about student growth, academic progress, and behavioral supports.
• Partner with families, teachers, and school leaders to address student needs, respond to concerns, and develop solutions that support student success.
• Support schoolwide family engagement and community-building efforts that strengthen relationships and a shared commitment to student achievement.

Strengthen Schoolwide Leadership & Systems

• Collaborate with the school leadership team to identify priorities, solve complex challenges, and implement effective, sustainable systems.
• Support schoolwide initiatives, including staff recruitment and hiring, student recruitment and retention, and transitions between middle and high school.
• Partner with DSST's Home Office and network leaders on professional development, school culture initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.

Depending on school needs, additional responsibilities may include instructional coaching, teaching a course, advising students, or supporting other schoolwide priorities.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution OR current enrollment in a DSST-approved degree program working toward completion of a bachelor's degree.
• A strong belief in the potential of every student and a commitment to educational equity and culturally responsive practices.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to reflection, professional growth, and developing a school culture where students and staff can thrive.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching experience and/or experience coaching or leading educators.
• At least 3 years of experience working with students in middle or high school settings (grades 6–12).
• Experience leading student culture initiatives, behavior interventions, or schoolwide systems.
• Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including students of color, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners.

We know great school leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences! If you're excited about this opportunity but have questions about your qualifications or eligibility, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Talent Team at [e-mail]. We'd love to hear from you!

Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven't heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don't see an email there, reach out to us at [e-mail] . We're committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024-25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people

Why Work at DSST?

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.