Upper School Dean of Students

Carney, Sandoe & Associates; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time

Housing available for boarding schools

Job summary

An education recruitment firm seeks an Upper School Dean of Students in San Jose, CA, effective July 1, 2026. The Dean will provide leadership to enhance student well-being and success, oversee student life, and collaborate closely with faculty and administration. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree, with an advanced degree preferred, and strong skills in communication and leadership. Competitive compensation ranges from $130,000 to $175,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Ability to uphold the school’s mission and philosophy in all aspects of student life.
• Warm, approachable, and visible presence on campus.
• Deep understanding of school operations and culture.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of student life in the upper school.
• Collaborate with Class Deans and support student groups.
• Supervise the Attendance Office staff.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Conflict resolution skills

Organizational skills

Ability to inspire and motivate

Understanding of school operations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree strongly preferred

Job description

Upper School Dean of Students

Carney, Sandoe & Associates, an education recruitment firm, has been retained by an independent school in San Jose, CA to find their next Upper School Dean of Students for July 2026.

About CS&A

Our free job placement service connects educators with independent and private schools that align with their specific needs and qualifications. By getting to know each candidate personally, we match them with the right opportunities—saving time and ensuring the best match. Our mission is to help educators find roles where they can truly thrive. We have positions nationwide and internationally.

Summary

Harker seeks an Upper School Dean of Students effective July 1, 2026. The primary goal of the position is to provide leadership that fosters the overall well-being, growth, and success of upper school students, in alignment with the school’s mission. The Dean of Students oversees all aspects of student life in the upper school including discipline. The Dean of Students reports directly to the Upper School Division Head and will work closely with, and provide support to the upper school faculty, student leadership, grade level deans, academic counselors, student activities coordinator, community service director, and attendance coordinator. The Dean of Students plays a central role in cultivating a positive school climate, supporting students’ academic and personal development, and ensuring a kind and respectful community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Student Life & Engagement
  • Collaborate with Class Deans through regular meetings; support class-specific needs and financial paperwork.
  • Support and guide student groups: Student Council, Associated Student Body (ASB), Honor Council, and School Clubs.
  • Partner with the Student Activities Coordinator to develop and maintain the Spirit program and yearly events (e.g., dances, rallies); attendance at major events is required.
  • Oversee the Community Service Director, award programs, and verification of service hours.
  • Create and enforce rules as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook.
  • Maintain records of discipline, including detentions, Saturday Fives, and suspensions.
  • Oversee revisions and publication of the Student/Parent Handbook in coordination with the Office of Communication.
• Emergency Procedures
  • Organize and budget for annual class trips, including frosh orientation, sophomore and junior trips, senior retreat (fall) and senior trip (spring).
  • Organize and oversee student events (e.g., spirit weeks, dances, prom, senior sunrise).
  • Supervise the Attendance Office staff, ensuring accurate records of tardies, absences, truancies, and appeals processes.
  • Manage student lockers (ordering, repairs, assignments, and end‑of‑year checks).
• Community Relations & Traffic
  • Oversee safe and efficient campus traffic flow, including drop‑off/pickup and parking.
  • Communicate traffic guidelines to families, staff, and students to ensure compliance.
  • Serve as liaison with neighbors and community groups, addressing concerns constructively.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Ability to uphold the school’s mission and philosophy in all aspects of student life.
• Ability to synthesize and articulate the school’s student life and disciplinary vision and to inspire and motivate others towards further strengthening the upper school student experience.
• A warm, approachable, and visible presence on campus that invites and respects the views of others, yet is decisive when needed.
• Highly organized, persistent, and able to motivate others to achieve.
• Deep understanding of school operations, mission, and philosophy.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Proficiency with internal school systems and technology.
• Ability to make effective, timely program decisions in response to daily challenges.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.
• Positive, adaptable, and collaborative approach to problem‑solving.

Potential Benefits

Compensation and benefit packages are competitive but will differ by school and will typically depend on geographic location, your experience, and your level of degree.

⛱️ Paid holidays, vacation and personal time

🏠 Housing (boarding schools only)

EEO Statement

Carney Sandoe does not discriminate on the basis of physical handicap, sex, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its services, consulting, events, professional development, or other programs.

Location & Compensation

San Jose, CA
Compensation range: $130,000.00 – $175,000.00