Dean of Academics

POSITION: Dean of Academics

LOCATION: Archway Scottsdale (16648 N 94th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260)

REPORTS TO: Headmaster

FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Salary

Position Summary: The Dean of Academics manages academic and instructional matters at the school, as requested by the Headmaster, to support learning. He/she acts as an essential liaison for families, students, faculty and staff regarding student performance, strong instruction, and curricular alignment. The Dean of Academics reports directly to the Headmaster.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitors student performance according to grade level, subject area, and teacher.

• Collaborates with faculty and parents to improve the academic performance of struggling or “at risk” students, including design and implementation of academic improvement plans.

• Communicates with students and parents of students struggling in any aspect of academic performance.

• Develops and implements a school-wide intervention program.

• Assists in academic program implementations and curricular alignment for all subjects.

• Coordinates with relevant Great Hearts Lead Office Staff regarding academic, curricular, and instructional matters as needed.

• Assists the Headmaster in the review of new classroom materials, resources, and methods.

• Tracks standardized and benchmark test scores and prepares and advises strategies for score improvement.

• Prepares and delivers academic performance reports as requested to Headmaster.

• Assists in planning and execution of teacher training, teacher in-service days, and faculty meetings as requested by the Headmaster.

• Participates in the advisement and formation of teachers.

• Assists Headmaster and Asst. Headmaster in classroom observations and evaluations of faculty as requested.

• Conducts meetings with individual faculty members to improve classroom performance, teacher grade reports, and standardized test performance as directed by the Headmaster.

• Serves as liaison between general education and the academy Special Education team, counselors, 504 Coordinators, and any other consultants working with the school.

• Teaches or substitutes when necessary.

• Assists Headmaster in planning and execution of events pertaining to academic matters (parent nights, open houses, etc.).

• Ensures academic compliance with legal requirements of government regulations and agencies; maintains the educational standards established by the state.

• Participates in periodic Great Hearts professional development activities with other academy leaders and the faculty of other academies at the discretion of the Headmaster.

Qualifications, Competencies & Strengths

Education: Bachelor’s degree at minimum.

Experience: At least 2 years of prior teaching experience or equivalent experience in the field required. At least 2 years of experience in a liberal arts institution or knowledge in the delivery of a Great Books core curriculum are strongly preferred.

Competencies & Strengths

• Understands the Great Hearts curriculum across multiple subjects and grade levels

• Skilled in instructional coaching and development of teachers

• Maintains excellent time management and interpersonal skills

• Understands academic data and effective methods of academic intervention

• Maintains a passionate commitment, a servant’s heart, and a team player approach

Additional Requirements

Type of fingerprint clearance: Must pass state specific fingerprint clearance.

Physical functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.

Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. 

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.