Dean of Student Life

TITLE: DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE

CLASSIFICATION: FULL-TIME,
EXEMPT    

REPORTS TO: PRINCIPAL

DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATIVE 

Overview of Position:

The Dean of Student Life is a key member of the administrative team and is responsible for cultivating a Christ-centered environment and culture at Calvin Christian School. This role provides leadership in student life, discipleship, restorative discipline, and community engagement, supporting the spiritual, social, and emotional formation of students.

The Dean of Student Life partners closely with the Principall and collaborates with school leadership to oversee student life across academics, activities, athletics, and extracurricular programs. This role also supports Volunteers in Partnership (VIP), Calvin’s parent organization, strengthening the partnership between home and school.

The Dean of Student Life reports directly to the Principal, and serves in accordance with Board-established policies, and is evaluated annually based on established goals and performance metrics aligned with the school’s mission. The Dean serves on the administrative and education team.

Essential Duties

Student Life, Discipline & Discipleship

• Articulate and model a Christian philosophy of education consistent with Scripture and Calvin Christian School’s Statement of Faith, Basis of Instruction, and mission.
• Develop, administer, and oversee student life and disciplinary procedures using restorative practices.
• Receive and respond to student referrals; collaborate with students, families, and staff to address concerns and support growth.
• Lead and oversee the chapel program, ensuring alignment with school-wide spiritual formation goals.
• Support discipleship opportunities across grade levels.

Collaboration & Administration

• Collaborate with the Principal, Counselor, Student Services Teacher, and staff to support student needs and implement interventions.
• Assist in developing and evaluating programs for students requiring additional behavioral or social-emotional support.
• Provide administrative oversight and support to Athletics and Extended Care.
• Participate in emergency preparedness planning, safety drills, and maintenance of safety plans.
• Maintain appropriate records related to student interventions and attendance.

Students, Families & Community

• Supervise students before and after school and during daily transitions and activities.
• Monitor attendance and lead attendance improvement efforts in partnership with families.
• Support students with behavioral needs through classroom support, individual meetings, and collaboration with families, including development of Individualized Behavior Plans as needed.
• Serve as a liaison to extracurricular and after-school programs, seeking meaningful enrichment opportunities.
• Plan and support parent engagement opportunities, including seminars and gatherings.
• Collaborate with Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) to strengthen parent involvement and community life.
• Work with the Principal to ensure a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment.
• Provide oversight of the Calvin Cafe, including snack bar operations, spirit wear sales, and event-based coordination.

Leadership & Culture

• Model professional conduct, demeanor, and appearance appropriate to a visible leadership role within the school community.
• Foster a positive, encouraging school culture for students, families, and staff.
• Exercise sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and consistent enforcement of policies.
• Articulate the value of Christian education to prospective families.
  

Other Duties

• Participate in Board functions as requested by the Principal.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience:

• Professional Educator License preferred.
• Experience working in a school setting and with children.

Spiritual Qualifications:

• Profess a personal and mature commitment to faith in Jesus Christ.
• Fully affirm and actively support Calvin Christian School’s Statement of Faith, Foundational Beliefs, and mission.
• Demonstrate a strong Christian testimony and a life of faith and prayer.

Skills & Competencies

• Discernment, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Relational, approachable, and professional demeanor.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Visionary, energetic, and collaborative leadership style.
• Proactive problem-solving and sound decision-making abilities.
• Cultural competency and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to prioritize, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Intermediate computer skills.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Athletic Director
• Extended Care Director
• Volunteers in Partnership (VIP)

Required Hours 

Monday through Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm, 40 hours per week. Note: non-traditional hours - occassional weekends, early mornings, and evenings are required for meetings, events, open house, etc. This role follows an academic-year-aligned schedule. The Dean of Student Life is expected to work up to two weeks after the school year concludes in June and return the first week of August.

Pay & Benefits

This position is salary based and is eligible for benefits (403b, Self Care Time, Health and Vision). Salary ranges between $53,000-$77,000 commensurate with experience.

Physical Requirements

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Must be able to work in a stressful work environment.  
• The employee is regularly required to sit, walk, talk, read, see and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to type, handle, or feel and reach. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Travel Requirements

No regular travel required.  There may be some professional development opportunities that require travel or some off-campus meetings.

Working Conditions 

Work is performed in a typical office environment. Must be able to work in an open office setting with moderate noise levels. 

Employment Notices/Disclosures

Equal Employment Opportunity

Calvin Christian School is open to students from homes where Christ is honored and served. No discrimination on the basis of race, sex, or national origin is made in the admission of students or the employment of staff.

Background Check Requirement

Final candidates will be required to complete a background check, consistent with applicable laws.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Notice

Calvin Christian School will ensure that all background checks are conducted in compliance with all applicable federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and all other applicable laws and regulations. The information that can be collected from previous employers and other sources will be limited to that which is lawful and job-related.