What are the responsibilities and job description for the Upper School Dean of Academics position at Bullis School?
Bullis School seeks a Dean of Academics to serve as the academic point person for the Upper School beginning July 1, 2026. The Dean leads the development and oversight of academic programs, policies, and systems in collaboration with the Head of Upper School, department chairs, and fellow administrators. This role oversees academic advising, scheduling, course registration, exams, and grade reporting, ensuring that the program runs smoothly and that students meet graduation requirements while pursuing appropriately challenging paths of study.
In partnership with the Upper School Leadership Team, Registrar, and College Counselors, the Dean manages the master schedule, coordinates trimester exams (including accommodations), and oversees the yearlong scheduling process. The Dean also collaborates on curriculum review and supports faculty in strengthening instructional practice to ensure coherence across grade levels and disciplines.
This is a 12-month administrative position reporting to the Head of the Upper School and may include teaching up to one course per trimester, depending on expertise and need.
Grounded in a sense of caring and intellectual purpose, Upper School students embrace academic challenges and pursue artistic, athletic, and service opportunities that promote individual and collective growth. The dean of Academics plays a central role in maintaining the strength, integrity, and clarity of the Upper School academic program, ensuring that students are supported in their growth as reflective, engaged, and capable learners.
Working at Bullis means being a part of a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development. We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits that make it an ideal place to build a thriving career.
If you are passionate about education and want to make a difference in the lives of young individuals, we want to hear from you
Qualifications:Essential Functions
Academic Advising
- Communicate the academic program and policies to the community to ensure informed and consistent understanding; address student and parent inquiries about the academic program in collaboration with department chairs and the US Leadership Team
- Advise students on academic program requirements that align with their needs and interests
- Collaborate with various stakeholders (students, parents, faculty, administrators, and college counselors) on the yearlong scheduling process for approximately 600-50 students, including mid-year transfer and potential transfer students
- Work as and with course selection coaches to advise new and returning students
- Maintain accurate records of coursework taken (in conjunction with the registrar) and graduation requirements still outstanding
- Collaborate with the Registrar and College Counselors to review incoming student files and verify the satisfaction of our credit requirements for graduation as accepted by Bullis.
- Participate in student concerns meetings and support the execution of support plans in connection with learning support, deans, and counselors
- Attend and help lead events related to the US Academics Program at Bullis.
Program Management and Oversight
- Build the master schedule in consultation with the Head of Upper School, Department Chairs, and Head and Assistant Head of Middle School, working to avoid as many conflicts as possible
- Oversee faculty room assignments and scheduling as well as Advisory and Study Hall scheduling
- Lead coordination of the Upper School trimester exam process, including managing specific student accommodations in collaboration with the Registrar and US Leadership Team.
- Plan the student report deadlines calendar for interim, mid-trimester, and final grades
- Oversee faculty submission of grade reports (including grades, effort grades, exam grades, and comments) at each grade reporting period in partnership with the Department Chairs and Registrar
- Communicate publication of grade reports to students and families
- Oversee the teacher comment process for mid-trimester 2 and 3 and review department chair grades for each trimester
- Oversee the student add/drop process in each trimester
- Lead and manage the Upper School course registration process: gather information for course registration, including student eligibility, update and publish course offerings through course selection materials for course coaches and student workbooks; prepare the student database for course registration
- Create US Special Schedules in consultation with the US and MS Leadership Teams
- Coordinate Independent Study Program as needed
Curriculum & Pedagogy
- Partner with the Head of the Upper School and department chairs to set the tone and direction for US curricular work and instruction, guided by curricular trends and research
- Coordinate the regular review of the upper school academic program including curriculum mapping, benchmarking academic programs, measuring student outcomes, graduation requirements, grading, and approach to instruction to evaluate effectiveness and to ensure a consistent experience for students across grade levels, disciplines, and divisions
- Work collaboratively with the Head of Upper School, department chairs, and Associate Head of School to oversee the development and approval of new courses that are aligned with the direction of the Upper School academic program
- Evaluate and update the school’s academic policies with the Head of Upper School and Associate Head of School
- Collaborate with the Head of the Upper School to design activities for instructional staff meetings
- Partner with department chairs to evaluate and update academic course offerings, including coordinating the revision and maintenance of the US portion of the K-12 Curriculum Guide
- Provide ongoing support for faculty with pedagogy, subject area knowledge, and mission effectiveness to promote high standards in the implementation and delivery of the curriculum
Teaching
- Teach up to one course per trimester in the area of the individual’s expertise as needed
Other Duties
- Other tasks as assigned by the Head of Upper School
- Reviews admission files for 9th-12th grade applicants
- Participates in the recruitment and hiring of faculty
- Serves on committee to review and approve faculty renewal grant proposals
- Continued professional development endeavors
Qualities
- An appreciation and respect for high school-aged students as learners and people, through challenging and joyful moments alike
- Use of reflection and feedback aimed at continued growth in the field of teaching and working with young people
- Commitment and knowledge to work with, teach, and lead groups of diverse individuals in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways
- Deep developmental knowledge of this age group and their needs as well as familiarity with current pedagogy and innovative curricular practices
- Maintains a proactive approach to problem-solving
- Good cheer, humor, and warmth, balanced by professionalism and sound judgment
- Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of effectively and efficiently managing multiple tasks and demands on attention
- Ability to make good judgments and maintain confidentiality
- Culturally responsive and emotionally intelligent communication skills with students, families, and colleagues
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Education and Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a specific academic field
- Minimum of five years teaching experience focused on students in grades 9-12
Preferred:
- Minimum three years administrative experience in grades 9-12
- Master’s Degree in Education or related field
Compensation and benefits are competitive, with an anticipated salary range of $90,000 to $115,000.
Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-provided basic life insurance
- Employer-provided short-term and long-term disability
- 401(k) employer match and safe harbor contribution, up to 7% of annual compensation
- Paid leave
Salary : $90,000 - $115,000