26-27 Middle School Director of Culture

About Digital Pioneers Academy

Digital Pioneers Academy is a tuition-free public charter middle and high school, open to all students. We empower students to develop marketable computer science skills and habits of innovation so they can experience a future of choice.

“Digital Pioneers Academy will prepare your child to harness the power of technology, not only to drive their own future success, but also to transform our world for the better.”

– Mashea Ashton

Position Summary

The Director of School Culture serves as the leader of student culture and behavior systems for the Middle School, ensuring that every scholar experiences a safe, structured, joyful, and academically focused learning environment. The Director of School Culture is responsible for building and maintaining a positive school culture that promotes scholar achievement, character development, attendance, and belonging.

The Director of School Culture works closely with school leadership, teachers, scholars, and families to establish clear expectations, implement restorative and accountability-based practices, and create systems that support scholar success. Through strong relationships, data-driven decision making, and consistent execution, the Director of School Culture ensures that school culture reflects Digital Pioneers Academy’s mission and values.

At DPA, we operate as a team with one mission. We attract leaders with a successful track record of developing authentic relationships with scholars, families, and professional peers. With a collective mission to develop the next generation of innovators, our educators develop scholars to not only consume, but create the digital economy.

Responsibilities

School Culture Leadership

• Lead the vision, implementation, and continuous improvement of Middle School culture systems.
• Establish and maintain clear expectations for scholar behavior, attendance, uniforms, transitions, and school-wide routines.
• Ensure consistent implementation of behavior management systems across classrooms and common spaces.
• Collaborate with school leadership to create a positive, safe, and inclusive school environment.
• Develop and lead school-wide culture initiatives, celebrations, incentives, and recognition programs.

Scholar Support and Behavior Management

• Serve as the primary administrator for significant student behavior concerns.
• Facilitate restorative conversations, mediations, and re-entry meetings following disciplinary incidents.
• Partner with counselors, families, and staff to develop intervention plans for scholars requiring additional support.
• Monitor behavior trends and proactively implement interventions to improve scholar outcomes.
• Maintain accurate documentation of behavior incidents and disciplinary actions.

Attendance and Family Engagement

• Monitor scholar attendance and collaborate with families to address chronic absenteeism.
• Build strong relationships with scholars and families to promote engagement and school connectedness.
• Lead family meetings related to behavior, attendance, and scholar support plans.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding scholar progress, expectations, and celebrations.

Staff Coaching and Development

• Coach and support teachers in effective classroom management and culture-building practices.
• Provide professional development related to restorative practices, behavior management, and student engagement.
• Partner with instructional leaders to ensure culture and academics are aligned.
• Support onboarding and training of new staff members on school culture systems and expectations.

Operations and Data Management

• Analyze culture, behavior, attendance, and climate data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop action plans to improve attendance, reduce behavior incidents, and strengthen school culture.
• Ensure compliance with all school, district, and legal requirements related to student discipline and documentation.
• Support school-wide events, student activities, and community-building initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Three or more years of successful teaching, dean, culture, student affairs, or school leadership experience.
• Experience driving strong student culture outcomes in an urban public or charter school setting.
• Demonstrated success building relationships with scholars, families, and staff.
• Experience coaching and developing adults preferred.
• Strong understanding of restorative practices, behavior systems, and positive school culture strategies.
• Belief in and alignment with Digital Pioneers Academy's mission and educational philosophy.
• Evidence of self-motivation, diligence, and willingness to be a team player.
• Strong interpersonal skills and high moral character.

Success in This Role

• Safe, joyful, and academically focused school culture.
• Strong scholar attendance and engagement.
• Reduction in behavior incidents and repeat disciplinary referrals.
• Consistent implementation of school-wide culture systems.
• Positive scholar, family, and staff satisfaction.
• Strong family communication and partnership.
• Effective coaching and support of teachers and staff.
• Strong organizational skills with careful attention to detail and follow-through.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills