DEAN OF SCHOOL CLIMATE & CULTURE (2026/27 SCHOOL YEAR)

Elizabeth Seton High School (ESHS) is a Catholic, secondary, college preparatory school for young women founded in 1959 by the Daughters of Charity. Located in Prince George’s County, a close suburb of Washington, DC, the school attracts students from surrounding counties and the District of Columbia. Elizabeth Seton is committed to providing students with an integrated program that stresses moral values, academic excellence, civic responsibility, and community service. The community reflects a broad ethnic, cultural, and economic diversity contributing to the rich learning environment.  For more information about the school, including our guiding principles, please visit www.setonhs.org.

Job Summary

This role involves overseeing school culture, creating and managing a positive behavioral support system, and overseeing student discipline. The Dean of School Climate and Culture plays an important role in creating a positive and supportive environment for students while ensuring adherence to school policies and standards. The Dean of School Climate and Culture also serves as an equity-driven leader responsible for ensuring all staff and students are valued, respected, and included in building a school culture of belonging and well-being. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Student Well-being Functions:

• Monitor and support students’ mental, emotional, social, and behavioral health.
• Collaborate with counselors, teachers, and parents to ensure holistic student support.
• Ensure students understand and follow the ESHS code of conduct; supervise consistent and fair application of rules.
• Investigate incidents of misconduct with transparency and due process, making fair, informed decisions.
• Provide guidance to students with challenging behaviors, emphasizing growth, accountability, and positive change.
• Communicate proactively and collaboratively with parents and staff on both positive progress and concerns.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of student behavior and disciplinary actions.
• Partner with teachers to integrate character education, positive behavior reinforcement, and meaningful incentives/consequences.
• Respond to crises or emergencies related to student behavior.
• Conduct school culture walkthroughs to uphold high standards of excellence.

2. ESHS Climate and Culture Functions:

• Create a culture of joy, inclusivity, and school spirit that fosters pride in ESHS.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families before discipline issues arise.
• Promote respect for all members of the community and model firm yet compassionate leadership.
• Oversee the Big Sister/Little Sister Program.
• Managing the Peer Mediation Program.
• Remain visible and approachable in classrooms, hallways, and at events, maintaining an open-door policy for students and staff.
• Attend to the physical and social environment (cleanliness, tone, and atmosphere) as part of climate leadership.
• Facilitate student leadership, councils, and involvement in extracurriculars, Spirit Week, and traditions.
• Support faculty with consistent classroom management, coaching, and cultural expectations, while overseeing student attendance, punctuality, and tardiness to ensure accountability and a positive school climate.
• Develop strategies and professional development to celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and Catholic identity.
• Use data (belonging surveys, attendance, suspensions) to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Educational Administration/Leadership, Counseling, Psychology, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, ideally in a Catholic school; classroom teaching experience valued.
• Knowledge of positive behavior interventions, adolescent psychology, restorative practices, and/or counseling strategies.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain/maintain).
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to support school events.

Skills:

• The capacity to apply policies with consistency, transparency, and sound judgment.
• Skilled at handling tense situations with composure.
• A commitment to engaging in school life and remaining accessible to students and staff.
• The capability to respect and celebrate diversity while modeling Catholic/ESHS values.
• Talent for fostering student confidence, resilience, and leadership.
• Strength in collaborating with teachers and staff to align expectations.
• Willingness to model humility and professionalism.

Elizabeth Seton High School, an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law in the administration of its employment practices.

Salary : $70,000 - $100,000