Dean of Scholars at Propel Braddock Hills Campus

Title: Dean of Scholars at Propel Braddock Hills Campus

Propel Braddock Hills seeks a Dean of Scholars. This position is open immediately and is a year-round position.

Job Summary: 

Propel Charter Schools seeks a Dean of Scholars, who will serve in a critical role in cultivating a rigorous and scholar-centered academic environment. The Dean of Scholars will be responsible for fostering a culture of high academic expectations, accountability, and support. This role focuses on ensuring that all scholars are equipped to achieve their fullest potential - academically, socially, and emotionally. This role will work in close partnership with school leadership, educators, families, and support staff to monitor scholar performance, provide academic interventions, and champion equitable opportunities for success. Through a combination of instructional leadership, data-driven decision making, and relationship building, the Dean will help drive scholar outcomes while nurturing a safe and empowering school climate.

Essential Responsibilities:

Scholar Support and Development:

• Oversee the implementation of positive behavior intervention and support strategies to promote a positive school climate.
• Ensure implementation of the Propel Habits within classrooms and in school wide activities
• Be a member of the Propel Habits Committee and fulfill all requirements of that committee 
• Manage scholar discipline, ensuring fair and consistent application of school policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with school counselors, mental health professionals, and other support staff to provide individualized interventions and resources.
• Respond to scholar concerns and inquiries, providing guidance and support to navigate school challenges.
• Assist new scholars with transitioning to the school community.

Attendance Management:

• Oversee all scholar attendance matters, collaborating with educators and Pupil Services teams to address truancy.
• Investigate attendance issues and assign appropriate consequences, ensuring all absences are adjudicated fairly and in accordance with state law and school policy.
• Communicate effectively with parents, educators, and relevant personnel regarding attendance concerns.
• Advise scholars and parents on strategies to improve attendance and maintain positive academic progress.

Leadership and Management:

• Provide visionary leadership for the school, setting high expectations for scholar success and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
• Supervise and evaluate staff responsible for scholar support services.
• Mentor and coach staff to develop their skills and knowledge in supporting scholars.
• Develop and implement data-driven plans to monitor scholar progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Represent the school at community events, advocating for scholar needs and promoting the school's mission.

Safety and Security:

•  Partner with the Principal and other administrators to create a safe and secure learning environment for all scholars.
• Oversee the development and implementation of emergency preparedness plans and procedures.
• Partner with the Principal to ensure adequate coverage at all school events requiring supervision.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and community partners to address safety concerns.
• Supervise scholars during transitions and extracurricular activities.
• Collaborate with the Principal in developing and implementing practices that promote campus control and security.
• Patrol buildings and grounds in conjunction with other staff members.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and policies.

Investigation and Facilitation:

• Follow established school and district protocols for conducting investigations. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, and consulting with legal counsel or other experts.
• Investigate scholar conduct issues, such as cheating, vandalism, drug possession...etc.
• Ensure confidentiality for all parties involved while upholding fair and impartial procedures for all.
• Facilitate mediation between involved parties to seek a mutually agreeable resolution when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of the investigation process and its findings.
•  Inform the appropriate school administrators and authorities about the investigation findings and recommended actions. This may include reporting to law enforcement in cases of criminal activity.
• Communicate with parents and scholars involved, providing updates and information about the investigation and its outcomes.
• Collaborate with school staff and stakeholders to develop and implement prevention strategies and training programs to address bullying, Title IX violations, and other concerns.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or related field requires; Master’s degree preferred
2. Minimum of three years of experience in education or youth development
3. Demonstrated ability to manage scholar behavior in a firm, fair, and compassionate manner
4. Knowledge of data analysis and assessment practices
5. Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
6. Strong interpersonal, com, and organizational skills
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with scholars, parents, staff, and the community
8. Skilled in mediating conflicts, facilitating productive conversations, and finding mutually
9. agreeable solutions.
10. Adept at building strong relationships and collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
11. Ability to critically analyze situations, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.
12. Strong understanding of child development, adolescent psychology, and learning theories.
13. In-depth knowledge of school discipline policies, district regulations, and relevant state and federal laws relating to scholars.
14. Skills in interpreting scholar data, analyzing trends, and using data to inform decision-making.
15. Proficiency in educational technology tools and platforms used for communication, recordkeeping, and resource management.

Benefits:

• Compensation: Propel provides a competitive salary based on relevant prior work experience
• Relocation Allowance: A relocation allowance for new hires moving to the area from 60 miles away or further. 
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plan options at a low cost for individual employees and families. 
• Retirement: New hires participate in a 403(b); Propel contributes 5% automatically and matches up to 4%. This increases after 5 years. 
• Paid Leave: In addition to 2 paid Wellness Days annually, you receive 5 sick days and 10 Personal Days and accrue vacation days
• Tuition Assistance: Reimbursement of up to $3,000 annually upon completion of course and receipt of grades for coursework that meets our eligibility requirements. 
• Wellness Benefit: Reimbursement of $20 per month for wellness activities including Gym Memberships, health programs, etc. Additionally, staff have the ability to earn up to $300 for participation in a Wellness Program each year.
• Professional Development: At Propel, we believe in supporting growth and provide substantial school-based and network-wide professional development support 
• Leadership & Career Development: Leadership opportunities are extensive at Propel, both in and outside of the classroom. Staff have the opportunity to apply for Leadership Pathways as content, grade level or other school-based support roles which allow for experience in many different areas including Content, Wellness, Technology and more.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to walk around the classroom at least 75% of the time while engaging with scholars.
• The person in this position constantly operates a computer and other technology in the classroom to support instruction.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with various internal and external stakeholders regarding curriculum, instruction and assessment. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• When deemed age and/or developmentally appropriate, assist students in daily personal tasks (i.e.-tying shoes, assisting with coats, escorting to busses, and etc.)

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Organizational Overview

Propel Schools is the largest network of public charter schools in Allegheny County consisting of 13 schools and approximately 4,000 scholars. Our mission is to provide high-quality schools to underserved communities. Each of our schools provide a rigorous academic environment and small class sizes where educators focus on providing each scholar with support and individualized attention. With one of the top starting teacher salaries in Allegheny County, a customizable benefits package and extraordinary career and professional  development opportunities, Propel Schools is one of the area’s premier education organizations.