Administrative Dean - Junior School

Reporting to the Junior School Principal, the K-1 Administrative Dean will be a vital member of the Junior School Administrative Team. As an educator at heart who understands and champions both students and teachers, the Dean will attend vigorously to the student experience while actively supporting families as they integrate into life and learning at Punahou. The Dean will maintain a strong presence in classrooms, getting to know students, observing learning, and supporting faculty in creating the best conditions for young children's growth and development.

Job Duties

The K-1 Administrative Dean will manage the day-to-day operations of the K-1 neighborhood, oversee faculty and staff, coordinate grade level events, and handle student placement. The Dean will work collaboratively with the K-5 Assistant Principal, serve as a liaison to other divisions and departments, and play a key role in admissions outreach and parent education. This position requires someone who balances confident leadership with supportive partnership, respects faculty time and expertise, and maintains transparency in all communications. The position will continue to evolve to meet the needs of students and the school. Job duties include, but are not limited to:

Instructional & Student Support

• Ensure an age-appropriate student experience aligned with the Junior School Vision.
• Maintain a regular presence in K-1 classrooms to observe learning and support faculty.
• Provide guidance to parents and faculty to ensure student needs are met.
• Communicate effectively with parents, educating families on relevant developmental and educational topics for K-1 students (ages 5-7).
• Handle challenging conversations with professionalism and composure, basing decisions on research, best practices, and student welfare.
  
  

Faculty & Staff Leadership

• Supervise K-1 faculty and staff, demonstrating trust in professional judgment.
• Build strong relationships with teachers through regular conversations and meetings to foster community.
• Support faculty in their interactions with parents.
• Provide comprehensive onboarding for new faculty and structured support for Assistant Teachers.
• Plan and execute purposeful and efficient meetings.
• Facilitate personnel changes in consultation with the Assistant Principal and Principal.
  
  

Operations, Admissions, and Collaboration

• Oversee student placement for K-1 classrooms, maintaining an understanding of classroom culture and student needs.
• Manage day-to-day operations and administrative aspects of K-1 programs and events.
• Consult with the K-5 Assistant Principal on the division budget.
• Collaborate with administrators across campus to support the school's mission.
• Participate in the admissions process by speaking to prospective families on select Saturdays and supporting admissions events.
• Work with Counselors, Learning Support Specialists, and faculty to support students' academic and socio-emotional development.
• Demonstrate a strong personal and professional code of ethics that protects confidentiality.
  
  

Position Details

• Work Year: 12 month
• School Year: 2026-2027
• Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. Must be flexible to work beyond scheduled hours and/or weekends.
• Minimum Annual Salary Range*: $126,000 - Salary is commensurate with qualifications.
• Punahou School offers a comprehensive total rewards program that includes competitive pay and benefits. The pay rate, if displayed, is the minimum hourly rate for the position. Pay for selected candidates will be determined by various factors such as knowledge, skills, abilities, relevant training and experience, and internal equity.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Education.
• Seven (7) years of experience working in schools, with significant experience in early childhood education settings (Pre-K through 2nd grade)
• Direct classroom teaching experience with 5-7 year olds; strong candidate will possess both breadth and depth of knowledge in early childhood education, including working with children and families in this age group
• Supervisory and leadership experience in an educational setting
• Understanding of Punahou's culture, traditions, and philosophy, as well as values of the local community; experience working in an independent school setting is highly preferred
• Ability to navigate difficult conversations with parents and faculty with professionalism and composure
• Strong public speaking skills and comfort presenting to large audiences