What are the responsibilities and job description for the Middle School Dean of Student Life position at San Francisco Friends School?
Starting in the 2026-2027 Academic Year
Academic Year Position
The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning. By example and commitment, we hope to inspire all connected with our school to work together toward a peaceful and caring society. For further information about San Francisco Friends School’s beginnings, mission, and philosophy, please visit our website at www.sffriendsschool.org.
The school seeks teachers and administrators who resonate with the Friends School mission, which provides an exemplary education in a community dedicated to problem-solving, service to others, simplicity, social justice, and quiet reflection. Our Quaker mission also compels us to create a diverse and inclusive community; we seek a person who will thrive and contribute to such a community, both within and beyond the walls of the school.
Job Summary
San Francisco Friends School (SFFS) seeks an enthusiastic, flexible, and student-centered educator to serve as the Dean of Student Life to inspire and support students in grades 5-8. In partnership with the Middle School Head, the Dean of Student Life will support the academic life and social/emotional experience of the Middle School students. The ideal candidate brings experience creating and managing student programs, a deep understanding of the unique developmental needs of students at each grade level, and experience working through complex situations with teachers, advisors, and parents. They should demonstrate a commitment to fostering curiosity, collaboration, and resilience in a diverse learning community.
Rooted in Quaker values of community, equity, and reflection, the Dean will manage a system that responds to student issues and address community needs with patience, a wide perspective, and a focus on restorative practices. The position requires someone who is deeply student-centered, mission-aligned, and committed to creating a meaningful and impactful student experience in and out of the classroom
Duties And Responsibilities
Response to Student Behavior/Concerns:
The San Francisco Friends School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, marital status or any other category protected by law. The school also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities; candidates who need accommodations in order to apply for this position should request an accommodation as part of the submission of interest.
Employment Clearances Required
Academic Year Position
The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning. By example and commitment, we hope to inspire all connected with our school to work together toward a peaceful and caring society. For further information about San Francisco Friends School’s beginnings, mission, and philosophy, please visit our website at www.sffriendsschool.org.
The school seeks teachers and administrators who resonate with the Friends School mission, which provides an exemplary education in a community dedicated to problem-solving, service to others, simplicity, social justice, and quiet reflection. Our Quaker mission also compels us to create a diverse and inclusive community; we seek a person who will thrive and contribute to such a community, both within and beyond the walls of the school.
Job Summary
San Francisco Friends School (SFFS) seeks an enthusiastic, flexible, and student-centered educator to serve as the Dean of Student Life to inspire and support students in grades 5-8. In partnership with the Middle School Head, the Dean of Student Life will support the academic life and social/emotional experience of the Middle School students. The ideal candidate brings experience creating and managing student programs, a deep understanding of the unique developmental needs of students at each grade level, and experience working through complex situations with teachers, advisors, and parents. They should demonstrate a commitment to fostering curiosity, collaboration, and resilience in a diverse learning community.
Rooted in Quaker values of community, equity, and reflection, the Dean will manage a system that responds to student issues and address community needs with patience, a wide perspective, and a focus on restorative practices. The position requires someone who is deeply student-centered, mission-aligned, and committed to creating a meaningful and impactful student experience in and out of the classroom
Duties And Responsibilities
Response to Student Behavior/Concerns:
- Create and manage a student behavior system, including clearly articulating policies, standard responses, and restorative practices, maintaining discipline records, tracking intervention patterns, and guiding responses grounded in a Quaker approach.
- Respond to escalated student issues, supporting students and teachers with clear, consistent follow-up, including partnering with advisors regarding communication home after initial intervention. Follow up with MS Head where necessary.
- Coordinate communication among student-facing teams via kid talk meetings, meeting with SLS/Counseling teams, and checking in with A3 teams and the nurse to ensure best support of students.
- Oversee MS Club program and manage student council.
- Support work of MS Field Studies/Service Coordinator and chaperone 2 of 4 MS Field studies overnight programs.
- Organize MS participation in assemblies, special events, and All MS Morning Meeting gatherings.
- Work with the Director of Institutional Equity and Belonging regarding MS programming, including serving as MS affinity coordinator, supporting parent education, and responding to identity-based incidents.
- Serve as a Middle School advisor
- Assess and rebuild the advisory program and coordinate PD centered on advisory.
- Orient, train, and support MS advisors.
- Maintain a visible and accessible presence throughout the school day, including hallways, lunch, recess, and other student spaces. Varied duties through the week.
- Participate in/Teach grade-level Skills class, Connections Class, Flex lessons, or IS at each grade level.
The San Francisco Friends School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, marital status or any other category protected by law. The school also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities; candidates who need accommodations in order to apply for this position should request an accommodation as part of the submission of interest.
Employment Clearances Required
- SB 848 Authorization and Reference Checking
- Livescan Background
- US Employment Eligibility
- TB Clearance certificate
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher
- Late elementary, middle school, or early high school teaching and administrative experience
- Love and appreciation for middle school
- Alignment with the school’s mission and openness to Quaker philosophy
- Highly collaborative and creative team player
- A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and an ability to work with and support a diverse population of students and families.
- Patience, empathy, adaptability, and ability to work with and communicate clearly and directly with students, parents, and faculty.
- Strong communications skills both written and oral.
- Master’s Degree or program certification in administration or educational leadership
- 2-3 years of experience in middle school leadership position
- Experience working with neurodiverse students and families
- Understanding of Restorative Practices