Dean of Students, Upper School

Harker seeks an Upper School Dean of Students effective July 1, 2026. The primary goal of the position is to provide leadership that fosters the overall well-being, growth, and success of upper school students, in alignment with the school’s mission. The Dean of Students oversees all aspects of student life in the upper school including discipline. The Dean of Students reports directly to the Upper School Division Head and will work closely with, and provide support to the upper school faculty, student leadership, grade level deans, academic counselors, student activities coordinator, community service director, and attendance coordinator. The Dean of Students plays a central role in cultivating a positive school climate, supporting students’ academic and personal development, and ensuring a kind and respectful community.

Salary Range: 130k - 175k

About Us

The Harker School is a private, non-sectarian, co-educational day school in Silicon Valley for students in kindergarten through grade 12, earning international recognition for its top-level academics, quality teachers, outstanding facilities, and student achievements. Educating 1,976 students, Harker is the largest independent school of its kind in California, located on beautiful campuses just minutes apart.

Kindness, respect, honesty, integrity, and personal accountability have been at the heart of a Harker education since the school’s founding in 1893. Demand by motivated and capable students in Silicon Valley and beyond is very high. Harker students receive a well-rounded education grounded in academics, enriching extracurricular activities and clubs, team-building athletics, a multitude of arts offerings, and an unwavering emphasis on character development. And, most importantly, students develop a lifelong passion for learning. Harker is a supportive, safe, fun, and nurturing place where students make friends for life with their peers, their teachers, and with staff.

Professional Qualities

The Harker School is interested in candidates who can support, articulate, and promote a

mission-driven, inclusive and equitable student-centered model of education. Along with

excellent organizational and leadership skills, ideal candidates will have backgrounds that

Demonstrate Most, If Not All, Of The Following

• Ability to uphold the school’s mission and philosophy in all aspects of student life
• Ability to synthesize and articulate the school’s student life and disciplinary vision and to inspire and motivate others towards further strengthening the upper school student experience
• A warm, approachable, and visible presence on campus that invites and respects the views of others, yet is decisive when needed
• Highly organized, persistent, and able to motivate others to achieve
• Deep understanding of school operations, mission, and philosophy
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills
• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
• Proficiency with internal school systems and technology
• Ability to make effective, timely program decisions in response to daily challenges
• Discretion in handling confidential information
• Positive, adaptable, and collaborative approach to problem-solving
• An advanced degree is preferred
  
  

Below, you will find specific details related to this position. As with any leadership role at Harker, it is our expectation that the individual entrusted with these responsibilities approaches them with a deep commitment to excellence and a strong sense of ownership. The list of responsibilities outlined below represents the tasks associated with the role, but not the mindset we hope you bring to each endeavor. True leadership at Harker is rooted in service, a willingness to invest the necessary time, and a dedication to guiding others. These qualities are not only central to this position, but to every leadership role at Harker.

Key Responsibilities

Student Life & Engagement

• Collaborate with Class Deans through regular meetings; support class-specific needs and financial
• paperwork.
• Support and guide student groups:
• Student Council: Weekly meetings, officer elections and training, follow-up on concerns
• Associated Student Body (ASB): Weekly meetings, summer leadership camps, mentoring of
• elected leaders
• Honor Council: Collaborate as needed on student/faculty academic integrity topics and
• concerns.
• School Clubs: Oversight of clubs, club fairs, budgeting, vendor orders, and account reconciliations.
• Partner with the Student Activities Coordinator to develop and maintain the Spirit program and yearly events (e.g., dances, rallies); attendance at major events is required.
• Oversee the Community Service Director, award programs, and verification of service hours.
  
  

Discipline & Accountability

• Create and enforce rules as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook.
• Maintain records of discipline, including detentions, Saturday Fives, and suspensions.
• Oversee revisions and publication of the Student/Parent Handbook in coordination with the Office of Communication.
  
  

Emergency Procedures

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing review of the upper school’s emergency
  
  

preparedness and response plans.

• Coordinate and conduct regular safety drills (fire, lockdown, earthquake, etc.).
• Train faculty and students on safety procedures and emergency response protocols.
• Assess risks and vulnerabilities on campus, making recommendations for safety improvements.
• Oversee communication systems and protocols for rapid, clear messaging during crises.
  
  

Programs & Events

• Organize and budget for annual class trips, including frosh orientation, sophomore and junior trips, senior retreat (fall) and senior trip (spring).
• Organize and oversee student events (e.g., spirit weeks, dances, prom, senior sunrise).
• Supervise the Attendance Office staff, ensuring accurate records of tardies, absences, truancies, and appeals processes.
• Manage student lockers (ordering, repairs, assignments, and end-of-year checks).
  
  

Community Relations & Traffic

• Oversee safe and efficient campus traffic flow, including drop-off/pickup and parking.
• Communicate traffic guidelines to families, staff, and students to ensure compliance.
• Serve as liaison with neighbors and community groups, addressing concerns constructively.
  
  

Mission

Our mission is to educate students for success at college and beyond, and to foster kindness, respect, and integrity within a safe and nurturing environment. We achieve academic excellence through the development of intellectual curiosity, personal accountability, and love of learning. Our comprehensive program and exceptional faculty and staff help students discover, develop, and enjoy their unique talents. We honor individuality, embrace diversity, and promote leadership and service, preparing students to take their place as global citizens.