What are the responsibilities and job description for the Middle School Dean of Students position at The Pingry School?
The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school with a rich history dating back to its founding by Dr. John F. Pingry in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses located in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code that underpins our community values, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. Our mission is to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing them to be global citizens and luminaries of the 21st century. Rooted in relationships and guided by our foundational philosophy, Pingry is a vibrant community of more than 1,100 students hailing from over 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. At Pingry, we are united by a love of learning and a commitment to preparing students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and integrity. For more information, we invite you to visit our website at pingry.org or connect with The Pingry School on Facebook, X, and Instagram to discover why we love school.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Middle School Director, the Middle School Dean of Students is the primary architect of student culture and community life for grades 6–8. This 12-month leadership role monitors and enhances the quality of student life, balancing student-centered programming with a robust system of accountability and support.
The Dean fosters a positive, engaging, and caring atmosphere by providing leadership opportunities that enable students to flourish. Serving as a vital bridge between administration, faculty, and families, the Dean ensures that the Middle School is a vibrant community where students feel a deep sense of belonging and build the resiliency needed to navigate adolescence with integrity and confidence. In this role, the Dean empowers students to grow through both their successes and their setbacks, cultivating a "fail forward" environment that aligns with Pingry's mission and strategic goals.
We are seeking a leader who LOVES the Middle School years. You are a role model who leads with a visible joy for education and working with children, creating lasting memories that students will carry with them long after they leave Pingry.
The Middle School Leadership team seeks professionals who are:
Multidimensional Leader: Whether you are an experienced Dean of Students or a rising leader ready for your "next step," you possess the professional maturity to lead both students and adults. You are a culture-shaper who mentors colleagues through complex student dynamics and interpersonal challenges with grace, balancing firm boundaries with the warmth of genuine connection.
A Middle School Advocate: You don't just "handle" Middle Schoolers; you delight in their energy.
A "Fail Forward" Facilitator: You cultivate a culture of resiliency where students are held to high standards but supported with the tools to bounce back stronger from mistakes.
An Empathetic Disciplinarian: You believe that true accountability is a form of care. You approach behavioral challenges as teachable moments that strengthen a student's internal compass and commitment to the Honor Code.
An Advisory Architect: You are a systems-thinker prepared to evolve this role. After supporting the Advisory program in Year 1, you will take the lead in Year 2 to continuously evolve a strong Middle School advisory experience.
A Champion of Equity: You reflect a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, ensuring every student sees themselves represented in the school's leadership and feels a deep sense of belonging.
A Role Model: You embody Pingry's values, showing students and staff alike what it looks like to lead with integrity, curiosity, and enthusiasm.
Roles and Responsibilities
Student Life & Culture
Programming: Develop and implement high-energy student programming that builds community and creates lifelong memories.
Student Voice: Lead Student Government and student-led clubs, ensuring students have agency and leadership opportunities.
Communication: Partner with the Communications Office on Middle School Communications, including the Big Blue Bulletin, to proactively share Middle School activities with families.
Morning Meeting: Support the Assistant Dean of Students in curating the weekly Morning Meeting agenda to ensure it is inclusive, informative, and reflects the joy of the Middle School community.
Accountability & Growth
Disciplinary Leadership: Maintain a behavior management system grounded in Pingry's Honor Code and restorative practices; serve as Chair of the Disciplinary Committee.
Resiliency Coaching: Steward "conversations for learning" that help students understand intent and impact while building the skills to navigate future challenges.
Academic Student Support: Monitor and support students' academic progress, collaborating with faculty and families to address concerns.
Administrative & Faculty Leadership
Teaching: Teach one Middle School Discovery course
Faculty Mentorship: Support and grow colleagues by providing guidance on classroom management and social-emotional student support.
Recruitment & Hiring: Serve as a key member of the Middle School Hiring Team, participating in In-Person Interview Days to recruit talent that reflects Pingry's mission and values.
Admission: Serve on the K-12 Admission Committees.
Advising: Serve as a dedicated advisor to a small group of approximately 10 students.
Qualifications And Preferred Experience
Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field required; an advanced degree in School Leadership or Student Affairs is highly preferred.
Strategic Student Life Leadership: A deep understanding of Middle School developmental milestones with a track record of designing engaging student programming. Experience with Advisory curriculum design (e.g., Responsive Classroom or RULER).
Collaborative Community Mindset: Exceptional interpersonal skills to work cross-functionally with parents, counselors, and medical teams. Experience in high-touch school environments with a focus on proactive and empathetic communication is preferred.
Multidimensional Leadership: Proven capability to mentor both students and adults. This includes a track record of supporting faculty through complex classroom management or parent interactions, and the ability to serve as a calm, stabilizing force during crises.
Inclusive Excellence: A deep-seated commitment to DEIB, with the skill to design equitable systems and facilitate a culture of belonging. Preferred candidates have experience leading affinity groups or implementing school-wide inclusive initiatives.
Digital Fluency & Data Integrity: Proficiency in school management systems (e.g., Veracross) and Google Suite. The ability to use data to track student trends and streamline divisional communications is required.
Crisis Management & Student Support: Experience working as part of a "student support team" alongside school psychologists, nurses, and learning specialists to create individualized success plans for students in need of high-level support.
Event & Logistics Management: A history of successfully planning and executing large-scale division-wide events (e.g., retreats, orientations, or field days) with a high level of logistical precision.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/careers.
The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $125,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education.
Pingry offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans with employer matching; life and disability insurance; tuition remission for employees' children; and access to wellness and professional development resources.
A full list of benefits is available at www.pingry.org/careers.
The Pingry School aspires to be an anti-racist community and is committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Pingry is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Pingry School's employment policy is that individuals will receive equal opportunity in all matters pertaining to recruitment, employment, salary, promotion, and assignment, regardless of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy status, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran, or other basis proscribed by federal, state, and local law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Middle School Director, the Middle School Dean of Students is the primary architect of student culture and community life for grades 6–8. This 12-month leadership role monitors and enhances the quality of student life, balancing student-centered programming with a robust system of accountability and support.
The Dean fosters a positive, engaging, and caring atmosphere by providing leadership opportunities that enable students to flourish. Serving as a vital bridge between administration, faculty, and families, the Dean ensures that the Middle School is a vibrant community where students feel a deep sense of belonging and build the resiliency needed to navigate adolescence with integrity and confidence. In this role, the Dean empowers students to grow through both their successes and their setbacks, cultivating a "fail forward" environment that aligns with Pingry's mission and strategic goals.
We are seeking a leader who LOVES the Middle School years. You are a role model who leads with a visible joy for education and working with children, creating lasting memories that students will carry with them long after they leave Pingry.
The Middle School Leadership team seeks professionals who are:
Multidimensional Leader: Whether you are an experienced Dean of Students or a rising leader ready for your "next step," you possess the professional maturity to lead both students and adults. You are a culture-shaper who mentors colleagues through complex student dynamics and interpersonal challenges with grace, balancing firm boundaries with the warmth of genuine connection.
A Middle School Advocate: You don't just "handle" Middle Schoolers; you delight in their energy.
A "Fail Forward" Facilitator: You cultivate a culture of resiliency where students are held to high standards but supported with the tools to bounce back stronger from mistakes.
An Empathetic Disciplinarian: You believe that true accountability is a form of care. You approach behavioral challenges as teachable moments that strengthen a student's internal compass and commitment to the Honor Code.
An Advisory Architect: You are a systems-thinker prepared to evolve this role. After supporting the Advisory program in Year 1, you will take the lead in Year 2 to continuously evolve a strong Middle School advisory experience.
A Champion of Equity: You reflect a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, ensuring every student sees themselves represented in the school's leadership and feels a deep sense of belonging.
A Role Model: You embody Pingry's values, showing students and staff alike what it looks like to lead with integrity, curiosity, and enthusiasm.
Roles and Responsibilities
Student Life & Culture
Programming: Develop and implement high-energy student programming that builds community and creates lifelong memories.
Student Voice: Lead Student Government and student-led clubs, ensuring students have agency and leadership opportunities.
Communication: Partner with the Communications Office on Middle School Communications, including the Big Blue Bulletin, to proactively share Middle School activities with families.
Morning Meeting: Support the Assistant Dean of Students in curating the weekly Morning Meeting agenda to ensure it is inclusive, informative, and reflects the joy of the Middle School community.
Accountability & Growth
Disciplinary Leadership: Maintain a behavior management system grounded in Pingry's Honor Code and restorative practices; serve as Chair of the Disciplinary Committee.
Resiliency Coaching: Steward "conversations for learning" that help students understand intent and impact while building the skills to navigate future challenges.
Academic Student Support: Monitor and support students' academic progress, collaborating with faculty and families to address concerns.
Administrative & Faculty Leadership
Teaching: Teach one Middle School Discovery course
Faculty Mentorship: Support and grow colleagues by providing guidance on classroom management and social-emotional student support.
Recruitment & Hiring: Serve as a key member of the Middle School Hiring Team, participating in In-Person Interview Days to recruit talent that reflects Pingry's mission and values.
Admission: Serve on the K-12 Admission Committees.
Advising: Serve as a dedicated advisor to a small group of approximately 10 students.
Qualifications And Preferred Experience
Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field required; an advanced degree in School Leadership or Student Affairs is highly preferred.
Strategic Student Life Leadership: A deep understanding of Middle School developmental milestones with a track record of designing engaging student programming. Experience with Advisory curriculum design (e.g., Responsive Classroom or RULER).
Collaborative Community Mindset: Exceptional interpersonal skills to work cross-functionally with parents, counselors, and medical teams. Experience in high-touch school environments with a focus on proactive and empathetic communication is preferred.
Multidimensional Leadership: Proven capability to mentor both students and adults. This includes a track record of supporting faculty through complex classroom management or parent interactions, and the ability to serve as a calm, stabilizing force during crises.
Inclusive Excellence: A deep-seated commitment to DEIB, with the skill to design equitable systems and facilitate a culture of belonging. Preferred candidates have experience leading affinity groups or implementing school-wide inclusive initiatives.
Digital Fluency & Data Integrity: Proficiency in school management systems (e.g., Veracross) and Google Suite. The ability to use data to track student trends and streamline divisional communications is required.
Crisis Management & Student Support: Experience working as part of a "student support team" alongside school psychologists, nurses, and learning specialists to create individualized success plans for students in need of high-level support.
Event & Logistics Management: A history of successfully planning and executing large-scale division-wide events (e.g., retreats, orientations, or field days) with a high level of logistical precision.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/careers.
The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $125,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education.
Pingry offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans with employer matching; life and disability insurance; tuition remission for employees' children; and access to wellness and professional development resources.
A full list of benefits is available at www.pingry.org/careers.
The Pingry School aspires to be an anti-racist community and is committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Pingry is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Pingry School's employment policy is that individuals will receive equal opportunity in all matters pertaining to recruitment, employment, salary, promotion, and assignment, regardless of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy status, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran, or other basis proscribed by federal, state, and local law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.
Salary : $90,000 - $125,000