Assistant Head of School, Academic Dean

The Assistant Head of School & Academic Dean is primarily responsible for the academic aspects of the school.  This position sits on the Deans Council and will be a part of the Head of School office reporting to the Head of School. The school is deeply committed to a diverse faculty and student body.  Starting July 2021, the primary responsibilities include the following:

Academic Department Chairs:

• Work with Department Chairs to interpret and implement the school's mission
• Chair the Academic Council
• Work with the Dean of Faculty and Department Chairs to establish goals/objectives for their respective departments
• Mentor Department Chairs through cycle meetings and professional development opportunities
• Team with the Dean of Faculty in the selection of new department chairs.
• Explore ways to maximize the use of technology in the classroom

Academic Curriculum:

• Evaluate the overall academic program 
• Develop clear and consistent academic policies and procedures
• Help streamline academic decision making
• Conduct a full review and potential revision of the school's graduation requirements and grading system
• Work with Residential Council to discuss effective methods for extending the curriculum into the dormitories
• Keep abreast of current educational trends in curriculum and teaching and learning

Students:

• Monitor student homework load
• Gather and correlate information on student assessment
• Coordinate with the Dean of Students office special academic arrangements for students on leave of absence (medical/disciplinary)
• Coordinate with the Registrar regarding issues of student placement and student schedules
• Work with Admissions and incoming students on course placements
• Supervise the Learning Resource Specialist team
• Oversee standardized testing 

Faculty Development:

• Support faculty in examining and improving classroom teaching and pedagogy
• Assist the Department Chairs in identifying professional development opportunities, particularly those that support teaching and innovation within the academic program
• Evaluate Department Chairs and assist with the evaluation of faculty
• Receptive to faculty feedback regarding academic program, calendar, schedule, workload 

Other:

• Work with the Dean of College Counseling to examine academic profiles
• Work with the Dean of Faculty to assist with faculty recruitment
• Meet cyclically with the Head of School and Associate Head of School to discuss school initiatives, school issues, etc. 
• The Assistant Head of School, Academic Dean is expected to contribute in a variety of ways to the school community. Those contributions might include, but need not be limited to, coaching, residing in a residence hall, advising, and teaching.

Compensation/Benefits:

Lake Forest Academy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes full medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and other benefits. This position is year-round, including summers, and eligible for 30 days of vacation. Final salary will be commensurate with the experience and expertise of the final appointed candidate.

Founded in 1857, Lake Forest Academy is a coed, boarding school serving 435 academically bright and motivated students in grades 9 to 12 from across the globe. The Academy offers a rigorous curriculum focused on academic excellence and characterized by small classes and close faculty/student interaction. The school's mission of educational excellence is founded on the four pillars of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility. The LFA community places students at the center of their own learning and provides the support needed to develop confidence and strong values. Please visit our website http://www.lfanet.org/ for more information about us.

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. 

Employment at Lake Forest Academy is "at-will," which means that either you or Lake Forest Academy may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason without prior notice. 

In accordance with Lake Forest Academy’s policies and state and federal law, receipt of this position is contingent upon the individual’s successful completion of all requirements to establish the legal right to work in the United States, as well as a background check. In the event Lake Forest Academy has not received a complete background check prior to the first day of employment, employment will be on a temporary basis until such results are successfully completed.

Non-discrimination Policy:

Lake Forest Academy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. This means Lake Forest Academy will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, color, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, transitioned, transitioning or perceived to be transitioning), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), marital status, domestic partner status, pregnancy and breastfeeding, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

Lake Forest Academy reasonably accommodates employees and/or applicants with disabilities, provided the individual is otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the job.  If you believe that you need a reasonable accommodation, you must inform Lake Forest Academy’s Director of Business Human Resources & Risk Management.