Job Description:

• Maintain congruence between the Schoolâ™s mission, core values, and core beliefs and all activities of the Lower School.

• Supports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work in the Lower School working with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the LS DEI Coordinator, the LS Administrative team, and faculty to incorporate this work throughout program.

• Effectively communicate to the Lower School community information regarding programs, events, and policies to support student life and wellness.

• Foster positive connections between students, faculty and parents

• Establish a working relationship with the Early Childhood Campus (N-2), Middle School and High School to support consistency across divisions.

• Work with the Principal and Assistant Principal to develop and coordinate special activities that empower student leadership and develop a sense of community responsibility.

• Work with the Principal and Assistant Principal to educate the faculty on the shared nature of responsibilities, including discipline, attendance, mandated training and supervision.

• Serve as the point person for the student referral system working with the Department of Learning and Counseling, school nurses, and Extended Day programs on student concerns and support.

• Help lead student and family orientation programs and provide continued support for new students and families.

• Oversee and approve all student fundraising proposals and initiatives

• Support school and student initiatives such as assemblies, community meetings, buddy programs, clubs, field trips, and other special events.

• Supervise arrival and dismissal to ensure safety and security of Lower School students.

• Participate in the admissions, enrollment, and placement process.

• Lead the disciplinary process using restorative justice and Responsive Classroom tools.

• Conduct an annual revision of the Lower School handbook and school policies.

• Supervise the attendance process and ensure effective implementation of policies and procedures. Communicate with faculty and families regarding these policies. 

• Partner with Learning & Counseling to support social emotional learning for students in the Lower School. 

• Participate in the hiring of faculty and staff.

• Provide faculty support as needed.

• Work with counselors, PE, & Science teachers to coordinate growth and reproduction programming for fourth and fifth graders.

• Coordinate the annual Picture Day process, including communicating with outside providers, creating schedules for LS classes, and coordinating parent volunteers.

• Work with the Lower School Parentsâ™ Association council on school initiatives and special programs.

• Supports students, families, and faculty. Administers student services in the areas of extracurricular activities and programs, investigation and discipline. Administers communications systems between home and the school, including providing for parent conferences. Manages student personnel matters.

• Build deep relationships with students, families, faculty and staff to foster a culture of community. Emanate optimism, solve problems collaboratively, reflect on how actions impact others, create an engaging and inclusive school culture, and share in the united pursuit of Labâ™s mission.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Masterâ™s degree in Education, Social Work, or related field.

Experience:

• Previous experience as a school counselor,  Dean of Students,  Assistant Principal, Principal, or equivalent administrative experience.

• Experience working in an independent school setting.

• Experience with Responsive Classroom.

• Significant experience in creating, implementing, managing and assessing educational programs.

• Significant experience in working with students and student concerns.

• Experience leading, developing and managing change management initiatives.

• Experience working with a wide range of students, faculty, and families with diverse backgrounds such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, learning abilities, class, language and nationality.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Ability to use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, calendar/schedule software, etc.).

• Ability to use Schoology, PowerSchool, and other learning management platforms.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to be agile and flexible.

• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents.

• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.

• Strong knowledge of course subject matter.

• Knowledge of instructional methodologies and progressive educational principles.

• Strong knowledge of child development.

• Ability to develop curricula, lesson plans and assessment tools.

• Analytical skills.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Decision-making skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Organizational skills.

• Computational skills.

• Creativity.

• Verbal and written communication skills.

• Interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.

• Ability to manage stressful situations.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Ability to think strategically.

Application Documents

• Cover letter (required)

• Resume (required)

• Professional references (required)

• Brief statement (required) regarding: Philosophy of Education and ways in which your qualifications can help Lab achieve its goals of inclusivity, equity, and diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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