Darlington School in Rome, GA has engaged DovetailED to lead a search for a Dean of Residential Life to start in July 2025. Interested candidates should review the Opportunity Statement and submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a consolidated PDF to Zack Lehman, President at DovetailED Talent Sourcing, at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com, and Alison Moore, Senior Recruiter, at alison@dovetailedsourcing.com.                

Darlington School Dean of Residential Life Opportunity Statement Link: https://bit.ly/4gsnQP5.

Darlington School seeks an energetic and innovative Dean of Residential Life to lead our residential program and shape extraordinary experiences for our diverse community of boarding students. Applicants should be passionate about creating transformative experiences for young people and have a vision for building an engaging, vibrant residential community that feels like home while fostering personal growth and lifelong connections.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic community builder who can craft and implement programs that make evenings and weekends come alive with purposeful activities, meaningful traditions, and genuine connections. Think part camp director, part dean - someone who can create the perfect blend of fun and structure while supporting students' academic and personal growth through Darlington's Cycle of Learning while supporting the mission and values of the school.

Growth Opportunities

• A residential life program that transforms evenings and weekends into opportunities for connection, growth, and memory-making
• A warm, inclusive "home-away-from-home" atmosphere that celebrates our diverse student community
• Engaging traditions and events that become the cornerstone of the boarding experience
• An environment structured to help young people learn and grow
• Meaningful leadership opportunities for students through a robust prefect program
• A supportive network of residential faculty who are inspired to contribute to our vibrant community

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the residential life team, including heads of house and duty staff
• Design and implement an exciting calendar of evening and weekend activities
• Develop residential curriculum focusing on wellness, character, and community
• Oversee student prefect program and residential faculty training
• Manage residential operations, including duty scheduling and house assignments
• Coordinate with health center, counseling, and student life offices
• Guide crisis response and student support in residential settings
• Manage departmental budget and strategic planning

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in broader school life through teaching, coaching, or activity leadership
• Serve on key committees and leadership teams
• Contribute to admission events and parent communication
• Engage in professional development and networking
• Support school traditions and special events

The ideal candidate will bring energy, creativity, and vision to this role while maintaining the professional oversight needed for a successful residential program. This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students' lives by creating an environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

These responsibilities may evolve as we continuously enhance our residential program to meet the changing needs of our community. Darlington School is committed to creating a welcoming environment that fosters belonging and growth for all members of our community.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and/or relevant experience preferred with demonstrated leadership ability
• Proven track record of creating engaging residential or camp programs
• Natural community builder with excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience working with diverse student populations
• Creative problem-solver who can think on their feet
• Strong organizational and communication abilities
• Understanding of adolescent development and boarding school dynamics

About Darlington School

Founded in 1905, Darlington School is a coeducational day (Pre-K - 12) and boarding (9 - 12) school serving over 700 students. Darlington’s campus stretches over 500 acres, nestled around a small lake in the foothills of the Lookout Mountain Range in Rome, Georgia, a medical center and college town located one hour from Atlanta and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our school community represents an average of 20 states and 26 countries worldwide. A Darlington employee thrives on team work and takes initiative, exhibits a commitment to the school, community and its mission and is a life-long learner. Our students are the center of all that we do and, together, we challenge them to learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect.

Connections working at Darlington School