Westmark School is a creative and supportive college preparatory school dedicated to educating, empowering, and celebrating students with distinct learning styles, providing the tools necessary to achieve successful and fulfilling futures. Over the past forty years, the school has earned acclaim for transforming the lives of Grades 2–12 students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other diagnosed language-based learning differences (LBLD). Situated in Encino, California, about ten miles north of UCLA, it currently serves approximately 250 students. A new facility for its Lower School, which opened in the 2023-2024 school year, will make it possible to expand enrollment in Grades 1–5 and deepen the school’s commitment to early intervention.

We are looking for a Dean of Community and Belonging to join our team!

Location: Encino, CA

This is a 12-month full-time employee. 

Salary: $90,000 to $110,000

Start Date: TBD

Job Summary
Westmark School integrates Universal Design for Learning, social-emotional learning (SEL), and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) to create an engaging and supportive community. The Dean of Community and Belonging will develop dynamic programming that fosters student engagement both inside and outside the classroom through an equity-focused lens. This role also supports students’ social-emotional well-being through conversations and restorative practices that uphold community values.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced educator who is an empathetic, creative problem-solver passionate about fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaged school environment. The ideal candidate is organized and efficient, energetic and charismatic, and demonstrates strong leadership and initiative. As a galvanizer with the ability to bring people along, they will inspire collaboration and cultivate meaningful connections within the school community.

Responsibilities

Community Engagement, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

-Serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and administrators on DEIB initiatives.
-Designs professional development opportunities for staff on inclusive practices in DEIB. 
-Supports equitable hiring and retention in collaboration with Human Resources and the Associate Head of School.
-Works in collaboration with the Academic Leadership Team to ensure that the curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
-Pursues ongoing professional development in DEIB and SEL.
-Works with school leadership and counseling teams to implement a restorative discipline system with clear expectations.
-Oversees and coordinates extracurricular aspects of student life.
-Advises school leadership on service learning, student travel, diversity and inclusion, after-school programs, and student opportunities.
-Collaborates with faculty, counselors, and researchers to enhance engagement, leadership, and belonging.
-Oversees and spearheads affinity groups, Big Lion, Little Lion, experiential education, and special programs.
-In collaboration with Senior Leadership plans and executes experiential learning opportunities, including Fall Retreats, international service trips, and on-campus programs.
-Attends and actively supports student performances, art shows, and events.
-Builds relationships with students, serving as a trusted mentor and advocate.
-Engages students and families through effective communication and community-building.
-Collaborates with counselors on field trips, retreats, and student well-being initiatives.
-Supports and collaborates with counselors on conflict resolution, cooperation, and healthy living through restorative practices.
-Works with the Chief Academic Officer to support Westmark Learning About Business (WESTLAB).

Physical Demands & Work Environment
-Must be able to attend meetings, work on a computer, and move around campus regularly.
-Occasionally required to lift up to 15 pounds.
-Must have strong vision and focus abilities.

We offer a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision insurance, 403b, personal time and sick time. We also provide a stable and professional work environment.

Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit and job performance. School policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions (including genetic characteristics or information), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws.

-Bachelor’s & Master’s degree in education, human development, or multicultural studies.
-3–5 years of administrative experience in Community Engagement & Belonging and DEIB leadership.
-Training in restorative practices and mediation.
-Strong student advocacy and experience supporting neurodiverse learners.
-High emotional intelligence and a commitment to SEL.
-Experienced in fostering engagement across academics, arts, athletics, and leadership.
-Strong communication, presentation, and administrative skills.

About Westmark School

Westmark School is a creative and supportive college preparatory school dedicated to educating, empowering and celebrating students with distinct learning styles, providing the tools necessary to achieve successful and fulfilling futures. Located in Encino, CA, Westmark offers competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. We seek talented professionals committed to excellence.

Connections working at Westmark School