The Taft School seeks an experienced, relational leader to serve as the Dean of Students with a July 01, 2026 start date. As the leader of the Office of Student Life, the Dean of Students intentionally integrates the work of residential life, student wellness, belonging, and community standards. Working as a member of the Student Life Team and the Senior Administrative Team, the Dean of Students helps ensure that campus culture remains a vibrant reflection of the school’s values: Learn Deeply, Build Purpose, Serve Generously, Pursue Excellence, and Lead with Courage.

Key responsibilities:

• Partner with the Assistant Head of School for Student Life in consultation with the Student Life Team to set the vision for the Office of Student Life, to foster a campus culture that reflects the school’s values and Portrait of a Learner.
• Manage major disciplinary cases and provide oversight and support to the Associate Dean of Students for minor conduct issues, ensuring the process is fair, consistent, and focused on learning and growth. 
• Advise and collaborate with the Director of Residential Life to ensure a vibrant, inclusive, and safe dormitory experience.
• Engage deeply with the student body's daily life to proactively address trends in morale and lead efforts to reinforce a positive and supportive campus climate.
• Collaborate with the Office of Student Life to design and support student experiences that promote joy, connection, school spirit, and fun.
• Conduct annual reviews of school policies and manage updates of the Student Handbook with the advice of legal counsel.
• In partnership with the Director of Community Programming, the Director of Student Health and Wellness, and other stakeholders, manage Taft’s Advisory program to support student mentorship and social-emotional growth.
• Work closely with the Health Center, School Counselors, Dean of Residential Life, and Class Deans to provide a unified support network for students. 
• Ensure that community expectations and school rules are applied equitably and transparently across the student body.
• Coordinate the “Administrator on Duty” schedule, and serve as a member of the rotation, providing leadership, support, and decision-making during evening and weekend hours. 
• Develop relationships with families and maintains clear, proactive communication that supports student growth, celebrates success, and addresses concerns regarding attendance and conduct.
• In collaboration with the Faculty and Academics Team, design and lead professional development regarding student life matters. 

Faculty Responsibilities Include: 

• Attend weekly faculty and department meetings; student round table meetings; and other meetings as may be required by the head of school, Assistant Head of School for Faculty and Academics, Dean of Faculty, department head, or other senior administrators.
• Participate fully in faculty life at a residential boarding school, responsibilities include advising, evening and weekend duty, seated dinners, and one afternoon assignment. 
• Serve as an advisor to a group of students, meet regularly with student advisees, and write individualized advisor letters at the end of each semester;
• Responsible for the care and well-being of students in a residential boarding school. Provide a safe and secure experience for all students.

Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated commitment to the tenets described in the school’s Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Portrait of a Learner.
• 5–7 years of experience, preferably in a residential boarding environment, including a proven track record of effective leadership in student life or residential programming.
• Experience navigating complex disciplinary and behavioral situations with professional poise, maturity, and a commitment to student growth.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, specifically the ability to partner with families and students through challenging conversations with clarity, transparency, and compassion.
• Strong organizational and logistical skills to manage the complexities of a 24/7 residential school. 
• Experience in policy development and the ability to use student data (attendance, conduct trends, wellness surveys) to inform programmatic decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor colleagues with a collaborative approach.
• Master’s degree in Education, School Leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Authorized to work in the United States of America.

Additional information: 

• The Dean of Students will serve as a member of the Senior Administration Team, contributing to the school’s long-term strategic planning.
• The Dean of Students will report to the Assistant Head of School for Student Life. 
• The Dean of Students will serve as the Administrator on Duty for their evening duty responsibility. 
• This is an administrative appointment which, when combined with other faculty duties (teaching, afternoon program, etc.), constitutes a full-time, benefits-eligible position. Benefits-eligible positions include campus housing and use of school facilities, including the grounds, athletics center, and dining hall. 

The Taft School is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of The Taft School to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to age, gender, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, actual or perceived disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran's status, genetic predisposition or any other class protected by law.

About The Taft School

Founded in 1890, The Taft School is a boarding school for 600 students in grades nine through post-graduate. Living where they learn, academically talented students from all over the world are guided by an extraordinary faculty on a 220-acre campus in western Connecticut. With the motto “Not to be served but to serve” as a foundation for the inclusive and service-minded community.

Connections working at The Taft School