To view the entire position statement please visit this link here.

Priority deadline is November 21, 2025

First review of applicants will occur during the week of November 24, 2025

On-site Final round interviews will occur during the week of December 15, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

Lick-Wilmerding High School is a private school with public purpose, serving 560 students in grades 9-12 in San Francisco. Since its founding in 1895 as a vocational school, Lick-Wilmerding High School has built upon a long tradition of valuing and integrating the liberal arts, sciences, technical arts, visual arts and performing arts to offer a robust college-prep curriculum. LWHS has a rich and distinctive academic program, with thriving departments, vibrant student life, and signature initiatives like the Center for Civic Engagement and the Public Purpose Program. Faculty and students are passionate, engaged, and driven by values that reach far beyond the classroom.

At this pivotal moment, LWHS seeks a Dean of Faculty Development and Culture (DFDC) to build a strong faculty culture that supports the school’s academic vision. Working closely with the new Assistant Head of School for Academics, the DFDC will align faculty development, recruitment, and retention with the school’s evolving academic vision, creating an environment where faculty are supported and equipped to deliver on the school’s mission. Key opportunities for the DFDC include building clear pathways for faculty growth, strengthening mentorship and onboarding systems to attract and retain a diverse group of excellent teachers, and creating structures that center faculty voice and well-being in school decisions. The DFDC will report to the Assistant Head of School for Academics and will start July 1, 2026.

Duties

Faculty Hiring and Onboarding

• Oversee the academic hiring process for faculty positions in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources
• Develop and implement comprehensive interview training for all faculty involved in recruitment and interviewing, working with the Dean of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and Director of Human Resources as appropriate
• Lead a dynamic, comprehensive process for integrating new faculty into the School, involving key stakeholders; this includes initial orientation, careful mentorship throughout the first year of employment at LWHS, and ongoing support over time
• Run the Department Chair search process in collaboration with the Assistant Head of School

Faculty Development and Evaluation

• Regularly visit classrooms and observe teaching, supporting faculty in their continued professional growth
• Oversee faculty observation, evaluation, mentorship, and development, including the continued development of observation and evaluation processes, and annual reflection
• Provide professional development, mentorship, and coaching; in addition, provide professional development and guidance for those seeking promotion, advancement, and leadership opportunities in order to develop leadership capacity. When applicable, partner with Human Resources to create professional development plans for faculty.
• Serve on the committee that reviews and approves professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, with oversight of approximately a $350k professional development budget
• Participate in, and be knowledgeable of, professional development that brings an awareness of trends in education and enthusiasm for forward thinking practices

Faculty Management and Support

• Hold policies related to faculty job expectations and lead the annual review of the Faculty Guidebook
• Partners with the Director of Human Resources to address faculty concerns, employee agreements, leaves of absence, and compliance with school policies.
• Support the Assistant Head of School in faculty assignments, including the number of sections, teaching assignments, and the assignment of other duties and responsibilities
• Oversee the assignment and management of duties and responsibilities for faculty and staff to support curricular and co-curricular programming
• Lead, in collaboration with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, and other administrators, the coordination, design, and facilitation of faculty in-service days and bi- monthly FacStaff meetings to create a narrative arc for the year

Administrative Responsibilities

• Report to the Assistant Head of School and perform other duties as assigned
• Communicate weekly with FacStaff via the Head, Heart, Heads (HHH) weekly newsletter, coordinating with all admin to gather information and updates
• Actively participate in admin meetings, committees, and ongoing strategic planning
• Monitor the general safety of members of the school community, including responsibilities such as admin on duty, in partnership with the Administrative Team
• Monitor the implementation of the L-W Crisis Management Plan, respond to school emergencies, and work collaboratively with other administrators in emergency situations

Qualities and Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in education or in a relevant field from an accredited college or university; graduate degree is highly preferred
• At least five years of experience as a classroom teacher, with experience in development and administration of curriculum
• Supervisory experience, with proven effectiveness in leading teams and creating a collaborative environment
• Demonstrated passion for the craft and profession of teaching as well as for coaching and mentoring teachers
• Significant proven experience with diverse pedagogies and educational technologies in service to a diverse student and faculty population
• Models encouragement and compassion through interactions with all members of the community
• Possesses highly effective communication skills and strong cultural competencies
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Values collegial collaboration, feedback, and self- reflection as a means to improve professional practice and the organization as a whole

How to Apply

Please submit an application here: LWHS.org/DeanOfFaculty

In addition to your application, please be prepared to upload the following as PDFs:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter expressing your interest in the role
3. As a second page to your Cover Letter, a Statement on your approach to faculty growth and development
4. On the application, four (4) professional references, one of whom should be your current supervisor, and one from someone you have supervised or mentored. References will not be contacted without your written permission.

About Lick-Wilmerding High School

Mission Statement: A private school with public purpose, Lick-Wilmerding High School develops the head, heart, and hands of highly motivated students from all walks of life, inspiring them to become lifelong learners who contribute to the world with confidence and compassion.

Connections working at Lick-Wilmerding High School