Dean of Students

Job Description

Academy Overview

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy is a vibrant, co-educational Catholic academy serving students from Nursery through Grade 8 in Middle Village, New York. Founded in 1963 and transitioned to academy governance in 2016, the Academy has a proud tradition of academic excellence, faith formation, and community engagement.
Guided by the mission to "teach as Jesus did," Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy is committed to forming the whole child-spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally-within a safe, nurturing, and faith-filled environment. The Academy is supported by dedicated faculty and staff, an engaged parent community, and an active Board of Trustees.

Position Overview

The Dean of Students is a key member of the Principal's administrative leadership team and plays a central role in fostering a safe, orderly, and respectful school environment aligned with Catholic values. This individual serves as the primary coordinator of student management and school safety initiatives, working closely with students, families, faculty, staff, and outside partners.

The ideal candidate will be a strong, visible leader with excellent organizational and communication skills, significant experience in elementary and middle school education, and a commitment to Catholic education.

Reporting Relationship
• Reports directly to the Principal

Roles and Responsibilities
The Dean of Students is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
• Serve as the primary coordinator of student management, including investigations, disciplinary processes, implementation of consequences, and communication with parents regarding student conduct.
• Coordinate and oversee all emergency drills and related safety preparedness initiatives.
• Maintain a regular presence throughout the building and adjacent facilities, with particular focus on:
o Middle School hallways during class transitions
o Entrances and exits during arrival and dismissal times
• Act as the building liaison and coordinator for outside security service staff, ensuring clear communication and effective coverage.
• Serve as the lead coordinator of attendance matters, working with families and staff to address attendance concerns.
• Supervise cafeteria operations, including:
o Oversight of aides assigned to cafeteria monitoring
o Full-time presence during Middle School lunch periods
• Plan and present Code of Conduct programs to applicable grade levels.
• Present school safety and security programs to faculty and staff during meetings and professional development days.
• Collaborate with the Principal and administrative team to support a positive school culture rooted in respect, accountability, and Gospel values.
• Carry out additional safety, security, and student-support responsibilities as assigned by the Principal.
• Other administrative duties as deemed necessary by the principal
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Extensive experience in elementary and/or middle school education, preferably in a Catholic school setting.
• Demonstrated success in student management, school safety, and family communication.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with administration, faculty, staff, parents, and outside partners.
• Practicing Catholic preferred, with a clear understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education.
• New York State certification in education or school leadership is preferred but not required.

Personal Attributes
• Visible, calm, and fair presence with students and staff
• Strong judgment and discretion in sensitive situations
• Commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and faith-centered learning environment
• Professional demeanor and clear, compassionate communication style

About the Employer

Our mission is to provide a Catholic education that fosters the spiritual and academic development of each child by instilling a morally centered foundation. The responsibility for academic and spiritual growth is a shared endeavor among students, parents, faculty and administration. Our model is Jesus Christ who taught with compassion, respect and a loving heart. Therefore, our common goal is "to teach as Jesus did."