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Interim Middle School Dean of Students
La Jolla Country Day School
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Interim Middle School Dean of Students

La Jolla Country Day School

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Details
Posted:
May 28, 2026
Location:
La Jolla, California
Salary:
$95,000-$126,000 annualized
Level:
Administration
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
La Jolla Country Day School is seeking a dynamic, student-centered, and mission-aligned Interim Middle School Dean of Students to serve as a key member of the Middle School leadership team for the 2026-2027 academic year. This individual plays a critical role in fostering an inclusive, supportive, and respectful school culture while advancing initiatives that strengthen student engagement, leadership development, and community belonging across grades 5–8. 

Serving approximately 325 students, the Dean of Students oversees student life and activities, supports student wellbeing and accountability through restorative practices, and partners closely with students, faculty, parents, and administrators to cultivate a positive and enriching Middle School experience. This highly relational role requires a visible, approachable, and collaborative leader who is passionate about adolescent development and committed to building a thriving school community grounded in integrity, empathy, and mutual respect. 

The Interim Dean of Students will help shape programs and systems that support student success, morale, and belonging while contributing to the overall health and culture of the Middle School. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, excellent communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of the developmental needs of middle school students.

Why Join La Jolla Country Day School?
La Jolla Country Day School is a vibrant, inclusive learning community dedicated to developing individuals who are intellectually curious, emotionally resilient, and ethically grounded. The Middle School years are foundational in shaping identity, confidence, leadership, and belonging, and this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students during a transformative stage of development. 

At LJCDS, we believe strong relationships are at the heart of student growth. We value collaboration, empathy, innovation, and a commitment to fostering a community where every student feels known, supported, and empowered to thrive. If you are energized by working closely with adolescents, building community, supporting students and families, and contributing to a culture of belonging and accountability, we encourage you to apply.

What You’ll Do
  • Student Life & Community Engagement
    • Oversee the day-to-day student experience within the Middle School, fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging campus environment
    • Organize and support student clubs, affinity groups, and alliance organizations, with an emphasis on amplifying student voice and developing leadership skills
    • Advise and meet weekly with members of the Torrey Leadership Council (TLC) in grades 5–8 to cultivate leadership growth, collaboration, and community involvement
    • Collaborate with the Head and Assistant Head of Middle School to plan and facilitate community-time assemblies, guest speakers, and student programming
    • Support program leaders as a chaperone for one or more outdoor education programs
  • Student Support & Restorative Practices
    • Partner with faculty, staff, and families to address student behavioral and disciplinary matters while supporting teachers in the development and implementation of behavior plans grounded in restorative practices
    • Guide students through restorative processes following behavioral missteps using a clear, tiered system of support and accountability
    • Manage and facilitate the Ethics Council process, as appropriate
    • Co-lead the Middle School Student Success Team in partnership with the Director of the Learning Resource Center to support student wellbeing, growth, and achievement
    • Collaborate with the Wellness team on Health and Wellness curriculum and planning
    • Monitor attendance and tardiness trends and collaborate with the administrative team to address concerns proactively

Who You Are

  • Mission-Aligned Leader: You embody and promote the values of integrity, inclusion, empathy, and belonging.
  • Student-Centered Educator: You build authentic relationships with middle school students and create environments where students feel safe, respected, and supported.
  • Collaborative Partner: You work effectively with faculty, families, administrators, and staff to support student success and strengthen community culture.
  • Restorative Practitioner: You approach student discipline and accountability through relationship-building, reflection, and growth-oriented practices.
  • Visible Community Member: You are actively engaged in daily campus life and contribute positively to the energy and spirit of the Middle School.
  • Growth-Oriented Professional: You demonstrate adaptability, resilience, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous learning.
  • Empathetic Communicator: You listen actively, communicate clearly, and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives and experiences.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education, counseling, leadership, or a related field preferred
  • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience working with middle school students in an educational or student-life setting; academic leadership experience preferred
  • Deep understanding of adolescent development, middle school culture, and student social-emotional needs
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive school community
  • Experience designing and implementing student leadership, advisory, or community-building programs
  • Knowledge of restorative practices, student discipline processes, and conflict resolution strategies
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative leadership skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality
  • Experience facilitating conversations and programming related to equity, inclusion, and belonging
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
  • Professional Skills
    • High emotional intelligence and professionalism
    • Strong relationship-building and conflict-resolution abilities
    • Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
    • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced school environment
    • Strong analytical thinking and decision-making abilities
    • Collaborative mindset with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach
    • Commitment to fostering belonging across diverse constituencies

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

  • Full-time, in-person, campus-based role
  • Work occurs primarily in office, classroom, and student-life settings
  • Regular sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching required throughout the workday
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs
  • Ability to work at a desk and computer screen for extended periods
  • Ability to move independently throughout the campus
  • Moderate noise levels with occasional louder environments during assemblies, dances, and school events

All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.

To be considered, please submit:

  • A current resume or CV
  • A cover letter describing your interest in joining the LJCDS community and your relevant experience

We value authenticity in the application process and ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools to generate their cover letter and other application materials.

NOTES:

Additional Salary Information: This interim position will begin on July 2026 and end in June 2027. The salary offer to a successful candidate will depend on factors including experience, education, training, and relevant skills.
About La Jolla Country Day School
La Jolla Country Day School (LJCDS) is an independent coeducational day school for students in early childhood (age 3) through Grade 12, located in San Diego, California. LJCDS prides itself on identifying students, faculty and staff of exceptional character who possess a strong work ethic and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Consistently named one of the top independent schools in San Diego, LJCDS is San Diego’s only independent school to house students from age 3 to Grade 12 on one campus. This means that every day, students walk by either who they were or who they will become. La Jolla Country Day School’s mission is to prepare individuals for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal growth and social responsibility. The school’s core value is dignity—the belief that every human has inherent value and self-worth.
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