Dean of Upper School Life

Title: Dean of Upper School Life Direct Reports: N/A

Reports to: Director of Upper School FLSA Status: Exempt

When Needed: 2026 - 2027 Academic Year

FTE: Full-Time 12 months

Who We Are:

University Prep is an independent 6-12 school located in an urban residential section of Seattle WA one of the countrys most diverse and dynamic cities. We are a strong and vibrant community of students families faculty staff and alumni who collaboratively create an exceptional educational experience for every student. The school is a place of great teaching and joyful learning; a community that joins together to raise up our children to be caring and productive adults; a place where all students and families have equitable access to all the school has to offer and a place where we aspire for every family and student to feel equally enfranchised and at home. University Prep believes that our shared values of integrity respect and responsibility are essential to accomplish our mission of developing each students potential to become an intellectually courageous socially responsible citizen of the world.

Job Summary:

University Prep is seeking a compassionate collaborative and inspiring Upper School Dean of Student Life to help nurture a vibrant inclusive community where every student is known challenged and supported. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder and problem-solver who brings strong communication skills creativity and a deep commitment to student growth and well-being.

Working in partnership with the Director of Upper School and the Dean of Students theDean of Upper School Life plays a key role in shaping a positive school culture supporting students academic and social-emotional development and fostering meaningful connections among students families and faculty. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking school that values innovation inclusivity and joyful learning. University Prep offers a competitive salary excellent benefits and a dynamic professional community that encourages growth collaboration and lifelong learning

Specific Responsibilities:

School Leadership

• Support the Director of Upper School in all aspects of divisional operations particularly related to student life and school activities on campus and can act as Division Director in their absence.
• Serve on school committees and councils as assigned; represent the Upper School at internal and external meetings and events.
• Lead advisory meetings to gather feedback on student needs and coordinate academic or social-emotional interventions.
• Serve as a leading member of the Upper School Student Services team.
• Attend weekend events student performances and athletic games in conjunction with Director of Upper School and Dean of Students.
• Attend and contribute to parent representative meetings and family information sessions.
• Evaluate and support Grade Level Coordinators in conjunction with Director of Upper School.

Student Life and Activities

• Foster a welcoming environment that supports students social and emotional well-being.
• Collaborate with the Director to foster a dynamic school culture centered on student leadership and growth.
• Collaborate with Grade Level Coordinators to design and implement advisory and community-building activities.
• Advise and mentor Upper School student government and class representatives including planning leadership retreats and ongoing programming.
• Oversee student clubs and after school programs including scheduling budget management and liaising with program coaches.

Student Event Operations

• Lead manage and attend all non-athletic Upper School events (e.g. weekly assemblies three school dances per year August orientations fall overnight retreats) including scheduling budgeting and supervision.
• Coordinate and oversee the daily Upper School calendar including Community Time Flex Time and space usage.
• Plan and facilitate weekly Upper School assemblies in coordination with the Upper School ASB.
• Supervise ASBsponsored events and activities.
• Coordinate class-specific and community activities such as new student orientations grade-level trips and special events.
• Assign supervision duties for lunch and other school events like Reading Day.

Assistant Lead Role for Upper School Teams

• Run Upper School division meetings with Director of Upper School and Dean of Students.
• Participate in Upper School admissions events and other outreach opportunities as a divisional representative.
• Partner with program directors (SEL DEI Integrated Learning Global Link etc.) to manage non-traditional curricular programming.
• Assist with low-level discipline cases in conjunction with Director of Upper School and Dean of Students.

Professional Growth

• Engage in ongoing professional development and model lifelong learning.
• Adhere to all school policies and safety standards ensuring a secure environment for all community members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree from a four-year college or university in education or a related field
• Masters degree in education or related field preferred
• 3 to 5 years experience in school environment required
• One year of experience overseeing or managing a program related to student life and development(e.g. dean department head/chair or other programmatic leadership)
• Classroom teaching experiencestrongly preferred

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience working with students building strong relationships with them and holding them to high standards and expectations
• Demonstrates an empathic compassionate and inclusive leadership practice with the ability to work with broad constituencies in an approachable and diplomatic manner
• Strong organizational ability and the capacity to manage a complex job description with many components
• Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively to take initiative and to manage Upper School student life with confidence and clarity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff
• Ability to work and communicate well with students and their parents
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Adaptability punctuality flexibility maturity enthusiasm and a sense of humor
• Proficient at working in a Microsoft Windows environment (Windows 7 or higher) using Office (version 2010 or higher) including Outlook; ability to master common automated systems for record keeping and confidently learn new technology; Experience with school-focused technology is a plus
• Ability to talk on the phone
• Ability to sit and keyboard up to 8 hours per day

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range is $108000 to $123000 and is based on education and years of experience. UPrep offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package intended to support and promote the health and well-being work/life balance and financial security of our faculty staff and their families. Benefits are listed on ourcareers pageand include: Medical Dental and Vision Insurance Employer-Seeded Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Account Flexible Spending Accounts Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program Employer-Paid Life Insurance Voluntary Life Insurance 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer contribution and match after one year of service Paid Time Off Paid Parental Leave after one year of service and Professional Development opportunities.

If this sounds like you please click on Apply Now complete our online employment application and upload yourrésumé and a cover letter indicating why you are interested in this position.

Thank you for your interest in this position and in University Prep.

This position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

This description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties responsibilities or requirements.