Job Classification:  Faculty 

Reports to:    Assistant Head of School for Community & Culture 

Department:   Office of Student Life

Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Head of School for Community and Culture, the Assistant Dean of Students for Inclusion and Belonging will work with our Deans of Students to promote school values and support all aspects of the student experience. In addition, this individual will oversee school-wide inclusion and belonging programs that foster a school culture in which all community members (students, faculty, and staff) are actively engaged in the diversity of school life.  

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Work with the Office of Student Life to:
   1. Educate students about Academy rules and policies.
   2. Conduct one-on-one conversations with students who demonstrate a pattern of not fulfilling community expectations.
   3. Clearly communicate students’ needs, conduct issues and/or disciplinary outcomes to students, parents, and relevant faculty and staff members. 
   4. Review Student Life data and develop strategies to address detrimental student dynamics
2. Sit on the Student Support Team, Community Concerns committee, and Program Collaboration Group
3. Imagine, create, organize, and execute an inclusion and belonging program for students that is aligned with Mercersburg’s mission, institutional values, and educational philosophy (including student affinity groups and the planning of our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
4. Coordinate and facilitate efforts between different programs, departments, and individuals
5. Provide ongoing inclusion and belonging training and mentorship to students and faculty
6. Advance inclusion and belonging efforts by cultivating productive relationships with faculty, staff, and students and holding others accountable to high standards, with an understanding of the skills and energy essential for promoting and executing change
7. Attend all faculty meetings, required meals and meetings, and professional development opportunities provided by the school
8. Coach one season, contribute as a grade dean, perform residential duty, and/or serve as an advisor
9. Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of best practices in inclusion and belonging work and demonstrated experience effectively leading such work in an independent school context 
• Demonstrated experience in generating innovative program ideas, developing thoughtful strategies, and effecting significant change by successfully implementing plans
• Ability to cultivate productive relationships with faculty, staff, and students and hold others accountable to high standards
• Highly effective communication skills including the ability to: clearly and concisely articulate ideas; actively listen and synthesize conversations; compose eloquent prose; create and deliver clear presentations
• High emotional intelligence, strong character, and impeccable integrity
• Experience facilitating challenging conversations
• Knowledge of and experience in teaching cultural competence, constructive dialogue, and civic discourse 
• Excellent problem solving and organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a broad range of partners
• An understanding of and appreciation for boarding school communities
• Ability to work evenings and weekends when required