Director of DEI

Company: Association of Independent Schools in New England
Location: Milton
Posted on: February 26, 2021

Job Description:

Commonwealth School invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) will work closely with academic and administrative staff and faculty and will serve as a member of the Head's Working Group and the Student Life Committee. The Director will lead the strategic implementation of the school's diversity efforts, including in faculty recruitment, development and retention; student recruitment and retention; curriculum; student life; and alumni/ae engagement. A detailed position description will be available shortly. The mission of Commonwealth School is to educate young people from diverse backgrounds to become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and creative adults, capable of careful analysis, fruitful cooperation, responsible leadership, and deep commitment. Founded in 1957 by Charles E. Merrill, Jr., who served as headmaster for nearly 25 years, Commonwealth aspired to "restore good secondary schooling to the city in a stimulating and realistic" setting for education. Besides instilling discipline and independence of mind, Mr. Merrill hoped to encourage Commonwealth students to be "decent, socially responsible, generous people," actively engaged in public affairs. Over sixty years later, Commonwealth educates 135 students in grades 9-12, and boasts a 5:1 student to faculty ratio, an average class size of 12, and a one-on-one advisory program. Commonwealth alumni live the School's mission as they practice medicine; teach in public schools, prep schools, community colleges, and major universities; work as lawyers, neighborhood organizers, computer consultants, and business leaders; and pursue careers in the arts, television and film, and politics. Working collaboratively with Commonwealth faculty and staff leadership, the Director of DEI will:

• Develop and implement a DEI strategic plan aligned with the school's mission and long-range plan .
• Promote and cultivate a welcoming community culture for all students.
• Improve effectiveness and success in recruiting and retaining diverse faculty and--staff.
• Advise on and support--development of classroom and curriculum methods and environments that are inclusive.
• Plan, develop, and market DEI-focused events and professional development for faculty, staff, students, and families.
• Promote and support the work of the Admission and Advancement teams to engage prospective and current families and Commonwealth alumni.
• Play an active role with Dive In and the program's Director.
• Represent the school at local, regional, and national diversity events.
• Pursue professional opportunities, attending conferences and meetings to remain current with DEI issues that may affect the school. Important qualities for the Director of DEI include: a cooperative leadership style; the desire to work in community with faculty and staff colleagues and students; strong and responsive listening and communication skills; a growth mindset coupled with optimism and a strategic focus; and a commitment to building a school culture rooted in curiosity, creativity, responsible leadership, and excellence. Qualifications:
  • Substantial training or experience in counseling and supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds in privileged educational settings
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in working within schools to encourage discussion about culture and values and to support growth
  • Demonstrated ability to develop sensitive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and parents
  • Experience articulating a strategic vision and bringing it to life
  • Experience collaborating with multiple teams and managing several time-sensitive projects simultaneously
  • Experience teaching in a classroom preferred
  • Commitment to the Commonwealth School mission and core values Commonwealth School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, veteran status, military service, application for military service, or any other status protected by applicable law. Commonwealth will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. AISNE - Association of Independent Schools in New England

Keywords: Association of Independent Schools in New England, Boston , Director of DEI, Executive , Milton, Massachusetts