The College Preparatory School

Assistant Head of School/Academic Dean

Full-time Position

The College Preparatory School, an independent co-educational high school in Oakland, California, seeks an experienced, dynamic educational leader to serve as the Assistant Head of School and Academic Dean beginning July 1, 2025. In support of 370 students and 55 teaching faculty members, the Assistant Head of School/Academic Dean works closely with the Head of School as a thought partner and strategist, and serves as a member of the senior administrative team in the overall leadership and management of the School. Together with a stable and highly effective administrative team, the Assistant Head of School/Academic Dean holds a critical role in the design, development, assessment, and articulation of the academic program.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development, design, assessment, and articulation of the academic program, including oversight of departmental and program audits
• Serve as the liaison among students, parents, and faculty, supporting in particular those students who struggle with academic issues
• Supervise and mentor the staff charged with student and program support, including the Director of Learning Services, the Director of Curricular Innovation and Research, the Director of Experiential Learning, the Librarian, and the Educational Technologist.
• Guide and coordinate the work of various standing committees and ad hoc task forces, including the Curriculum Committee
• Work with the Dean of Faculty to support and hold accountable teachers who face performance challenges
• Assist the Head of School and Dean of Faculty in hiring and other matters

Qualifications and Desired Characteristics

The position requires someone with a deep, personal commitment to academic life, coupled with keen interpersonal intelligence. College Prep seeks candidates who possess confidence, humility, and empathy, as well as excellent organizational and communication skills. The ideal candidate will offer most, if not all, of these characteristics:

 The ability to work closely with teachers to support and facilitate their collaboration, creativity and collegiality

• The ability to provide intellectual, ethical, and educational leadership to faculty and students through example, formal discussions, and casual conversations
• A confident, caring, and approachable presence that invites and respects the views of others yet is able to be decisive when needed.
• An appreciation of the dynamic balance between tradition and innovation in the curriculum and the teaching.
• Ability to initiate and complete projects and manage change processes.
• Excellent administrative skills with the commitment to delegate appropriately and hold others accountable.
• Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as skill in building inclusive communities and classrooms through culturally competent pedagogies.
• Experience in hiring, supporting, developing, and retaining a diverse faculty and administrative staff.
• Eagerness to work directly with students and families.

Founded in 1960, The College Preparatory School is an independent coeducational secondary school created for intellectual risk-takers who want to pursue a purposeful education with kindred peers. College Prep's 370 students are engaged and motivated learners who help create a kind, intellectual, and equitable community. The School's mission is to prepare students for productive, ethical lives in college and beyond by fostering a stimulating education within an atmosphere of consideration, trust, and mutual responsibility. The School prides itself on fostering students' intellectual resilience, deep sense of interconnectedness, and optimistic appreciation of possibility.

College Prep actively encourages life-long learning and supports the professional development of all of its members. Benefits include medical and dental coverage, a retirement plan for eligible employees, and most pleasantly and collegially, a prepared lunch every day.

Candidates interested in becoming College Preparatory School's next Assistant Head of School/Academic Dean may apply online at https://rg175.com/candidate/signup. The application includes a letter of interest, resume, writing sample (article, educational philosophy, personal statement), and a list of five references. Please contact Rebecca Upham with questions or referrals at rebecca.upham@rg175.com or phone/text 857.998.7479

As an equal opportunity employer, College Prep welcomes candidates representing diversity of all kinds. We celebrate the inclusivity of our community regarding race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity.