Reports To: K-8 Director
Position Type: Full-time, Exempt
Bentley School is a K-12 co-educational, independent day school located on two campuses in Oakland (K-8) and Lafayette (9-12), California. Founded in 1920, Bentley School's legacy of excellence in teaching and learning maximizes student success in college and throughout their lives. Bentley is an inclusive community that shares a vision of academic achievement, balance, and the cultivation of character.
Overview of Position:
The Middle School Assistant Director is charged with supporting the K-8 Director in all areas of educational programs by motivating and leading the Middle School faculty. The Middle School Assistant Director will advance Bentley’s mission by collaborating with the K-8 Director, the Lower School Assistant Director, and other school leaders to effectively cultivate a positive and productive learning environment by managing with thought and care the 6-8 student experience, day-to-day operations, curriculum development and implementation, faculty support, and family relationships.
Work Schedule:
This is a twelve (12) month, full time, exempt position
Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
Student Support:
● Work with faculty, class deans, Learning Support Specialist, School Counselor, and others to facilitate consultation and management of student progress
● Liaise with K-8 Director, teachers, and parents to communicate student needs
● Consult with the class deans regularly about individual students and implementation of school policies, especially as they relate to the academic program
● Consult with the Learning Specialist about students with learning profiles and provide best practices in teaching for teachers
● Oversee and implement student behavioral and academic policies
● Manage student disciplinary issues with grade-level deans and, as appropriate, consult with K-8 Director
● Coordinate referral of students to the School Counselor and Learning Support Specialist as needed
● Oversee the planning and administration of student activities, including field trips, Mini-term, grade-level trips, overnights, socials, dances, and other experiential learning opportunities
● In coordination with K-8 Director, establish expectations for students’ academic performance
Faculty Support:
● Collaborate with the K-8 Director to onboard new faculty by providing and planning support for new teachers in the Middle School
● Observe faculty in the classroom and provide assessment and feedback as part of the teaching evaluation program
● Develop, organize, and lead new teacher orientation activities
● Select mentor teachers for new teachers and lead the mentorship program
● Curate off-campus professional development resources
● Work with the K-8 Director and others to develop clear and deliverable curriculum goals, objectives, and guidelines for each subject
● Review faculty syllabi and learning management systems
● Works with advisors to develop co-curricular programming in partnership with the Middle School faculty
● Oversee the coverage of classrooms when faculty are absent, including attaining substitute support and/or filling in for faculty to ensure classroom continuity
Administrative Responsibilities:
● Creates and implements a mission-aligned program for the student experience and student leadership that keeps Bentley current, relevant, and innovative
● Keeps K-8 Director updated and current on Middle School operations
● Collaborates with Directors and Deans in the various departments K-12
● Supports DEIB efforts of the school both with Middle School faculty and students
● Supports committees and task forces related to the role of Middle School Assistant Director, including but not limited to the DEIB Committee, Hiring Committee, and Faculty/Staff Culture Committee
● Helps K-8 Director to manage Middle School budget
● Works with Registrar to create faculty and student scheduling
● Coordinate Elective and Mini-Term course proposals, curriculum guide, and equipment and transportation needs with Registrar and oversee approval process and budget
● Review grades and comments with class deans each trimester
● In coordination with others, organizes Back-to-School Night and Parent/Teacher Conferences
● Models and cultivates a shared sense of purpose in order to create a culture of engagement and investment among all members of the community
● Represents the School at Admissions events and other School events (Admissions Open Houses, Back to School Nights, Concerts, Performances, and other school events as needed)
● Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with parents/guardians
● In coordination with others, organizes weekly meetings, including faculty meetings and Town Meetings
Perform other duties as necessary or assigned by the K-8 Director in support of the Middle School and leadership.
Required Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s degree preferred
● Middle school teaching and administrative experience
● A genuine passion and job for working with Middle School students and their families
● A deep knowledge of child and adolescent development, including identity development
● Experience with strategic thinking and leadership, including expertise in gathering and assessing a broad range of data and helping develop shared agreement for key priorities and initiatives
● Experience designing, implementing, and improving co-curricular programs and events that connect directly to the school's mission and values
● Experience guiding parents and guardians on sensitive student-related matters, such as identifying the need for learning evaluations, behavioral restorative processes, and the Middle School transition process
● An open and collaborative management style combined with an ability to be a decision-maker
● Strong passion for the role and the school, and an understanding of how the position supports the school’s ability to meet its mission and vision every day
● Ability to work in a collegial, collaborative environment and to develop the necessary trust and credibility to work with faculty, administrators, and parents
● Ability to facilitate and engage in difficult conversations and coach others to do the same
● Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
● Ability to balance multiple demands from various constituencies with an excellent sense of humor, optimistic outlook, and a calm presence
● Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion
Pay Range:
Bentley uses a competitive salary scale, which takes into account experience, education, and skill level. The starting salary we reasonably expect to pay for this position ranges from $125,000 - $140,000.
How to Apply:
Please submit a letter of interest, a CV/resume, and a statement of teaching philosophy that addresses both your approach to working with students and how you approach your classroom practice. A list with the names and contact information of three (3) references should also be included. No phone calls, please.
Qualified, interested candidates may apply for the position through online application at https://bentleyschool.bamboohr.com/careers/245
Bentley is unable to provide immigration sponsorships such as H1B Visas. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and be willing to undergo both Livescan background check and TB screening as part of the hiring process.
Bentley School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks rich diversity among faculty and administration. Bentley School offers equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and all employees without regard to sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, race, color, caste, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, religious creed, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, citizenship, medical leave or other types of protected leave, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. An applicant who does not meet the minimum qualifications of the position(s) for which the applicant applies will not be considered for employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview for the position, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.