Dean of Academics at Maclay School

Tallahassee, Florida, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

13 Jan, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Curriculum Development, Instructional Leadership, Coaching, Mentorship, Collaboration, Data Analysis, Student Support, Communication, Teaching, Academic Rigor, Professional Development, Interdisciplinary Initiatives, Classroom Observation, Educational Leadership, Adolescent Learning, Assessment, Growth Mindset

Industry

Description

Job Details Job Location: Maclay School - Tallahassee, FL 32312 Dean of Academics Grades 6-12 Full-Time, 12-Month Position Maclay School seeks a highly knowledgeable, mission-driven Dean of Academics to serve as one of two deans responsible for advancing the Grades 6–12 academic program with expertise, clarity, and vision. This role is ideal for an academic leader who understands curriculum deeply, coaches teachers with skill and empathy, and elevates the overall quality of teaching and learning. The Dean of Academics ensures vertical alignment, coherence across departments, and clear academic pathways, and serves as a visible, relational presence in classrooms each day. This role partners closely with teachers, department chairs, student support, and division leadership to strengthen curriculum, refine instructional practices, and support students’ academic growth. As a central academic leader, the Dean of Academics is expected to be deeply engaged in the daily life of teaching and learning across Grades 6–12, with a consistent presence in classrooms, academic settings, and key school events. To preserve the time and focus required for this work, the Dean does not coach or hold primary supervisory roles in after-school athletics or arts. The role may extend beyond regular school hours at times; the Dean attends select after-school activities to connect with students and better understand the experiences that influence their academic performance. Maclay School operates within a broader educational environment shaped by regional and state expectations, as well as its own mission-driven guidelines. The Dean of Academics will sometimes encounter points where these policies intersect and must be able to support the school’s expectations and the standards required by accrediting and governing bodies with confidence and clarity. As stated in our Statement of Community, all members of Maclay are expected to “respect, support, defend, cooperate with, and speak well of one another and the school,” and to place the best interests of the institution first. The Dean of Academics understands that meaningful work is never accomplished alone and is highly skilled at engaging other adults, both inside and outside the community, for support and collaboration. Building a strong internal network of faculty advocates is essential to maximizing impact and achieving the ambitious goals Maclay sets for its students and community. For this reason, the ability to energize and mobilize others toward shared goals is a vital part of the role. Responsibilities Instructional Leadership & Academic Excellence Serve as one of two Dean of Academics, collectively responsible for advancing Grades 6–12 instructional excellence and supporting high-quality teaching and learning across departments. Maintain deep, ongoing knowledge of classroom practice by spending approximately 50% of time in classrooms, regularly observing instruction and providing direct feedback, coaching, and support to faculty. Lead curricular alignment, ensuring courses connect vertically, articulate across disciplines, and reflect best practices in design and assessment. Work with department chairs to review and refine course policies, syllabi, and grading practices so expectations are aligned and equitable. Champion academic rigor, effective pedagogy, and student-centered learning, raising awareness and performance across the faculty. Support teachers through mentorship, classroom coaching cycles, and collaborative planning. Contribute to faculty professional learning by facilitating workshops, supporting schoolwide PD initiatives, and helping strengthen a culture of continuous instructional improvement. The Dean of Academics will teach one course in their area of expertise, maintaining direct connection to classroom practice and the student learning experience. Curriculum, Programs & Pathways Oversee and develop curriculum documentation—including maps, standards, assessments, and academic policy guides. Partner on the creation, monitoring, and refinement of academic pathways, ensuring clarity, coherence, and appropriate challenge for students. Collaborate with division directors on course offerings, schedule planning needs, and departmental growth. Lead interdisciplinary and cross-divisional initiatives that strengthen the student learning experience. Student Academic Progress, Data & Support Monitor student academic progress using qualitative and quantitative data, identify trends, and collaborate with teachers to coordinate appropriate adjustments. Support academic review processes and develop improvement or support plans in partnership with student support, Center for Academic Excellence, counselors, and advisors. Partner with department chairs, college counseling, and division directors on student placement and scheduling decisions, ensuring alignment between student needs, course pathways, instructional capacity, and schoolwide academic standards. Collaboration & Culture Maintain a strong, visible academic presence in classrooms, hallways, and academic life. Partner with the academic leadership team to ensure a balanced and supportive student experience and to contribute instructional insight to faculty growth and evaluation processes. Serve on the Student Support Team, Learning Leadership Team, Academic Council, and other academic committees. Qualifications Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction or educational leadership required, with demonstrated expertise in a core academic content area. Extensive secondary teaching experience (8-10 years), with instructional leadership or administrative experience preferred. Deep knowledge of adolescent learning, academic systems, instructional design, and best practices in curriculum and assessment. Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with students, families, and faculty. A reflective, relational leader with intellectual curiosity, high expectations, and a growth mindset. The Successful Candidate Will Be A true academic leader with expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. A highly effective secondary teacher who upholds high expectations while providing strong, student-centered support. A visible presence who knows classrooms well and connects teachers across grades and disciplines. A systems-builder who brings coherence and clarity to the academic program. A mentor-coach who elevates teaching practice through trust, insight, and skill. A collaborative partner who supports teachers while holding high standards for academic excellence. A champion of student learning who grounds academic decisions in what best advances student growth, engagement, and achievement. Physical Requirements and ADA Statement This role requires regular movement between classrooms and buildings, participation in classroom observations, and navigating indoor and outdoor spaces. The position also requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, communicate clearly, operate standard technology, and occasionally lift up to 20–30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Non-Discrimination Statement Maclay School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, or actual or perceived gender identity, consistent with the nondiscrimination standards outlined in our employee benefit and policy documents. Qualifications Qualifications Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction or educational leadership required, with demonstrated expertise in a core academic content area. Extensive secondary teaching experience (8-10 years), with instructional leadership or administrative experience preferred. Deep knowledge of adolescent learning, academic systems, instructional design, and best practices in curriculum and assessment. Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with students, families, and faculty. A reflective, relational leader with intellectual curiosity, high expectations, and a growth mindset.

Responsibilities

The Dean of Academics is responsible for advancing instructional excellence and supporting high-quality teaching across Grades 6-12. This includes maintaining a strong presence in classrooms, leading curricular alignment, and supporting teachers through mentorship and coaching.