Dean of Academics

Overview

The Dean of Academics works closely with the Principal in all matters pertaining to the academic, instructional, supervisory, and professional growth areas of the school, helps to build a culture of excellence in teaching, and focuses on the well-being of students in a manner consistent with the school’s Catholic, Ursuline mission and core values. The Dean of Academics will ensure that Ursuline Academy’s academic program is serving students in the best way possible for today’s learners. The Dean of Academics is a visionary for the school and celebrates the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

The Dean of Academics is a 12-month position.

General Authority

The Dean of Academics of Ursuline Academy of Dallas reports to the Principal, who in turn reports to the President of the Academy. The following positions will report to the Dean of Academics:

• Director of Teaching and Learning
• College Counseling Chair
• Learning Specialist
• Registrar

Key Accountabilities

• Maintain congruency between the Ursuline’s mission and the philosophy of Catholic education with all academic activities.
• Implement best practices in curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment, based on current research on learning and girls’ education.
• Provide knowledge to faculty about leading trends and issues in secondary education; and lead conversations on educational and philosophical topics of interest and concern.
• Ensure that standardized testing data are used appropriately both for student support and for gleaning information about our academic program.
• Ensure that curriculum guides are up-to-date, aligned within departments, and articulated/communicated through all appropriate means.
• Assist the Principal regarding the hiring, retention, and assignment of mission-appropriate faculty.
• Observe, supervise, and help evaluate faculty in the development and implementation of curriculum and assessment
• Supervise the teaching process and provide helpful feedback for growth
• Oversee the professional learning program with the assistance of the Director of Teaching and Learning
• Review and evaluate all academic programs.
• Manage and provide leadership formation of the Director of Teaching and Learning, Registrar, College Counseling Chair, Learning Specialist, and Academics Associate.
• Work with department chairs to support faculty members’ Folio goals and complete annual faculty reviews.
• Work with the Principal and Registrar to supervise the preparation of a master school class schedule and assign teachers and students to classes and other obligations.
• Provide for the academic guidance of students.
• Collaborate with the Registrar to maintain complete academic records on all students; oversee the grading and reporting standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement
• Assist in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of applicants for enrollment.
• Review student grades, render decisions regarding extracurricular ineligibility, and counsel parents and students, especially those experiencing academic difficulty.
• Engage in effective communication with parents as required in matters relating to the performance and scheduling of individual students, providing timely and appropriate responses to inquiries.
• Partner with the Director of Teaching and Learning to enhance classroom instruction through effective use of technology and emerging AI tools that foster engagement, creativity, and student learning.
• Follow Ursuline’s Communication Norms when concerns need to be addressed with a student, parent, and/or employee.
• Assist with orientation and education of new faculty to the school’s philosophy, expectations, and policies, helping them adapt more quickly and fully to their apostolic roles as teachers.
• Actively engage in professional learning to model curiosity and life-long learning
• Seek collaborative relationships with fellow local Deans of Academics or similar positions

Responsibilities and Activities

• Maintain up-to-date curriculum guides and compendium to include an overview of each course, syllabus and policies for each course, a course of study, and general academic policies
• Oversee testing at Ursuline (standardized testing, semester exam testing, testing calendar, etc.)
• Collaborate with the Dean of Students and Student Counseling department to ensure information flows to faculty regarding students experiencing academic, physical, or emotional difficulty
• Work with Student Counseling on academic support plans for students
• Administer, assist, and organize the yearly training of new employees in FierceConversations
• Supervise annual filing and updating of personnel records required by professional accrediting agencies; direct evaluations of the school by accrediting agencies; and review compliance with Diocesan and State academic requirements
• Supervise and perform annual appraisals for direct reports
• Assist the Principal in submitting recommendations with regard to the generation of the annual budget
• Oversee the recognition of student academic achievement
• Provide oversight and direction for the Faculty Mentoring Program
• Serve as an enthusiastic Advisor as a part of Ursuline’s Advisory program.

Other

• Serve on the School Administrative Team.
• Serve as advisor for designated group of students.
• Support the school and its leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Position Requirements

• A deep investment in Ursuline’s mission and Catholic education
• Readiness to carry out the Catholic Church’s mission of ensuring the formation of students’ faith and intellectual development illumined by Gospel message
• Experience analyzing statistics and data trends
• A champion for all-girls education
• Successful experience teaching or leading at the secondary level, preferably in an all-girls or Catholic school setting.
• Enthusiasm for technology and AI integration in classrooms.
• Master’s degree required, with preference for a degree in Instruction, Curriculum, or Educational Leadership

In addition to the above responsibilities, full-time faculty at Ursuline Academy serve as advisors, actively participate in non-academic student activities such as moderating clubs, chaperoning events, and student supervision, and enthusiastically pursue professional development opportunities as they join a Catholic, independent school culture.

Strong Candidates Possess the Following Traits

• Ability to earn the trust of others by modeling and welcoming open and honest dialogue, setting clear and reasonable expectations, establishing accountability without alienation, demonstrating the willingness and ability to listen, being dependable and reliable, and taking responsibility for one’s actions.
• Vision for hiring for mission and broad community support as well as for strong academic backgrounds.
• Desire to cultivate leadership.
• Enthusiasm in the realm of technology.
• Certification in education, curriculum, and instruction.

Ursuline Academy of Dallas Mission:

Founded in 1874 by the Ursuline Sisters, Ursuline Academy of Dallas is an independent Catholic, college preparatory school for young women. The mission of Ursuline Academy is the total development of the individual student through spiritual formation, intellectual growth, service to others, and building of community. Ursuline Academy educates young women for leadership in a global society.

Qualified candidates should download the Employment Application, Background Check, and Pre-Employment Affidavit forms from Careers webpage. Email the completed forms along with a resume, letters of reference, cover letter and transcripts of undergraduate or graduate work to Employment at Ursuline.

Compensation commensurate with experience. EEO