DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE

Position Overview: The SEED School of Los Angeles County is seeking a dynamic Director of Student Life. Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Student Life will serve on the senior leadership team playing a critical role in the successful operation of the school. This role will be responsible for collaborating across all other areas of SEED. The learning environment at The SEED School of Los Angeles County extends well beyond the classroom. The Student Life program nurtures each student’s personal and academic growth through a variety of enrichment activities, life skills lessons and academic support both before and after the traditional school day. The Director of Student Life will be responsible for leading this cornerstone program of the SEED model which encompasses most of each day (3pm through to 8am), and for collaborating across all other areas including academic, student support, and college counseling. The Director of Student Life will lead, manage, and ensure the highest standards for after-school and before school programming, intramural and enrichment activities, support services, study hall, student life curriculum, overnight supervision and support, and crisis support. The Director of Student Life will be responsible for hiring, supporting, coaching, and managing the Student Life staff, and for developing a team with a culture of professional maturity, support, and mutual accountability. As a senior leader of the school with significant influence over staff and programs, the Director of Student Life will demonstrate unwavering commitment to the success of each individual student.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide overall programmatic leadership in the development, implementation, coordination, assessment, and daily administration of the Student Life program.

• Promote the mission of the school, articulate a clear Student Life vision, build a strong, positive, nurturing culture of community, and work closely and collaboratively with the other members of the school leadership team to execute a seamless, integrated, safe and secure 24-hour college-preparatory program.

• Manage and coach the Student Life team to maximize their effectiveness and performance. Lead in the recruitment, training, assessment, and retention of quality staff.

• Collaborate with the Head of School and other members of the school’s leadership team to deliver a dynamic program that results in high student achievement and a positive nurturing school culture. Promote and embrace synergy with the Principal and Director of Student Support Services.

• Establish both long- and short-term goals and objectives related to Student Life and direct and supervise systems for accountability and assessment. Use data to assess, improve and manage program impact, staff performance and student development and achievement.

• Develop and implement academic support programs, including tutoring services and study skills workshops, to enhance student academic achievement.

• Collaborate with faculty to identify and address students' academic needs and challenges.

• Ensure access to educational resources and materials that facilitate academic success for all students.

• Design and oversee student leadership development programs to empower and cultivate student leaders.

• Provide guidance and support for a diverse range of student clubs and organizations, including student government, sports teams, and special interest groups.

• Encourage and promote student involvement and participation in extracurricular activities and events.

• Create and implement residential life programs and initiatives to promote a supportive and inclusive living environment for students.

• Oversee the development of policies and procedures that foster a positive residential community.

• Provide guidance and support for resident advisors and student leaders within the residential facilities.

• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with local and community organizations to enhance community engagement opportunities for students.

• Organize and coordinate community service events, volunteer opportunities, and service-learning projects.

• Develop initiatives that encourage students to actively contribute to and engage with the wider community.

• Develop and deliver professional development programs for staff aimed at enhancing their ability to support and mentor students.

• Provide resources and training to staff members to improve their skills in academic support, student leadership, and residential life.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and growth through ongoing professional development opportunities for staff.

• Serve as a role model for professional behavior and ethical conduct for students and staff.

• Support Student Life staff and coordinate with other school leaders in promoting the school’s core values and behavior systems.

• Provide crisis intervention and support for disciplinary issues as necessary.

• Lead ongoing efforts related to enrichment activities and authentic experiences which foster learning and personal growth for students.

• Establish and maintain close relationships with parents/guardians.

• Maintain a visible presence and rapport with students, parents, staff and other community members.

• Communicate and regularly inform staff, parents, and other stakeholders about Student Life programs.

• Actively seek program innovations and industry best practices which can be incorporated into the SEED model.

• Maintain commitment to personal professional growth and learning through research and involvement in professional organizations.

• Reside on campus and respond to/support emergency situations as necessary (i.e. student or staff infractions, inclement weather, medical emergencies, power outages, and/or staff shortages).

• Perform other duties as required or assigned by the Head of School.

(On-campus housing: REQUIRED)

Physical Requirements

The following requirements represent the essential functions of this position and must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to sit, stand, and use standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to remain alert and responsive during extended work periods, including during crisis prevention or de-escalation situations.
• Sufficient vision, hearing, and communication abilities to monitor student safety, follow instructions, and respond to emergencies.
• Ability to follow safety procedures, assist with emergency response and evacuations, and participate in behavior intervention consistent with training and school policy.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Work is performed in a classroom within a school setting.
• Frequent communication and interaction with students, families, and staff.
• Daily collaboration with academic, operations, and student support teams.
• The schedule generally follows the school calendar; additional hours may be required for reporting cycles or compliance deadlines.
• Exposure to moderate to high noise levels and active school environments.
• May involve exposure to bodily fluids, cleaning agents, and medical or adaptive equipment; adherence to universal precautions is required.