The Upper School at McDonogh School seeks a visionary leader to oversee our academic program for grades 9-12. Working closely with the Head of Upper School, the Upper School Academic Dean will guide curriculum development, instructional excellence, and student achievement while implementing McDonogh's PK-12 LifeReady learning initiative. This educator will also teach in their discipline of expertise.

We seek a hands-on administrator who combines strategic thinking with practical execution. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. This leader must excel at fostering collaboration, making informed decisions, and building consensus among team members. Most importantly, they will serve as a trusted mentor to faculty, balancing supportive coaching with clear direction to advance teaching excellence and student growth.

Essential Functions

• Academic Leadership & Vision
• Research and present evidence-based insights on secondary education trends to school leadership
• Develop and implement student-centered teaching initiatives
• Lead Department Chair meetings, setting and managing collaborative agendas based on feedback to drive short and long-term academic initiatives
• Support Department Chairs in setting annual departmental vision, goals, and outcomes and implementing curriculum design
• Program Management & Oversight
• Ensure curricular continuity across grades and disciplines through leadership of the Academic Review Committee
• Oversee course review processes to maintain academic standards, managing decisions about course levels (College Prep/Honors/Advanced)
• Direct the coordination and calibration of course placements for students in Grades 8-12
• Guide assessment grading calibration efforts across course sections to ensure consistency and fairness
• Analyze student performance data to inform decision-making
• Work in partnership with the registrar and Head of Upper School to manage scheduling, course enrollment, grade reporting, and transcript management
• Faculty Development
• Provide ongoing professional development and guidance to faculty in partnership with the Head of Upper School and Director of LifeReady
• Participate in the Growth and Evaluation Framework with faculty observations and growth conversations and collaborate on Performance Improvement Plans when needed
• Administrative Responsibilities
• Collaborate with Deans, Learning Support, and Administration as it relates to the academic program and student experience
• Manage course description guide development and updates
• Review and update Upper School Handbooks and academic policies
• Oversee summer course enrollment and DASH communications
• Maintain transcript policies

Master's Degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.

Additional Experience

• Demonstrated proficiency in educational technology and data management
• Proven success in upper school classroom teaching
• Significant experience in independent school administration and leadership

Additional Requirements

• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative spirit and willingness to support colleagues
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with diverse communities
• Energy and enthusiasm for educational excellence
• Excellence in building and leading collaborative teams
• Expertise in data-driven decision-making
• Flexibility to respond to evolving school needs as determined by the Head of Upper School
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality
• Must comply with school hiring policies including background check
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities
• Physical and mental capacity to perform all required duties
• Proficiency in meeting deadlines and managing competing priorities
• Proven ability to motivate and develop high-performing faculty
• Skilled facilitator of meetings and complex discussions
• Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities
• Strong track record of project management and system implementation

Working Conditions

Evening and weekend hours may be required from time to time. Lifting and carrying of equipment is not typical but may be required on rare occasions. Lifting up to 25 pounds. Other working conditions include climbing stairs, walking around campus, sitting, standing, and significant computer use including extensive close use of a computer monitor. Reaching, grasping.