Dean of Students - Washington Connections Academy

Company Summary:
At Connections Academy, helping students maximize their potential and meet the highest performance standards through a uniquely individualized learning program is at the core of our mission. Connections Academy was founded in 2001 to deliver high-quality, highly accountable online education to students in grades K-12. Hallmarks of Connections Academy-supported online schools include personalized learning, an award-winning curriculum and Education Management System (EMS), dedicated state-certified teachers, and a supportive school community. Parents of enrolled students consistently share their satisfaction with Connections Academy: 92% “would recommend the schools to other families” and 95% say the curriculum is “high quality.” In 2017, Connections Academy-supported public schools serve students in 27 states, while the private online school, International Connections Academy meets the online school needs of students worldwide. Recognized for its outstanding curriculum and leadership, Connections Academy is committed to expanding quality education through technology and helping students achieve both academic and personal success. Connections Academy is part of the global learning company, Pearson, and its Online & Blended Learning group. For more information, visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.

Washington Connections Academy (WACA) is a tuition-free, virtual public school serving students in grades K-12 statewide. WACA has two schools under its umbrella of the shared-services model. It operates in partnerships with the Mary M. Knight School District and Goldendale School District and is under contract with Connections Academy to provide its educational program and other services. Both Washington Connections Academy schools are accredited by Cognia and were recognized as Cognia Schools of Distinction in 2022.

Position Summary and Responsibilities
Working remotely, the Dean of Students will work collaboratively with the leadership team. The Dean of Students will work closely with School Support, Enrollment, Technical Support, Materials Management, Fulfillment, Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, and Facilities Management. It is also anticipated that this individual will manage a range of special projects and duties, including all state-mandated protocols for schools in the state.

Other key responsibilities include the following:

• Serve as a member of the high school leadership team to support school improvement initiatives, student achievement goals, and operational priorities;
• Supervise and evaluate assigned instructional staff while providing coaching, support, and actionable feedback to improve teaching and learning outcomes;
• Lead student attendance, engagement, intervention, and truancy prevention efforts for assigned grade levels;
• Support the implementation of student intervention systems and collaborate with staff to identify and address barriers to student success;
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among students, families, teachers, counselors, and school leadership;
• Support the development and maintenance of a positive school culture focused on student belonging, accountability, and engagement;
• Assist in the planning and execution of state and local testing, including participation tracking, logistics, and compliance requirements;
• Monitor student data and support schoolwide initiatives related to student achievement, retention, and graduation outcomes;
• Support student clubs, activities, and events that foster connection and community within the virtual school environment;
• Collaborate with school leadership on staffing, hiring, onboarding, and school improvement efforts;
• Support operational and organizational initiatives as assigned by school leadership;
• Stay current on the state’s policies, procedures and legislation;
• Be available to handle all emergencies; and
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience
• Administrator degree is preferred
• Washington teacher or counselor certification
• Administrative or management experience within a school environment
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast paced environment
• Technologically proficient (especially with Microsoft Office and Google products)
• Experience in managing people a plus
• Ability to travel as-needed

Salary Range: $64,000 - $80,000 (based on experience & education). 

Washington Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

Washington Connections Academy acknowledges that its school operations span the state of Washington and that we have families and staff who live and work on the traditional homelands of Washington's Indigenous Peoples who have lived on these lands since time immemorial. We wish to express deep respect and gratitude for the land itself and to the people whose history and lives are here.