Job Title:
Student Affairs Dean
Company: Uncommon Schools
Location: Newark, NJ
Created: 2026-03-10
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Company Description Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. We are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference! Job Description At Uncommon Schools, the Student Affairs Dean (SAD) collaborates closely with the Principal and Director of Operations to foster a school culture where students are actively engaged in learning and eager to come to school. Our goal is to create an environment where students enjoy learning and engage respectfully with their peers, teachers, and community. The Student Affairs Dean will build strong relationships and a positive school culture, ensuring all students embody the school's values and focus on their journey to and through college. This role includes leading initiatives around school culture, our college preparatory focus, culturally responsive teaching, and student and family engagement. Partner with the Principal and Director of Operations to establish a positive, achievement-oriented, and culturally responsive school culture. Demonstrate mastery of our instructional techniques to model behavior management best practices for teachers. Support teachers in empowering students to reach their full academic and personal potential. Navigate behavioral crisis-intervention and acute behavioral issues, managing the school-wide behavior plan using culturally responsive techniques. Collaborate with teachers, students, and families to create and implement individual behavior plans. Manage systems that support school initiatives leading to academic success (e.g., attendance systems, homework systems). Maintain a visible presence during school hours, ensuring a welcoming and joyful school culture. Model the school's values and set standards for academic and personal excellence. Qualifications Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools. Unwavering belief in high academic and behavioral expectations for all students. Exceptional time and task management skills. Ability to persevere despite uncertainty and unexpected obstacles. Relentless drive to empower students academically and personally. Self-motivated, eagerness to be a great teammate, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong interpersonal skills. Ability and desire to implement feedback from school leaders and colleagues. Requirements: 3+ years of experience working with youth or teaching in an urban district or charter school context, focusing on building rapport and trust. Proven track record of holding high standards and providing emotional and academic support to students. Bachelor's degree required; a Master’s degree preferred. Additional Information At Uncommon, our people make us exceptional. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity and fairness, aiming to attract and retain top talent. Compensation Compensation for this role ranges from $73,000 to $115,000. Most candidates meeting the job description requirements will receive an offer between $73,000 and $79,000. Starting pay is determined using various factors including relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Benefits Generous paid time off including sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer). Extensive, best-in-class training and development. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, plus pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health savings accounts (HSA). Financial Planning through the New Jersey Pension program. Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.). Mental health and counseling support and wellness benefits. At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team representing a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions.