Dean of Students

Dean of Students – Job Description

St. Mary’s Catholic School is seeking a faith-filled, student-centered leader to serve as Dean of Students. The Dean of Students supports the school's mission by fostering a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment rooted in Catholic values and high behavioral expectations.

The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, skilled relationship builder, and collaborative educational leader who is passionate about student growth, accountability, and character formation. The Dean of Students fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by working with the principal to manage the school, faculty, staff, and students, with a major emphasis on student discipline, family relations, and employee relations. This position reports to and is evaluated by the principal.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include participation in a faith-filled educational community, professional development opportunities, and applicable diocesan benefits.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring. In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable collaborators, share Christ's mission with them, and entrust them with various responsibilities.

Positions employed at this School help extend the ministry of School leaders in specific ways, as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Primary Responsibilities

• Promote and uphold the mission, philosophy, and values of Catholic education
• Support student discipline and restorative practices in a fair, consistent, and respectful manner
• Build positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, and staff
• Assist in maintaining a safe and orderly campus environment
• Collaborate with teachers and administration to support student success and behavior interventions
• Monitor student attendance, conduct, and campus supervision
• Participate in parent conferences and student support meetings as needed
• Help coordinate student activities, supervision schedules, and school events
• Support the implementation of school policies and procedures
• Serve as a visible and approachable presence throughout the school day
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Supports and assists with the responsibilities of the principal
• Serves as the principal in the principal’s absence
• Assists in the general administration of the school 
• Supports the communication, training, and supervision of the faculty and staff
• Assists in planning for staff development, curriculum, educational textbooks and materials, and student testing
• Maintains documentation of instructional planning
• Carries out the disciplinary policies of the school
• Interprets and enforces school policies
• Assists in designing the master schedule
• Assists with faculty and other meetings
• Provides direct supervision of school-sponsored activities
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students, and staff
• Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning
• Monitors students regarding tardiness, absences, and those on academic probation
• Oversees faculty and staff committees, as assigned
• Supports the preparation of handbooks
• Supports the referral process for student evaluation with the local ISD (Temple ISD) school systems

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Knowledge of curriculum, instructional methods/strategies, and curriculum differentiation
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior
• Able to manage student behavior
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
• Able to work well with others in a school community
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Skill in job-appropriate technology 
• Skill in critical thinking and planning

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree and pursuing a master’s degree
• Pursuing 18 hours in educational administration and supervision

Experience:

• Has successful teaching experience

Certifications and Training:

• Certification/Licenses: Meets TCCED requirements for Dean of Students.
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 30 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.
• Without a Theology degree, must complete Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of the date of hire, completing a minimum of 25 hours each year.
• In keeping with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership, the Dean of Students will continue with Religion Certification Part 2, taking at least one class per year.

Working Conditions

• Required to work some nights and weekends
• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
• Required to work a minimum of a full school day
• Required to work in standard office and school conditions

Employee Certification

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.

Texas is an “at-will” employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a predetermined time or guarantee of employment.