Leadership Opportunity Chief of Equity and Belonging – The Dalton School

Leadership Opportunity Chief of Equity and Belonging The Dalton School New York City, NY July 1, 2022

Insisting upon justice.

We go forth empowered by Helen Parkhurst's directive: to change with the changing world.

The Dalton School, a leading progressive K-12 independent, gender-inclusive school located in Manhattan, seeks a visionary Chief of Equity and Belonging (CoEB) to build upon the school’s century-long commitment to equity and inclusion and to support a transformative learning community with a profound appreciation for difference, equity, and global humanity. The CoEB will play a central role in The Dalton Community by focusing on building internal and external relationships and by working closely with all constituents and through all dimensions of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, family structure, sexual orientation, ability, gender expression, and socioeconomic status. Leading a comprehensive strategy that recognizes equity and belonging, both in the community and in the academic program, the CoEB will be critical to ensuring successful preparation for students entering a global society.

An integral part of the school’s accomplished Administrative Leadership Team, and reporting directly to incoming Head-Elect José M. De Jesús, the CoEB will inspire, lead, construct, and implement school-wide initiatives, professional learning, and strategic conversations. The Chief will oversee efforts that serve and engage all constituencies including students, faculty, families, administration, staff, alumni, and the Board of Trustees with the support and collaboration of the DEI Coordinators. The CoEB will lead efforts that strengthen the culture of inclusivity, deepen understanding of identity development across multiple dimensions of diversity, add skills and aptitudes for pedagogical practice, support the student experience, and build community through transparency, dialogue, and deep listening.

The CoEB will inspire the ongoing evolution of Dalton’s commitment and practice in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as draw inspiration from the school’s unique educational philosophy, its powerful history of educational innovation, and its singular vision to prepare its students to “Go Forth Unafraid.” In addition to contemporary community-wide DEI conversations, the Chief will connect with and build upon the historical roots of Dalton’s approach, such as a focus on the individual learner, the importance of expert teachers, the value of relationships, innovations in pedagogy, the development of self-motivation and self-direction, the exploration of interests and passions, the interdependence of community, and the development of empathy and social skills. Helping translate the school’s historical roots into a contemporary equity and belonging framework using best practices will be a central emphasis.

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THE POSITION The Dalton School, like many other institutions around the world, is emerging from the global pandemic and the racial reckoning that began last year. The new CoEB will enter the School at a very exciting juncture with an opportunity to build upon decades of intentional work relating to diversity and inclusion, and to forge a partnership with a new Head of School to guide the Dalton community towards a deeper understanding of and appreciation for what it means to be a more equitable and inclusive Dalton.

Strategic Opportunities for the Chief of Equity and Belonging The CoEB will collaborate with senior leaders in the stewardship of the school’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) goals in a range of operational areas from admissions, to advancement, to marketing and finance. As the staff liaison of the Board DEI Committee, the Chief will provide thought leadership, strategic vision, as well as wise counsel to trustees. The CoEB will be involved in the comprehensive experience of the professional staff and faculty, from recruitment and onboarding, through setting expectations, to support and evaluation, as well as professional advancement.

The Chief can look forward to working with a professional community of lifelong learners in the faculty and staff who are committed to taking their DEI commitment to the next level in terms of capacity, confidence and pedagogy. The faculty and staff will offer tremendous wisdom and experience to the listening ear of the new Chief. The Chief will have the opportunity to build community, form supportive relationships, and provide guidance and support to a faculty and staff that is eager and welcoming for that focus.

The CoEB will have the opportunity to engage students directly and co-construct programming that develops and supports all Dalton students. The Chief can look forward to mentoring and partnering with faculty, students, parents, trustees, and staff on issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

After a year of not being able to gather together in dialogue and being in community with one another during one of the most difficult moments in our history, there is a strong desire among the Dalton community for a safe space and time to have deep conversation around issues of DEIB. The Chief will be a welcome partner with the Dalton Parents Association to support the School’s mission of inclusion and fostering a vibrant and unified community within the Dalton School. The Chief will communicate with and create opportunities for the parent community to learn more about school-wide DEIB programming and priorities and will facilitate dialogue in the parent community that makes space for voices and assists the community in coming together. Moreover, the Chief will collaborate with and explore opportunities for the alumni community to participate in and support DEIB initiatives and activities.

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Essential Functions and Responsibilities The Dalton School’s CoEB will accomplish the school’s goals in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by helping to create an inclusive educational experience, by leading and building the school-wide Equity and Belonging Team, and by collaborating with the faculty and staff.

Creator of an Inclusive Educational Experience The CoEB will oversee and expand programs, initiatives, and events that advance Dalton’s strategic goals for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. By leading the School community in conversations, learning, policies, and programs, the Chief will bring together Dalton’s faculty and staff in a common vision and shared goals so that each and every Dalton student has a transformative and inclusive educational experience. The Chief will be a change agent, visible and engaged, and will collaborate with all constituencies, speaking both internally and externally for Dalton’s commitment and efforts towards its growth and evolution in equity work.

Leader and Builder of a School-wide Equity and Belonging Team The CoEB will lead and provide guidance and resources to a team that has an opportunity to be restructured and that currently includes a Diversity Coordinator for Student Life 6-12, a Diversity Coordinator for Student Life K-5, a DEI Coordinator for Parent/Caregiver Programming, and an Administrative Assistant. The Chief will oversee and set the direction for committees and affinity groups that are responsible for carrying diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and goals. The Chief will collaborate with the senior Administrative Team in all areas of school operations and leadership. The Chief will eventually construct plans for a dedicated staff for a Department of Equity and Belonging.

Collaborator with Faculty & Staff The CoEB will collaborate with faculty members, department chairs, division directors, and student support personnel in ongoing efforts to ensure that all students are seen, known, and supported for who they are, and the strengths they carry into the classroom. The Chief will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and administrators to design training that moves beyond the introductory level and elevates culturally relevant pedagogical practice and curricular growth for equity.

Qualities of the Chief of Equity and Belonging The CoEB will be a passionate and compassionate individual, with capacity to listen deeply with empathy, and will possess the skills and experience to guide with expertise and the patience and persistence to steward change over time. The Chief must: ● prize collaboration, co-creation, and partnership with a gifted and devoted faculty and staff.

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be an experienced practitioner with the ability to build and communicate a vision to multiple audiences effectively.

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have the aptitude and energy to be the architect of the next level of institutional change in terms of strengthening school culture, researching and implementing policies, and supporting leaders, educators, and students in their growth and development.

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have the ability and the fortitude to develop, implement, and execute short and long-term goals with regard to equity and belonging with meaningful and measurable outcomes.

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champion the inclusion of all identities so that they feel welcome at The Dalton School table of equity.

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model the skills and mindsets that are called for to strengthen the cause of equity and the culture of belonging at Dalton.

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demonstrate a learner’s mindset, a positive attitude, a collaborative approach, a listening ear, and keen emotional intelligence.

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show humility, empathy, approachability, and a good sense of humor.

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be confident, steady, and determined in guiding the community forward toward mission-driven goals.

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have comfort with giving and receiving feedback, commitment to professional growth, and operating on the tactical level while keeping the strategic goals in mind.

The Chief will find it a joy to work with children and educators and enjoy the richness of school life with all its myriad activities. A good understanding of child development, a background in K-12 teaching, and experience in designing and delivering effective and stimulating professional development programming are also crucial. The CoEB will be most inspiring and successful if their vision for equity and belonging is rooted in an understanding and appreciation of Dalton’s unique history and development of its own approach to progressive education.

Education, Experience, and Skills ●

Graduate degree in a relevant field is preferred, with a bachelor’s degree as a minimum criterion

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Demonstrated success and at least 5 years of leadership experience stewarding an inclusive, culturally responsive school community

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Management skills, including evaluation and feedback

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Teaching experience and familiarity with progressive pedagogy, curriculum development, and child and adolescent development

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Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, facility with social media, and the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies

THE SCHOOL Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging The Dalton community’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is strongly rooted in the school’s mission and educational philosophy; is a central component of academic excellence; and is reflected in the school’s vision of a democratic community. Dalton aims to educate young people for true leadership with the capacity to think critically, make ethical decisions, demonstrate cultural fluency, and regard the interdependence of all people with empathy and authenticity. Dalton prepares students through a well-rounded education that reflects the history, cultures, beliefs, and perspectives of the global society in which children live, as well as knowledge of an inclusive, democratic community derived from direct experience.

At Dalton, diversity encompasses a range of dimensions including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, family structure, sexual orientation, gender expression, ability, and socioeconomic status. While much has been accomplished in this ongoing commitment, the school recognizes that diversity is not an outcome but rather a process that is never finished.

Engagement in equity work is an active, changing culture linked to the ever-changing society in which we live. Efforts include the continued recruitment and retention of a diverse student body, faculty, administration, and staff, the development of inclusive curricula, ongoing education on complex cultural issues, measures to determine accountability and progress, and equal access for all community members to participate fully in the life of the school.

Commitment to Anti-Racism The school’s Board of Trustees has articulated the vision that all students in the Dalton community will flourish free from bias and disparities, gain an understanding of historical and current systemic inequities and in particular the history of anti-black racism, have opportunities to address current societal inequities through community service that contributes to change, grow the ability to engage and listen with respect and empathy across differences, and balance accountability with the learning process. A range of robust programming and staff DEI Coordinators supports this vision through opportunities for dialogue and special events to engage the community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE THE SCHOOL WEBSITE: https://www.dalton.org/

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PROCEDURE TO APPLY The Dalton School is the innovative leader in developing creative problem solvers who identify issues, grapple with possibilities, and design solutions to global challenges from multiple perspectives. The Dalton School actively seeks to forward the equity and diversity of our community in our admissions, programs, and hiring. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, physical disability, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, hiring policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs.

Notice to Applicant: COVID-19 Vaccination Policy The Dalton School has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.

Interested candidates should submit via the application form (https://bit.ly/Dalton_CoEB_app_form) the following materials confidentially as a single PDF file: ➔ Cover letter expressing particular interest in The Dalton School and the position of Chief of Equity and Belonging ➔ Current resume ➔ Statement of educational/leadership philosophy and practice (no more than 2 pages) ➔ List of three references including name, title, phone number, email address and professional relationship (references are contacted only with the candidate's permission) Please direct any questions via email to jobs@strategenius.org or by phone at 415-881-7105.

Search Calendar* Priority Application Due Date Semi-finalist Interviews Finalist Interviews Announcement *Approximate dates subject to change

January 18, 2022 Early February 2022 Late February 2022 Early March 2022

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