Job Type

Full-time

Description

Position Summary:

Pomfret is seeking an Interim Dean of Community and Belonging for the 2026-2027 school year.

This individual will serve as a strategic leader responsible for fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and connected school community where every student and adult experiences a genuine sense of belonging. Reporting directly to and working closely with the Head of School, the Interim Dean partners with faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, trustees, and senior leadership to strengthen institutional culture through education, collaboration, and systems thinking.

This highly relational role works across all areas of school life to ensure that policies, practices, programming, and community experiences align with Pomfret's mission and values. The Interim Dean serves as a visible presence on campus, helping students flourish while building a culture grounded in respect, accountability, and shared responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Institutional Culture

• Lead school strategic initiatives that strengthen community, belonging, inclusion, and overall institutional culture.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret school climate and belonging data to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and inform continuous improvement.
• Serve as administrative liaison to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Represent Pomfret at regional and national conferences, professional associations, and independent school organizations.

Educational Programming & Student Life

• Design, facilitate, and evaluate engaging professional learning for faculty, students, and the Board of Trustees on topics related to belonging, community building, cultural competency, leadership, restorative practices, and effective communication.
• Develop meaningful educational programming throughout the school year, including orientation, heritage and identity celebrations, Martin Luther King Jr. Day programming, leadership initiatives, belonging programming for QUEST, and community dialogues.
• Advise, mentor, and support student affinity groups, foster collaboration among student organizations, and create opportunities for cross-cultural engagement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner for students, faculty, and families in navigating community issues with empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Collaborate with school leaders to integrate restorative practices and conflict resolution strategies that promote learning, accountability, and healthy relationships while implementing our Growth and Accountability Plan (GAP).

Collaboration, Recruitment & Systems Integration

• Partner with Academic Affairs, Student Life, Residential Life, Admissions, Athletics, Advancement, Human Resources, and senior leadership to develop connected systems that support student success and employee engagement.
• Support equitable recruitment, hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and retention efforts in partnership with the Dean of Faculty, Human Resources, and school leadership.
• Collaborate with the Admissions and Advancement Offices to communicate Pomfret's commitment to community and belonging while supporting outreach and engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Dean of Students Office, including integrating restorative practices and conflict resolution strategies that promote learning, accountability, and healthy relationships while implementing our Growth and Accountability Plan (GAP).

Boarding Community Engagement

• Serve as an active and visible member of the boarding school community by attending assemblies, athletic events, performances, evening/weekend activities, and other campus gatherings.
• Serve as a co-advisor to students.
• Participate in weekday and residential life duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in education or a related field.
• Domain Expertise: Demonstrated experience leading initiatives focused on community building, belonging, organizational culture, diversity, equity, inclusion, student development, or related areas.
• Adult & Student Facilitation: Proven experience designing and facilitating professional learning programs.
• Restorative Practices: Knowledge of adolescent development, student leadership, and community engagement models. Experience with restorative practices, mediation, conflict resolution, or community accountability models preferred.
• Data-Informed Strategy: Demonstrated ability to analyze climate data, evaluate programs, and use evidence to inform strategic planning and institutional improvement.
• School Context: Independent or boarding school experience is preferred, though not required.

Why Join Pomfret?

The Interim Dean of Community and Belonging is a key member of the school's leadership team and plays an essential role in shaping the student and employee experience. This position offers the opportunity to influence institutional strategy, cultivate meaningful relationships, and build systems that strengthen belonging, engagement, and community across every aspect of school life. Successful candidates will bring vision, optimism, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to helping young people and adults thrive within a vibrant learning community.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and statement of educational philosophy outlining their approach to community and belonging.