DEAN OF STUDENTS

Job purpose

The Dean of Students is responsible for the overall safety, well-being, pastoral care, and residential life of all students. This role ensures a safe, nurturing, and inclusive school environment by leading Safeguarding initiatives, overseeing Boarding Operations, and managing a robust Pastoral Care framework.

Duties And Responsibilities

1. Safeguarding & Child Protection

• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or work directly alongside the DSL to implement, audit, and update Child Protection and Safeguarding policies in line with international standards.
• Establish clear procedures for reporting, managing, and resolving safeguarding concerns, child protection issues, bullying, and risk behaviors.
• Conduct regular Safeguarding training for all academic staff, administrative personnel, boarding staff, and third-party contractors.
• Lead collaboration with external authorities, child protection agencies, and specialists when emergency intervention is required.

2. Boarding & Residential Life

• Oversee the day-to-day operations, safety, hygiene, and discipline within the Boarding Houses/Dormitories.
• Lead and line-manage Dorm Parents/Housemasters to ensure a structured, safe, and supportive "home away from home" environment for boarders.
• Manage evening routines, study hours, weekend trips, and residential activities that foster personal independence and community building.
• Partner with the Facilities, Medical, and Catering teams to maintain high standards of boarding health, safety, and nutrition.

3. Pastoral Care & Student Wellbeing

• Design and execute a comprehensive Pastoral Care Framework focusing on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), mental health, and character development.
• Promote a Positive Discipline / Restorative Justice approach to student behavior management, handling major disciplinary matters with fairness and educational integrity.
• Identify students requiring academic, emotional, or psychological support and coordinate interventions with School Counselors and Learning Support teams.
• Maintain strong, transparent communication with parents regarding student well-being, behavioral progress, and personal development.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Education, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.

Knowledge and Skills

• Deep understanding of child protection laws, child development, and risk assessment models.
• Familiarity with online safety, digital citizenship, and data privacy regulations.
• High emotional intelligence, discretion, and absolute confidentiality.
• Exceptional crisis communication and de-escalation skills.
• Strong administrative and record-keeping meticulousness.

Working experience

• 3–5+ years of leadership experience in Student Life, Pastoral Care, Safeguarding, or Boarding Management within International or Bilingual Schools.
• Deep understanding of adolescent development and middle/high school student culture.

This job description will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to meet the operational needs of the school.

*Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted