Job Description
Job DescriptionOrganization Overview
Vertex is a pioneering, first-of-its-kind IB-for-all academy in the heart of the Bronx. Vertex is not just a school: it's a bold reimagining of what education can be.
Our mission is to provide students with pathways for upward mobility while preparing them for the responsibilities of self-governance in a democratic republic. Everything we do is rooted in the four cardinal virtues: courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom.
At Vertex, our scholars have agency. Each day, they make choices about the kind of people they want to become, the lives they want to lead, and the society they want to build. It’s our sacred duty to equip them with the knowledge most worth having, to sharpen their critical thinking, and to create a space where they can explore, question, and create.
As an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School with a classical core, we offer both a rigorous academic foundation and a transformative character education.
Position Summary
The Dean & Culture Coach will serve as an instructional and pastoral leader at Vertex. This role is responsible for driving academic outcomes, maintaining a virtues-driven school culture, developing a high-performing teaching staff, and ensuring student readiness for college, career, and citizenship.
The ideal candidate is an experienced educational leader with a passion for academic excellence, character education, and student agency. The Dean & Culture Coach will report directly to the Head of School and will work in close collaboration with other school leaders, faculty, families, and the broader community.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership
- Monitor and drive student progress toward ambitious goals in academics, character, and postsecondary readiness.
- Lead the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programmes (IBCP) and classical curriculum in the Lower School
- Oversee the development, evaluation, and support of instructional staff to ensure high-quality teaching and learning
- Implement the Data Inquiry Cycle and embody the ACE Habits of Mind.
School Culture & Student Development
- Build and sustain a positive, inclusive school culture aligned with the Vertex virtues and mission
- Foster a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages student agency, self-discipline, and personal growth
- Promote student leadership and civic engagement through programming and community partnerships
- Lead daily student discipline, behavior intervention, and restorative practices aligned to school values.
- Enforce school-wide norms and non-negotiables with consistency and immediacy.
- Manage and document demerits, merits, suspensions, and family communication.
- Partner with faculty to proactively address student behavior before it escalates.
- Serve as a visible, mobile presence throughout the school day (not tied to an office).
- Lead or support family conferences regarding discipline matters
Staff Management & Professional Development
- Design and facilitate professional development aligned with pastoral goals and educator needs
- Cultivate a collaborative and mission-aligned staff culture
- Observe instruction daily with a targeted lens on classroom management and student culture.
- Deliver immediate, actionable feedback to teachers — particularly around routines, norms, and transitions.
- Create targeted development plans for teachers struggling with classroom management.
- Model strategies, co-teach, and lead in-the-moment interventions as needed.
- Track teacher progress against school wide expectations and collaborate with school leaders on next steps.
Operations & Compliance
- Partner with the operations team to ensure effective day-to-day school management
- Ensure compliance with IB, charter, state, and federal education standards and policies
Family & Community Engagement
- Build trusting relationships with families and act as a liaison between the school and community stakeholders
- Communicate clearly and proactively with families about student progress, school initiatives, and opportunities for engagement
- Support enrollment and student engagement efforts, including outreach to prospective families, participating in recruitment events, and building strong relationships with students to promote retention.
Qualifications
Required:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A deep, abiding belief in the infinite potential of our students and staff
- An expansive sense of your own agency
- A hunger for feedback from all stakeholders and a commitment to continuous improvement
- Experience as a leader of adults
- Demonstrated success in driving student academic achievement
- Strong commitment to character education and classical liberal arts traditions
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
Preferred:
- Background in classical education or liberal arts curriculum
- Experience in a mission-driven charter or public school setting
- Master’s in school leadership or related area
Compensation and Benefits
Vertex Partnership Academies offers a competitive compensation package, including:
- The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $110,000; offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s years of experience and credentials.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- A mission-driven, supportive working environment
Physical Requirements
This role may require lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted, including assisting coworkers when needed. Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, sitting, and looking at a computer screen for long periods at a time.
EEO Statement
Vertex Partnership Academies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment; including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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