Dean of Faculty Development and Culture

Lick-Wilmerding High School is a private school with public purpose, serving 560 students in grades 9-12 in San Francisco. Since its founding in 1895 as a vocational school, Lick-Wilmerding High School has built upon a long tradition of valuing and integrating the liberal arts, sciences, technical arts, visual arts and performing arts to offer a robust college-prep curriculum. LWHS has a rich and distinctive academic program, with thriving departments, vibrant student life, and signature initiatives like the Center for Civic Engagement and the Public Purpose Program. Faculty and students are passionate, engaged, and driven by values that reach far beyond the classroom.

At this pivotal moment, LWHS seeks a Dean of Faculty Development and Culture (DFDC) to build a strong faculty culture that supports the school’s academic vision. Working closely with the new Assistant Head of School for Academics, the DFDC will align faculty development, recruitment, and retention with the school’s evolving academic vision, creating an environment where faculty are supported and equipped to deliver on the school’s mission. Key opportunities for the DFDC include building clear pathways for faculty growth, strengthening mentorship and onboarding systems to attract and retain a diverse group of excellent teachers, and creating structures that center faculty voice and well-being in school decisions. The DFDC will report to the Assistant Head of School for Academics and will start July 1, 2026.

Areas of Focus

Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention

The DFDC will build and sustain a diverse, excellent faculty by creating comprehensive systems that attract, select, and retain outstanding educators. This includes overseeing the academic hiring process in partnership with the Director of Human Resources, and leading a dynamic onboarding process that integrates new faculty through initial orientation, year-long mentorship, and ongoing support. To promote long-term retention, the DFDC will establish pathways for continuous professional growth and monitor faculty experience through regular check-ins and climate assessments. By strengthening these systems and creating clear expectations, the DFDC will ensure that LWHS attracts mission-aligned educators and provides the support necessary to retain them over time.

Development, Growth, and Community Building

The DFDC will cultivate a thriving faculty culture where educators are empowered to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to the school community. Through regular classroom observations, coaching and mentorship, and oversight of a robust $350k professional development budget, the DFDC will create clear pathways for faculty advancement and leadership development. Beyond individual growth, the DFDC will strengthen community by creating structures that center faculty voice in decision-making, prioritize educator well-being, and foster collegial collaboration across departments, ensuring that professional learning is both personally meaningful and enriches the broader school culture.

Supervision, Observation, and Evaluation

The DFDC will establish transparent, growth-oriented systems for faculty supervision, observation, and evaluation that support instructional excellence and align with LWHS’s academic vision. This includes developing and refining observation and evaluation processes, conducting regular classroom visits, and providing actionable feedback that supports continuous improvement. Working closely with the Assistant Head of School, the DFDC will manage faculty assignments, oversee duty allocations, and when necessary, partner with Human Resources to create professional development plans that address performance concerns. Through annual reflection processes and ongoing dialogue, the DFDC will ensure that supervision and evaluation practices strengthen teaching quality while honoring the professional expertise and growth trajectories of all faculty members.

Duties

Faculty Hiring and Onboarding

• Oversee the academic hiring process for faculty positions in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources

• Develop and implement comprehensive interview training for all faculty involved in recruitment and interviewing, working with the Dean of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and Director of Human Resources as appropriate
• Lead a dynamic, comprehensive process for integrating new faculty into the School, involving key stakeholders; this includes initial orientation, careful mentorship throughout the first year of employment at LWHS, and ongoing support over time
• Run the Department Chair search process in collaboration with the Assistant Head of School

Faculty Development and Evaluation

• Regularly visit classrooms and observe teaching, supporting faculty in their continued professional growth

• Oversee faculty observation, evaluation, mentorship, and development, including the continued development of observation and evaluation processes, and annual reflection
• Provide professional development, mentorship, and coaching; in addition, provide professional development and guidance for those seeking promotion, advancement, and leadership opportunities in order to develop leadership capacity. When applicable, partner with Human Resources to create professional development plans for faculty.
• Serve on the committee that reviews and approves professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, with oversight of approximately a $350k professional development budget
• Participate in, and be knowledgeable of, professional development that brings an awareness of trends in education and enthusiasm for forward thinking practices

Faculty Management and Support

• Hold policies related to faculty job expectations and lead the annual review of the Faculty Guidebook

• Partners with the Director of Human Resources to address faculty concerns, employee agreements, leaves of absence, and compliance with school policies.
• Support the Assistant Head of School in faculty assignments, including the number of sections, teaching assignments, and the assignment of other duties and responsibilities
• Oversee the assignment and management of duties and responsibilities for faculty and staff to support curricular and co-curricular programming
• Lead, in collaboration with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, and other administrators, the coordination, design, and facilitation of faculty in-service days and bi monthly FacStaff meetings to create a narrative arc for the year

Administrative Responsibilities

• Report to the Assistant Head of School and perform other duties as assigned
• Communicate weekly with FacStaff via the Head, Heart, Heads (HHH) weekly newsletter, coordinating with all admin to gather information and updates
• Actively participate in admin meetings, committees, and ongoing strategic planning
• Monitor the general safety of members of the school community, including responsibilities such as admin on duty, in partnership with the Administrative Team
• Monitor the implementation of the L-W Crisis Management Plan, respond to school emergencies, and work collaboratively with other administrators in emergency situations

• A bachelor’s degree in education or in a relevant field from an accredited college or university; graduate degree is highly preferred
• At least five years of experience as a classroom teacher, with experience in development and administration of curriculum
• Supervisory experience, with proven effectiveness in leading teams and creating a collaborative environment
• Demonstrated passion for the craft and profession of teaching as well as for coaching and mentoring teachers
• Significant proven experience with diverse pedagogies and educational technologies in service to a diverse student and faculty population
• Models encouragement and compassion through interactions with all members of the community
• Possesses highly effective communication skills and strong cultural competencies
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Values collegial collaboration, feedback, and self- reflection as a means to improve professional practice and the organization as a whole

How to Apply

In addition to your application, please be prepared to upload the following as PDFs:

1. Cover letter expressing your interest in the role
2. Resume
3. Statement on your approach to faculty growth and development
4. Four professional references, one of whom should be your current supervisor, and one from someone you have supervised or mentored. References will not be contacted without your written permission.