Founded in 1961, Sandy Spring Friends School is a progressive, coed, academically-rigorous day and boarding school serving approximately 600 students from age three through 12th grade. The campus is located on 140 acres in the historic Sandy Spring area of Montgomery County, Maryland, and the School is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education and accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools.

Our school’s culture, rooted in the idea that collaboration engenders achievement, can be traced to our Quaker heritage and abiding belief in the Quaker values of simplicity, equality, honesty, stewardship of the environment, and peaceful resolution of conflict.

2023 - 2024 Director of Student Activities, Full time, Exempt, 10 months

Summary: The Director of Student Activities (DSA) position will serve as an integral member of the Upper School Dean’s Office. Primarily responsible for creating advisory programming, overseeing student clubs, supporting the Grade Deans with attendance tracking, and supporting the Director and Assistant Director of Residential Life with residential student activity programming, this visionary leader will empower students to “Let their life speak '' on a daily basis. The DSA also serves as the Upper School Intersession Coordinator, overseeing the planning and execution of our annual, week-long experiential program. The DSA reports to the Dean of Students and works collaboratively with Grade Deans, and Director and Assistant Director of Residential Life to support the mission of the School, our core Quaker values, and ensure the Student Life Program remains consistent with our vision and commitment to equity, justice, and belonging.

Main Responsibilities

• Oversee the creation and implementation of all advisory programming.

• Serve as Intersession Coordinator for the Upper School and participate as a leader of an Intersession Trip.

• Manage and support Student Clubs throughout the school year.

• Organize and plan Upper School Assemblies and special events in conjunction with the US administrative team.

• Work with Torch and other student leaders to envision, plan, and implement student activities and programming that promote community, wellness, joy, and a sense of belonging among our student body

• In partnership with the Assistant Director of Institutional Equity, Justice, and Belonging, ensure scheduling and support of Upper School Affinity Groups.

• Support the Dean of Students and Grade Deans in the planning and implementing of Upper School Student Orientation.

• Support the Dean of Students in the planning and implementing of Upper School Advisor Orientation.

• Support the Dean and Assistant Dean of Boarding in creating and promoting Residential Life Programs.

• Support the Dean of Students in the execution of the discipline process and participate in disciplinary discernments when called upon.

• Support the Dean of Students in the evaluation and continued development of the discipline program.

Other Responsibilities

• Teach one upper school class or perform equivalent service to the school in other areas of expertise.

• Perform other duties as appropriately assigned by the Head and Assistant Head of Upper School.

Professional Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required

• 3+ years of experience in education and proven success in program creation and student-centered leadership desired.

• Knowledge of good practices in anti-bias and experiences with multicultural education and working with diverse students, families, and colleagues. A proven commitment and professional development in diversity, equity, and inclusion with a high level of cultural competency.

• Organizational skills, follow-through, and ability to multitask

• Written and oral communication skills and experience communicating with parents, students, and faculty.

• Demonstrated success as a confident problem solver and team player who practices collaborative leadership

• Proven track record as an independent and goal-oriented team member

• Understanding of restorative justice principles and/or a desire to deepen one's learning in this area

Please note that the School has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination, including documentation of a booster shot given five months or more since you completed the final dose in the primary series.

Commitment to Diversity: Sandy Spring Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or a person's status as a qualified candidate with a disability in administration of its educational program, admission policies, financial aid program, staff hiring, and other school-administered programs.