Director of Student Life

About The SEED Network:

SEED is the nation's first and only network of public, college-preparatory boarding schools providing a 24-hour, 5-day per week learning environment. In classrooms, dorm meetings, dining halls, evening study halls, and exposure opportunities, our students become strong, determined, and self-aware. With the gift of time, we build a community of support that empowers students to own their educational journeys and succeed in college and beyond.  

As the first public, college-preparatory boarding schools in the U.S., SEED’s mission and approach to education are unique. SEED schools are tuition-free and, by design, serve traditionally underserved students. Our schools and graduates are supported by The SEED Foundation. The SEED Foundation provides programmatic and operating support to SEED schools in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Miami, and Los Angeles. The SEED Foundation’s College Transition & Success (CTS) team provides intensive, individualized support to each SEED graduate from their junior year of high school through their college graduation. The success of the SEED model has been showcased in media outlets and publications such as 60 Minutes, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and in the documentary, film Waiting for “Superman”. President Obama has hailed SEED as “a true success story.” For more information, please visit www.seedfoundation.com. 

About SEED School of Los Angeles County: 

The mission of SEED Schools is to provide students with a rigorous, college preparatory, boarding school model that prepares them for success in college and careers.

The SEED School of Los Angeles County (SEED LA) opened in the Fall 2022 as California’s first urban public college preparatory boarding school, the fourth SEED school in the nation. Building a ninth-grade cohort each year. By the 2025-2026 school year, SEED LA will empower roughly 400 students in Grades 9-12 to achieve their full potential through our 24-hour learning environment. Our partnership with LA Metro provides a unique opportunity for students to advance their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while engaging in hands-on learning in the transportation field. 

Our innovative model integrates a rigorous academic program with a nurturing boarding program that develops the whole child. This boarding school model provides a comprehensive solution to the challenges facing urban youth and serves as a prototype for expansion nationwide. All SEED students live on campus between Sunday evenings and Friday afternoons. Our model has proven successful: over 90 percent of SEED graduates have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities throughout the country and over 60 percent remain enrolled in college or have already earned college degrees.

Position Overview: 

The SEED School of Los Angeles County is seeking a dynamic Director of Student Life. Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Student Life will serve on the senior leadership team playing a critical role in the successful operation of the school. This role will be responsible for collaborating across all other areas of SEED.

The learning environment at The SEED School of Los Angeles County extends well beyond the classroom. The Student Life program nurtures each student’s personal and academic growth through a variety of enrichment activities, life skills lessons and academic support both before and after the traditional school day. The Director of Student Life will be responsible for leading this cornerstone program of the SEED model which encompasses most of each day (3pm through to 8am), and for collaborating across all other areas including academic, student support, and college counseling. The Director of Student Life will lead, manage, and ensure the highest standards for after-school and before school programming, intramural and enrichment activities, support services, study hall, student life curriculum, overnight supervision and support, and crisis support. The Director of Student Life will be responsible for hiring, supporting, coaching, and managing the Student Life staff, and for developing a team with a culture of professional maturity, support, and mutual accountability. As a senior leader of the school with significant influence over staff and programs, the Director of Student Life will demonstrate unwavering commitment to the success of each individual student.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provide overall programmatic leadership in the development, implementation, coordination, assessment, and daily administration of the Student Life program.
• Promote the mission of the school, articulate a clear Student Life vision, build a strong, positive, nurturing culture of community, and work closely and collaboratively with the other members of the school leadership team to execute a seamless, integrated, safe and secure 24-hour college-preparatory program.
• Manage and coach the Student Life team to maximize their effectiveness and performance. Lead in the recruitment, training, assessment, and retention of quality staff.
• Collaborate with the Head of School and other members of the school’s leadership team to deliver a dynamic program that results in high student achievement and a positive nurturing school culture. Promote and embrace synergy with the Principal and Director of Student Support Services. 
• Establish both long- and short-term goals and objectives related to Student Life and direct and supervise systems for accountability and assessment. Use data to assess, improve and manage program impact, staff performance and student development and achievement.
• Develop and implement academic support programs, including tutoring services and study skills workshops, to enhance student academic achievement.
• Collaborate with faculty to identify and address students' academic needs and challenges.
• Ensure access to educational resources and materials that facilitate academic success for all students.
• Design and oversee student leadership development programs to empower and cultivate student leaders.
• Provide guidance and support for a diverse range of student clubs and organizations, including student government, sports teams, and special interest groups.
• Encourage and promote student involvement and participation in extracurricular activities and events.
• Create and implement residential life programs and initiatives to promote a supportive and inclusive living environment for students.
• Oversee the development of policies and procedures that foster a positive residential community.
• Provide guidance and support for resident advisors and student leaders within the residential facilities.
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with local and community organizations to enhance community engagement opportunities for students.
• Organize and coordinate community service events, volunteer opportunities, and service-learning projects.
• Develop initiatives that encourage students to actively contribute to and engage with the wider community.
• Develop and deliver professional development programs for staff aimed at enhancing their ability to support and mentor students.
• Provide resources and training to staff members to improve their skills in academic support, student leadership, and residential life.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and growth through ongoing professional development opportunities for staff.
• Serve as a role model for professional behavior and ethical conduct for students and staff.
• Support Student Life staff and coordinate with other school leaders in promoting the school’s core values and behavior systems.
• Provide crisis intervention and support for disciplinary issues as necessary.
• Lead ongoing efforts related to enrichment activities and authentic experiences which foster learning and personal growth for students.
• Establish and maintain close relationships with parents/guardians.
• Maintain a visible presence and rapport with students, parents, staff and other community members. 
• Communicate and regularly inform staff, parents, and other stakeholders about Student Life programs.
• Actively seek program innovations and industry best practices which can be incorporated into the SEED model. 
• Maintain commitment to personal professional growth and learning through research and involvement in professional organizations.
• Reside on campus and respond to/support emergency situations as necessary (i.e. student or staff infractions, inclement weather, medical emergencies, power outages, and/or staff shortages).
• Perform other duties as required or assigned by the Head of School.

Requirements

The Ideal Candidates Will Have/Be: 

• A commitment to SEED LA’s mission and belief that with the right resources, any child can attend college and achieve their dreams.
• A commitment to SEED’s core values of: COMPASSION, GRATITUDE, GROWTH, INTEGRITY, PERSEVERANCE, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.
• Ability to build relationships and connect with students and adults.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a commitment to do work within a team to accomplish the goals of the team. 
• Experience working with diverse student populations in an urban setting.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit to be able to create and implement routines and rituals to ensure student achievement.
• Outstanding management and leadership skills with a successful record of coaching and developing a diverse group of adults to better support student success.
• Highly organized and experienced in managing multiple staff and projects, with a broad set of goals. 
• Comfortable working in a fluid environment and capable of adjusting in both day-to-day and larger-scale activities based on new information and situations. 
• Highly collaborative and comfortable working in a team that includes managers, peers, and advisors. 
• Able to interact with team members on a non-hierarchical basis.
• Minimum Qualifications: 
• Master’s Degree or equivalent experience in social sciences or related fields, with training and/or experience in child and adolescent development and adult learning. 
• 3-5 years of experience as leader of an educational community such as a residential, boarding school or overnight camping program with demonstrated success in working with urban adolescents and youth. 
• Experience working in a start-up, entrepreneurial environment with demands that extend outside of steady work hours. 
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, and the ability to generate enthusiasm and confidence from others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with individuals at all levels, both one-on-one and in groups.

Benefits

Benefits

• Low-cost healthcare premium (for employee and family) through either Anthem HMO or PPO or Kaiser HMO
• Dental and Vision care coverage
• Life Insurance (100% employer paid)
• 403(b) plan with up to 6% match by SEED LA
• Generous paid time off program includes 40 days to include holidays, sick leave, and vacation

• Substantial professional development support school-based, network-wide, and nationally

The SEED School of Los Angeles County (SEED LA) is committed to the letter and spirit of equality, 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.  SEED LA does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships, and other programs.