Job Description/Responsibilities:
The Governor’s Academy, the oldest boarding school in New England, inspires and engages inquisitive students in ninth through twelfth grade. Our 456-acre campus is located thirty miles north of Boston and five miles south of Newburyport, a classic New England coastal town. Govs has approximately 400 students and 200 employees. Govs faculty and staff are committed to creating and cultivating an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that allows students to learn from each other’s unique backgrounds and experiences, discover their passions, find and use their distinctive voices, and achieve academic and co-curricular excellence. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Adults in our community are professionals who appreciate individuality, collaboration, and service to others— all so that we can go far together. POSITION SUMMARY The Assistant Dean of Students for Community Life plays a central role in fostering a vibrant, connected, and well-supervised community at our boarding school, which has approximately 400 students. Reporting to the Dean of Students, the Director is responsible for designing and overseeing a comprehensive student life program, with a primary focus on weekend activities, daily attendance systems, and student travel management. The Director works closely with faculty, staff, dormitory teams, and student leaders to ensure that campus life is engaging, safe, and aligned with the school’s mission and values. Housing may or may not be available. This is an exempt, full-time 10-month administrative faculty position. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Weekend Programming & Activities Develop, coordinate, and supervise a robust and diverse weekend activities program that appeals to both day and boarding students. Collaborate with dorm heads, faculty, students, and external vendors to design inclusive, age-appropriate, and mission-aligned programming. Manage the weekend duty schedule, including faculty chaperones, transportation needs, and risk-management protocols. Track participation, evaluate programming effectiveness, and adjust offerings based on student engagement and feedback.
Attendance Oversight Oversee all attendance systems for the academic day, residential program, and community events. Ensure timely, accurate record-keeping and communication with families, faculty, advisors, and campus offices. Partner with the Dean of Students to identify attendance trends and intervene proactively to support student well-being and accountability. Train faculty and staff on attendance expectations and procedures; manage attendance tracking technology and reporting.
Student Travel & Leaves Manage all aspects of student travel logistics, including special absences, long-weekend departures, vacations, and return protocols. Maintain clear communication with families, advisors, and administrators regarding travel expectations and deadlines. Oversee all transportation coordination (e.g., airport shuttles, bus runs, domestic/international travel timelines). Ensure compliance with school policies related to permissions, safety, and documentation for student travel.
Community Life & Supervision Serve as a visible, approachable presence on campus in the student center and throughout campus, while building strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff. Assist with schoolwide events, orientation programs, and community traditions. Participate in the residential life program duties as assigned (evenings/weekends). Support the Dean of Students in maintaining a safe, positive, and inclusive school culture.
Additional Requirements Shared responsibilities for evening and weekend supervision Experience in coaching and/or playing interscholastic athletics, directing, and/or experience on stage in the performing arts is preferred. Teaching On-campus housing may be available or required (depending on school policies). Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain school transportation certification, if needed.
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Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. Experience in boarding school student life, residential life, or youth programming strongly preferred. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities, respond calmly under pressure, and model sound judgment. Comfort with student information systems, attendance software, and communication platforms. Commitment to building a healthy, inclusive, and mission-driven community.
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