Director of School Culture

Who We Are:

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School is a tuition-free, public charter high school, with a singular focus on supporting youth aged 17-20 who have been pushed out of traditional schools. During our 1-year alternative program, Youthbuild facilitates a warm, loving culture that uses a variety of structures to build community, such as a restorative-justice approach to discipline, weekly community meetings, and school-wide service projects. Students are empowered to attain their high school diploma and vocational certifications, while receiving unconditional support by the staff around them. At YouthBuild, we work intentionally to disrupt the cycle of poverty and support our students to achieve post-secondary success (4-year college, 2-year college, vocational training program, or liveable wage job). Visit https://www.youthbuildphilly.org/ to learn more.

The Opportunity:

The Director of School Culture is a member of the school leadership team serving under the Principal who plays a pivotal role in developing the school’s culture systems and structure.  The Director of School Culture will support and build a community that embraces cultural respect and understanding, restorative practices, individualized support and community-building.  This position requires an individual who works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students and families to create and implement initiatives that promote a culture of respect, excellence and perseverance.  Through proactive measures and responsive strategies, the Director will lead a team of assistant deans in addressing conflict, support student well-being, and cultivate an environment where all members of the school community feel valued and supported.

 Who You Are: 

 You are/have… 

• Invested in our core values - Respect, Excellence and Perseverance.
• Equity-focused and believe that all students can achieve. 
• Passionate about community service and civic engagement.
• Excited to mentor students and support them throughout their time at YouthBuild and beyond.
• Collaborative and dedicated to personal and professional development.
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and 5 years of experience working in a similar role, required.
• Experience in leading restorative practices.

 What You’ll Do: 

 You will… 

• Design and implement a comprehensive school culture plan aligned with restorative practices and principles ensuring that systems and structures are clear for students and staff.
• Design and implement programming and approaches that equip students’ to productively and positively resolve conflicts and build/repair relationships with others.
• Monitor school climate and culture through surveys, observations, and other assessment tools, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Work collaboratively with the school leadership team to develop and enforce school-wide policies and procedures that promote a safe and inclusive learning environment.
• Serve as a member of the school leadership team by regularly participating in programmatic meetings, provide staff with formal and informal feedback and conduct school wide walkthroughs.
• Regularly and proactively communicate all school culture policies, policy changes, behavior response actions and data related to school culture to all stakeholders.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for all staff on restorative practices, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Serve as a member of the SAP team and effectively manage Tier 2 behavioral interventions and supports.
• Support the research, design and implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Model.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges, connecting them with the appropriate support services as needed.
• Ensure that all students experience a scope and sequence of meaningful school traditions and milestones that foster community, joy, and collective identity.
• Plan and execute robust, well-planned, well-facilitated and meaningful community meetings and celebrations.  
• Work in collaboration with the School Operations Team in the planning and execution of senior year events including but not limited to Service Trip, Sr. Class Trip, Prom & Graduation. 
• Manage the disciplinary process including, but not limited to: incident follow up/investigations, team determination of next steps, informal and formal hearing protocols and alternative programming design. 
• Design and monitor all student safety modes and movement systems and procedures, ensuring they are fully operationalized, communicated and codified, including (but not limited to) student arrival, dismissal and transitions.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with students, families, and community partners to support success and well-being.
• Build a positive, cohesive and high-functioning culture team by developing and upholding shared norms and agreements regarding communication, collaboration, decision-making, use of systems, and overall role execution.
• Supervise and professionally develop the school’s culture team, which includes two deans and the attendance specialist.
• Manage the school security personnel to ensure effective engagement with students, staff, partners and visitors as well as effective oversight of building safety matters.
• Support the attendance coordinator with the development and management of a codified attendance plan with clear goals and objectives.

What We Offer You: 

• Generous time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) savings plan with an employer match
• Employer paid parental leave, life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability  
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and career growth
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Strong community support and involvement

Salary Range:

     New YouthBuild Director level staff can expect a starting salary of between $80,000 - $100,000 based on years of experience, education, and certifications, if applicable.

  During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to discuss our employee total rewards package and additional benefits.

Apply Here

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. 

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.