Laboratory Schools: Dean and Director of Schools
About the role
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools is a prestigious institution founded in 1896, known for its progressive education philosophy and innovative pedagogy. As the dean and director, you will serve as the chief academic, strategic, and administrative leader, responsible for advancing the Schools' educational vision and integrating it with the University of Chicago's mission.
Responsibilities
- Advance the Schools' educational vision and ensure Lab's role within the University of Chicago community.
- Strengthen alignment with University values, policy, operations, and priorities through regular collaboration with senior leadership.
- Cultivate a culture of intellectual vitality, pedagogical innovation, consistent curriculum, and academic excellence.
- Support and participate in governance, including collective bargaining processes with the teachers' union.
- Deepen integration and alignment with the University of Chicago, engaging with academic departments and administrative units.
- Champion an inclusive, respectful community aligned with the School's core values.
- Develop and elevate institutional communications and public voice.
- Oversee strategic and sustainable financial planning and resource allocation.
- Represent the Schools in University leadership and to external audiences.
- Provide visible, student-centered leadership while advancing progressive educational roots.
Competencies
- Exceptional communication and listening skills; ability to articulate a compelling vision.
- Emotional intelligence, integrity, empathy, and clarity in leadership.
- Strong relational capacity to build trust, collaboration, and shared purpose across a diverse community.
- A deep commitment to free expression, diversity, inclusion, and intellectual curiosity.
- Constructive engagement with faculty, staff, students, families, and University leadership.
- Strong financial acumen, including strategic budgeting and resource allocation.
- Capacity to work within shared governance structures and collective bargaining environments.
- Ability to inspire, strengthen cohesion, lead organizational change, and advance institutional alignment.
Additional Responsibilities
- Education, Experience, or Certifications: Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree preferred (80% of teaching faculty at Lab have advanced degrees).
- Senior leadership experience in private or public N-12 education, higher education, or comparably complex institutions preferred.
- Demonstrated success leading across interconnected academic and administrative environments preferred.
- Experience engaging in collective bargaining and managing contractual obligations preferred.
- Demonstrated success in strategic donor stewardship, including securing philanthropic support preferred.
- Track record of partnering with advisory boards and engaging in transparent communication preferred.
- Experience working within governance structures, collaborating on policy, curriculum, operations, and institutional alignment preferred.
- Experience fostering inclusive school culture and engaging differing perspectives respectfully preferred.
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Letter of Interest
- References (3)
Job Family
Senior Administrators
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$550,000.00 - $650,000.00
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.