Dean of Academics

About Des Moines Prep

Des Moines Prep is a new public charter high school opening in August 2025 to serve 150 ninth-grade students in its inaugural class. The school will add an additional grade level each year, building out a full comprehensive high school that offers academic excellence, a wide array of extracurriculars, and hyper-focused college and career preparation. As one of our flagship schools for Opportunity Education, Des Moines Prep aims to set a model for schools nationwide.

About the Role: Dean of Academics 

The Dean of Academics will play a pivotal role in driving the educational success of students at Des Moines Prep. As a member of the administrative team, the Dean will be responsible for ensuring exceptional academic outcomes within the classroom by overseeing student achievement, teacher development, and effective implementation of instructional strategies. Reporting to the school principal, the Dean of Academics will provide leadership in fostering a culture of high expectations, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement among both students and staff.

This role is ideal for an experienced instructional leader who is passionate about achieving measurable academic results, thrives in a collaborative and mission-driven environment, and is eager to develop systems and structures that support excellence in teaching and learning.

Responsibilities 

As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities may evolve; however, core areas of focus include:

Instructional Leadership and Student Achievement (45%)

• Lead the school's efforts to achieve high levels of student academic performance as measured by internal and external assessments.
• Analyze and utilize student engagement data through Opportunity Education’s PIOD Engagement Model (Participate, Invest, Own, Drive) to improve classroom outcomes.
• Facilitate regular data team meetings with teachers to analyze academic and engagement data, identify trends, and create actionable plans to drive improvement.
• Regularly monitor progress toward academic goals and implement interventions as needed to ensure all students reach their full potential.

Teacher Coaching and Development (30%)

• Provide regular coaching, observation, and feedback to teachers to strengthen instructional practices.
• Co-create and facilitate staff professional development aligned with school goals and teacher needs.
• Support teachers in implementing evidence-based instructional strategies, curriculum, and assessment practices.

Response to Intervention (RTI) Management (15%)

• Design and oversee the school’s RTI structure to identify and support students in need of additional academic or behavioral interventions.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to develop targeted intervention plans that ensure equitable access to support for all students.
• Track and analyze data related to intervention effectiveness and make adjustments to systems as needed.

School Leadership and Collaboration (10%)

• Serve as a key member of the administrative team, contributing to the overall vision, strategy, and culture of Des Moines Prep.
• Collaborate with the administrative team to co-create course programming aligned with postsecondary success and student interests, ensuring offerings are rigorous, relevant, and meet school goals.
• Build strong relationships with staff, students, and families, fostering trust and collaboration.

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• 5+ years of teaching experience in a K-12 environment with a record of achieving strong academic outcomes.
• 3+ years of school leadership or instructional coaching experience.
• Demonstrated success in using data to drive student achievement and improve instructional practices.
• Experience designing and facilitating professional development for educators.
• Deep knowledge of best practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Experience implementing and managing an RTI framework.

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Commitment to Des Moines Prep’s mission to deliver on our promise to cultivate an experience of excellence and joy for our students, staff, and families.
• Administration must consistently embody our core values to connect, aspire, persevere, and achieve.  
• A results-oriented mindset with a commitment to excellence in education and a passion for student success.
• Ability to build trust and strong relationships with teachers, staff, students, and families.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a willingness to iterate and