Middle School Dean of Social Emotional Learning and Community
Dream (Formerly Harlem Rbi)
New York, NY, USA
USD 100k-116k / year
Posted on May 19, 2026
Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.
The Dean of SEL and Community will be responsible for leading DREAM’s social-emotional Learning Program at a DREAM Middle School and driving the positive culture for school community, staff, families and students. The ideal candidate is a reliable team player with deep expertise in and commitment to positive youth development and SEL.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a member of the Middle School Leadership Teams;
- Supervise and provide professional development of the Family Engagement Managers to ensure strong family partnership and engagement and strong family satisfaction;
- Supervise the school-based SEL Specialists to ensure high quality tier 1 and 2 SEL support and services; including Conduct walkthroughs, review student life data systems, collaborate with other Leadership Team members and drive changes as needed to improve student culture outcomes.
- Lead school-based community outreach initiatives including school events, attendance support, and family support case management
- Design and Lead the execution of positive culture initiatives and systems to build positive community among staff, families and students (community gatherings, family events, staff SEL, student incentive systems);
- Lead execution of the SEL curriculum in Advisory, Homeroom and SEL intervention that drives student social-emotional development;
- Design lesson plans, aligned with DREAM’s network SEL vision for teachers and SEL Specialist;
- Collaborate with Academic Deans to utilize student academic and social emotional learning achievement data to customize and improve instruction;
- Drive the execution of SEL data systems including SEL data administration and collection, data analysis, continuous improvement, and action planning;
- Provide coaching and professional development for school staff to improve the execution of SEL programming (e.g. observation and feedback, whole group PD).
Management and Leadership
Drive Social-Emotional Learning Program & Positive School Culture
Additional duties related to the running of the school as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in education, social work, youth development or related field; advanced degree in an education field, preferred;
- 5+ years of experience working with and engaging youth, families and teachers, required;
- 2+ years in a management role managing full-time teams to outcomes, highly preferred;
- Successful experience in people management and/or coaching and leading professional development in large group, small group and one-on-one settings, highly preferred;
- Strong track record of success and achievement orientation;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Air-tight follow through;
- Outstanding organizational skills and airtight follow through, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment;
- Strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to independently solve problems;
- Successful experience leading professional development in large group, small group and one-on-one settings;
- A desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community;
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred;
- Self-starter and ability to innovate and think creatively;
- Deep embodiment of DREAM’s organizational values of teamwork, diversity, integrity, and fun;
- A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.
Working Expectations
In-person work during school hours, 5 days a week, with a rotating day of 9am-6pm to manage the functioning of both the day school and Extended Learning program
Some additional early morning and/or evening work, for example on critical days such as state testing days, will be required
Benefits and Paid Time Off
- We offer comprehensive benefits including:
- Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;
- The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;
- Dental and vision plans;
- Disability benefits;
- Life insurance;
- Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave;
- Flexible spending account options;
- Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);
- Fitness and entertainment discounts;
- A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match starting at 4% after one year, with increases tied to DREAM tenure;
- Referral, performance, and tenure milestone bonuses;
- Discounted school meals through our in-house Scratch Food Program;
- Tuition reimbursement support;
- Access to a professional development fund;
- School-based 12-month employees have approximately 48 days off throughout the school year including holidays, school breaks, personal days, and wellness days.
- Benefits are subject to change.
Compensation
- DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for an annual performance-based increase. The incoming salary range for this position is $100,000 to $116,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. All staff are eligible for annual performance-based increases. Because we value staff tenure in each role, we do not currently cap salary ranges.
At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.
From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.
All Kids Can. This Kid Can.
DREAM is Family.
Fun is a Serious Value.
Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.
Fail. Persist. Exceed.
DREAM Big.
Applying to DREAM
We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!
DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.
If you are a current DREAM employee, please click here to review our Internal Selection Process before applying.