Dean of Service Learning and Field Studies in San Francisco, California at San Francisco Friends

Starting in the 2026-2027 Academic Year

11-Month Position

The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning. By example and commitment, we hope to inspire all connected with our school to work together toward a peaceful and caring society. For further information about San Francisco Friends School’s beginnings, mission, and philosophy, please visit our website at www.sffriendsschool.org.

The school seeks teachers and administrators who resonate with the Friends School mission, which provides an exemplary education in a community dedicated to problem-solving, service to others, simplicity, social justice, and quiet reflection. Our Quaker mission also compels us to create a diverse and inclusive community; we seek a person who will thrive and contribute to such a community, both within and beyond the walls of the school.

Service learning, field studies, and community partnerships are fundamental expressions of the mission, values, and Quaker testimonies of San Francisco Friends School (SFFS). The Dean of Service Learning & Field Studies provides strategic leadership, pedagogical vision, and operational oversight for the school’s K-8 experiential education, including place-based learning through day and overnight trips, service learning, and civic engagement initiatives.

This role ensures that all experiential learning and community engagement is deeply integrated into the core academic curriculum, mission aligned and upholds the school’s commitment to “creating a caring and just society”. The Dean supports the next stage of program evolution—cultivating student agency and stewardship through intentional community partnerships that are authentic, reciprocal, and sustainable.

• Collaborate with division heads and grade-level faculty in the design, implementation, and integration of age-appropriate experiential learning, place-based education, and service learning into the K-8 academic program.
• Partner with the Director of Quaker Life to ensure all programs reflect Quaker testimonies (the SPICES: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Stewardship), focusing on equity and community building.
• Develop and implement structured reflection practices (e.g., queries, student-centered reflection sheets) to help faculty and students process experiential activities deeply and measure impact.
• Research, explore and develop new possibilities for student engagement and program continuity across grades, create structures for faculty to share practices and reflect on collective experiences.

• Cultivate and evaluate reciprocal, long-term partnerships with local non-profits, community organizations, and civic leaders in the Bay Area.
• Design experiences that integrate meaningful community service with academic instruction and structured reflection.
• Partner closely with the Director of Community and Belonging to align off-site experiences with on-campus equity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring all students feel valued and supported.
• Maintain a centralized resource bank of potential community partners, project ideas, and community-facing initiatives emerging from faculty, students, families, and alumni.

• Lead the planning, scheduling, and logistical coordination for all off-site day trips, local excursions and overnight programs.
• Research future trip opportunities, negotiate contracts, and manage relationships with external operators, transportation providers, and vendors.
• Manage safety protocols, risk assessment policies, and emergency procedures for all off-site student programming.
• Oversee the annual budget for experiential learning and community initiatives.

• Communicate and train all chaperones, identify a grade level point person, coordinate with school support staff (nurse, counselors, division head, etc.)
• Coordinate with classroom teachers to find connections between field programs and classroom curriculum and coordinate classroom logistics for community work.

• Create and oversee communications for families, preceding and during all field studies programs.
• Collaborate with administration to share the impact, stories, and outcomes of experiential programs with the broader school community.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Experiential Education, School Leadership, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of child development (K-8), project-based learning, place-based education, and student-centered behavioral reflection models.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex trip logistics, vendor relationships, contracts, and risk management protocols.

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with the ability to build authentic relationships across diverse communities.
• A collaborative, flexible, and curious mindset that values consensus, active listening, and partnership with faculty who bring deep knowledge of their students.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills tailored for a variety of audiences (families, community partners, faculty, students and administration).

• 3–5 years of experience teaching or leading programs in a K-8 educational setting, with a proven track record in experiential or service-learning design.
• Familiarity with Quaker philosophy, practice, and testimonies, or direct experience working in a Friends school.
• Master’s degree in School Leadership, Experiential Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field.
• Established connections with non-profit organizations, community leaders, and environmental education networks within the San Francisco Bay Area.

Compensation and Benefit Summary

Competitive, exempt salary based on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits are offered including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and matching 403(b).

$5,208.33 to $5,624.00 per semi-monthly pay period for 24 pay periods per year ($125,000 to $135,000 annually). Salary based on relevant experience.

EEO Commitment

The San Francisco Friends School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, marital status or any other category protected by law. The school also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities; candidates who need accommodations in order to apply for this position should request an accommodation as part of the submission of interest.

Employment Clearances required

• SB 848 Authorization and Reference Checking
• Livescan Background
• US Employment Eligibility
• TB Clearance certificate