Friends Seminary educates students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, adhering to the values of the Religious Society of Friends. We strive to build a diverse school where students exercise their curiosity and imagination as they develop as scholars, artists and athletes. In a community that cultivates the practices of keen observation, unhurried reflection, critical thinking, and coherent expression, we listen for the single voice as we seek unity. The disciplines of silence, study, and service provide the matrix for growth: silence opens us to change; study helps us to know the world; service challenges us to put our values into practice. At Friends Seminary, education is rooted in the Quaker belief in the Inner Light – that of God in every person. Guided by the testimonies of integrity, peace, equality, and simplicity, we prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be.
Founded in 1786, Friends Seminary, the oldest continually operating coeducational, independent Quaker school in New York City, seeks a Specialist for Diversity, Equity & Belonging (DEB) to join the School’s mission-based Center for Peace, Equity & Justice (CPEJ), under the supervision of the Director of DEB and the Director of CPEJ. An entry-level position with potential to grow in leadership, the Specialist for DEB supports student and faculty development of diversity, equity, and belonging, global competencies, as well as civic engagement, all of which reflect Quaker values and their accompanying legacy of activism. A unique department in the independent school world, the Center brings together academic, social, values-based, and cultural programs that contribute to wider movements for social change. By connecting theory to real-world practice, the Center stresses learning through action and equips students with global competencies that allow them to realize their human capacity to bring about the world that ought to be. Through its programs and course offerings, grounded in Quaker philosophy and practice, the Center seeks to connect ideas, resources, and people to advance social justice, build inclusive and sustainable communities, and foster lifelong commitments to public service.
The main responsibilities for this full-time,10-month position will be to support the continued development of a growing and thriving diversity, equity, and belonging program which engages students ranging from K-12. Additional responsibilities include teaching a Middle School social justice and service learning curriculum called goLEAD in collaboration with other members of the CPEJ team. The Specialist for DEB will collaborate with CPEJ staff on the design and logistical support of other Center initiatives, and under the direction of the Director of DEB, will manage student-facing DEB programs such as affinity groups and heritage month celebrations. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to social justice and civic engagement through their own educational pursuits, community engagement, and/or professional work in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. An ideal candidate will have experience in youth development and community organizing, as well as an understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy, and diversity, equity, and belonging best practices. They will have the desire to strengthen their DEB competencies and advance in this role. This position will report to the Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging and the Director of the Center for Peace, Equity and Justice, and will be part of a highly collaborative team that brings to life the School’s Quaker values and commitment to social justice.
Responsibilities
- Under the direction of the Director of DEB, creating and implementing:
- Weekly DEB programs such as affinity groups, lunchtime talks, and evening panels addressing issues pertaining to diversity, equity, and belonging.
- Heritage month programming that aligns with the School’s philosophy around diversity, equity, and belonging.
- Writing communications for weekly DEB events for the School’s website and the CPEJ social media platforms.
- Teaching one grade 4 Project-Based Learning curriculum focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Teaching a grade level of the Middle School social justice/service learning curriculum and working with the Director of CPEJ and the Director of DEB in implementing the goLEAD curriculum for grades 5-8.
- Collaborating with the CPEJ team in planning and implementing CPEJ initiatives such as the Learn & Serve events, Peace Week, and Day of Concern.
- Light administrative work such as managing the DEB calendars.
Qualifications
- A grounded understanding and commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging, and a demonstration of cultural awareness, including knowledge of oneself and the cultural lenses they bring to interactions with others.
- A developed global consciousness and environmental sustainability awareness and engagement.
- Experience with youth development and social justice/human rights education.
- A demonstrated experience in community building and nonprofit partnership development.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Relevant experience is highly preferred.
- Experience working in schools is preferred.
Required Education
- Bachelor's degree (preferably in a field relevant to the work of CPEJ) required.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $62,000–$68,000.
Benefits
Friends Seminary offers excellent benefits including paid time off, health, dental, vision, 403(b) with a School-paid match; wide-ranging opportunities for professional development, including tuition support and summer grants; and a talented and dedicated team of teaching colleagues and supportive administrators. Successful candidates will join a dynamic and forward-thinking teaching community of over 150 educators.
To apply, please submit the following:
- Completed Friends Seminary employment application
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Contact information for three personal references
When submitting your materials, kindly be sure to reference your first and last name, the position for which you are applying, and where you heard about the position in the subject line. i.e. [last name], [first name] - CPEJ Specialist for DEB - Friends Seminary website. You will receive a confirmation email when you submit your application. No phone calls, please.
Please note: Friends Seminary will be closed from July 22 to August 2 for a coordinated summer break. As a result, interviews for this position will begin during the week starting August 5.
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of color and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. We urge all applicants to identify and express their individuality and the ways in which they might enrich and diversify the School community.
Moreover, all successful applicants, whether for a faculty or administrative staff post, must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in their professional lives. Applicants for a faculty position should highlight ways their curriculum, pedagogy, and classroom culture may advance these goals. Applicants for an administrative staff position should highlight ways they seek to promote these goals in their office work, programming, or operational endeavors.
