Asheville City Schools Job Description
Job Title: Director of Innovative Programming (previously, Director of Alternative Programs)
Location: District
Job Type: Full-Time (12 months)
Reports to: Executive Director of Student Services

Overview

The Director of Innovative Programming at Asheville City Schools will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape by leading and overseeing programs and resources that enhance student learning experiences. This multifaceted position involves monitoring the progress of programs within the William Randolph Campus, Avid program support, Dropout Prevention, 504 Accommodations, and serving as the direct supervisor of both programs and Program Coordinator. The Director will champion the development, promotion, and enhancement of the efficient operation and integrity of various innovative education programs. These programs are specifically designed to support a diverse range of students facing higher-risk situations in achieving their educational goals. We are seeking a visionary leader with a profound understanding of educational technology, pedagogical trends, and a passion for fostering innovation in education and out-side-of-the-box thinking.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for innovative programming including ACS Education and Career Academy, the 6th - 8th grade Academy, and a Kindergarten - 5th grade component aligned with the District's educational goals and objectives.

• Collaborate with district leaders, educators, and stakeholders to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.

• Create and sustain a network of local and national partnerships that contribute to ideas and synergy around innovative educational programming.

• Collaborate with school leaders to proactively identify students who would benefit from innovative and flexible educational programming through early identify criteria

2. Curriculum Development

• Lead the design and development of innovative curriculum content that integrates 

cutting-edge educational technologies and methodologies.

• Ensure curriculum alignment with state standards and educational best practices.

• Establish partnerships with local, state, and regional higher education institutions to ensure all students in ACS have a post-secondary pathway for success.

• Partner with the CTE Director to establish and maintain relevant CTE pathways that lead to industry certification and employable skills for graduates.

• Facilitate vertical and horizontal curriculum and course alignment within the program to ensure students are able to progress through courses and content at their own pace with a focus on high school graduation within four years or less.

• Utilize knowledge of innovative programs, procedures, and objectives to facilitate staff development and implementation of appropriate learning experience for pupils, regarding AVID, and Early College

3. Professional Development

• Provide guidance and support for educators, especially educators at ACS Education and Career Academy to enhance their skills in integrating innovative teaching methods and technologies into the classroom.

• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and other professional development opportunities.

• Oversee support to AVID campuses in the development and implementation process, including necessary professional development for campus and central office staff.

4. Technology Integration

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and assess their potential impact on education.

• Collaborate with IT departments to implement and support technology initiatives that 

enhance the learning environment.

5. Partnerships and Collaborations

•  Foster partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and higher

 education institutions to bring real-world experiences and expertise to students.

•  Collaborate with other school districts, educational institutions, and organizations to

 share best practices for students and resources.

6. Data Analysis and Assessment

•  Utilize data analysis tools to assess the effectiveness of innovative programs and make

 data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.

•  Monitor and evaluate the impact of innovative programming on student outcomes.

• Demonstrate high expectations for staff through monitoring goals and program implementation, development and continuous improvement. 

• Use surveys and feedback to maintain or create a positive organizational climate. 

7. Budget Management

• Develop and manage budgets related to innovative programming, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with district priorities.

8. Dropout Prevention and Student Support

• Play a critical role in developing and implementing strategies to reduce dropout rates.

• Provide support to students at risk of disengagement.

• Promote student retention

9. Communication

• Effectively communicate the goals, progress, and impact of innovative programs to internal and external stakeholders.

• Advocate for innovative education initiatives within the school district and the broader community.

• Relate to staff, students, and parents in a way that conveys mutual respect, concern, and high expectations. 

• Encourage and recognize excellence/improvement in the performance of all staff. 

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among campus administrators, district departmental leaders, and community members to enhance service delivery, program development, customer satisfaction – particularly around innovative schools and programs

10. Personnel Management 

• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in the department. 

• Conference regularly with assigned staff to discuss performance and to jointly develop improvement objectives for professional growth opportunities.

• Select, train, evaluate, and supervise se staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal

Qualifications

• Five plus years of service as an assistant principal, instructional coach, or higher level position.

• Master's or Doctorate degree in Education, Educational Technology, or a related field.

• Extensive experience in curriculum development and innovative educational leadership.

• Strong knowledge of current educational trends, innovative teaching methodologies, and emerging technologies.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated success in implementing and evaluating innovative educational programs.

• Experience in project management and budget oversight.

Expected Dispositions and Behaviors

1. Communication

   1. Effectively updates the Superintendent and Executive Director of Student Services on all matters related to Division.

   2. Prepares the Superintendent and Executive Leadership team for effective decision-making, anticipates and organizes information to support productive discussions to align decisions with district priorities and values.

   3. Engages with Stakeholders to seek input from a diverse and representative group from all stakeholder groups (students, families, staff, community members etc.) as needed and builds the necessary runway of communication before implementation.

   4. Pay close attention to which voices are not being heard and invite them to express their perspectives.

   5. Maintain open communication with all staff.

2. Strategic Planning, Effective Execution, and Performance Accountability

   1. Create processes that promote the recruitment, support, and retention of diverse staff at all levels in your department.

   2. Demonstrates excellent planning, execution, and project management; including high level attention to detail, ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps and the ability to balance multiple projects.

   3. Exhibits a strong focus on goals and results driven by clear metrics for success on Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

   4. When decisions are being made guide the team to examine which groups are benefiting or being left out and why.

   5. Regularly examines data for signs of inequity with direct reports.

   6. Recognizes that increasing overall student performance along with ensuring equitable outcomes for students are the key responsibilities of the district and models this belief through actions and decision-making.

   7. Holds self and team accountable for showing up in ways that align with the district's core beliefs and commitments, theory of action, and the district’s priorities.

   8. Plans ahead of time to avoid the domino effect of isolated decisions and contradictory actions.

3. Executive Leadership

   1. Uses language that promotes a belief in the ability that each student can achieve at high levels and each adult can perform at high levels. 

   2. Openly values the diversity in our community through demonstrating your belief in eliminating inequalities and providing each student with what they need to be successful.

   3. Publicly discusses the work you are doing to become more aware of your own biases and model vulnerability by acknowledging where there are gaps in your own knowledge and skills related to equity.

   4. Build team members’ capacity to learn and practice language and behaviors that are responsive to differences across lines of race, ethnicity, language, class, religion, ability, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and other aspects of identity by providing space, tools, and support for reflection on any biases that come up in these areas.