EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CLIMATE & WELLNESS

About Jackson Public School District

Jackson Public Schools is the second largest school district in Mississippi, serving nearly 24,000 students, representing more than 80 percent of school-aged children in the state’s capital. Jackson Public Schools is an innovative, urban district committed to excellence that will provide every student a quality education in partnership with parents and the community.

About the Executive Director of Climate & Wellness Position

Reporting directly to the Chief Academic Officer, the Executive Director of Climate & Wellness is responsible for leading Jackson Public Schools’ culture, climate and restorative practice work. Specifically, the successful candidate will serve as the lead agent for change in creating a district culture focused on helping students develop the social and behavioral skills necessary for success rather than one that is overly reliant on punishment. S/he will work to assess the culture, climate and wellness needs of the district, as well as individual schools, and create a responsive, culturally-relevant implementation plan that fosters a positive learning environment and supports the holistic development of all JPS students.   

The Executive Director of Climate & Wellness is responsible for:

• Developing and communicating a district-wide approach to school climate, culture and wellness; including, but not limited to culturally-responsive pedagogy, essential classroom management strategies, trauma-informed practices, restorative practices and wellness
• Leading the development of a strategic implementation plan for the continuous improvement of climate and culture aligned to the district’s vision and goals
• Leading the development and monitoring the implementation of the district’s code of conduct, to include the consistent and thoughtful use of consequences across the district, including in all alternative education programs and settings
• Coordinating implementation of research-based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) framework and Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) aligned to a multi-tiered intervention framework
• Overseeing the district’s school-based health services
• Designing and executing a reliable and uniform school culture data system
• Supporting principals and other leaders in monitoring and responding to student culture data
• Designing and leading the implementation of professional development for district and school leaders, staff and family designed to increase their skill level in developing and implementing academic, social, and emotional supports for students
• Training and supporting staff, students and families in the use of restorative practices
• Leveraging the expertise of the greater Jackson community to develop and implement systems and structures to support improved climate in schools
• Coordinating the planning, development, implementation and maintenance of school attendance and assisting with school plans to mitigate chronic absenteeism
• Compiling and evaluating data and preparing analysis, reports and recommendations regarding school attendance and chronic absenteeism

• Communicating with school principals and other officials on issues of attendance and chronic absenteeism and collaborating to develop appropriate action(s)
• Performing other related duties as requested or assigned

 Key Competencies

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a strong commitment to the belief that creating and maintaining strong, supportive school environments and fostering whole child development is essential for students’ academic and long-term success.
• Possess a strong knowledge of school-based health practices.
• Use an assets-based approach to the work of improving culture and climate in the district.
• Possess a strong knowledge base in the field of social emotional learning, PBIS, and restorative practices.
• Build relationships and coalitions across diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and diagnose root causes.
• Demonstrate excellent project management skills, including balancing long-range goals with close attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Continuously monitor progress and demonstrate persistence to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.

 Required Training & Experience

• Working in or with organizations engaged in significant reform efforts
• Working in or with schools/organizations using PBIS and/or restorative practices
• Ten years of direct experience working with students and staff in the field of student character, culture and/or education

Required Licensure/Certification:

Master’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work or a related field

Salary Information

Salary : $87,750 - $110,000