Executive Director – Innovation and School Improvement

Executive Director – Innovation & School Improvement

Reports to: Chief of Staff

Pay Grade: 407

Days: 239 Days

Salary Range: minimum $117,081 - maximum $165,044

FSLA Status: Exempt

Position Purpose

The Executive Director of Innovation & School Improvement provides leadership to support the Chief of Staff in the implementation of the District's Strategic Plan and Priorities by leveraging data, research, and innovative practices to drive the transformation process and align systems within the district that accelerate enrollment, school choice, and strategic partnerships to support student success.

Essential Job Functions

Transformation Leadership

• Develops and implements, along with the Superintendent/Chief of Staff, a comprehensive vision and strategy for transformation and innovation across the district aligned with district goals and priorities.
• Conducts comprehensive systems analysis at the district and campus level to evaluate current alignment to district goals. Engages with the leadership team to evaluate those findings and recommend system enhancements and or changes that support transformation goals and support the District Strategic Plan.
• Engage with the leadership team to develop and implement a comprehensive district transformational plan that accelerate academics and works to transform the systems essential to that work.
• Provides, along with the team, professional development in the areas of transformation research, systemic best practice, transformational school improvement process, and leadership that drives change.
• Fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the district.
  
  

Innovation Leadership

• Researches and reviews current and potential innovative practices internally and externally with a focus on diverse urban schools and school systems that align to district goals.
• Leads the review of initiatives, programs, and supports that may be implemented for evidence-based effectiveness and alignment to district systems, needs, and goals.
  
  

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Engages with district stakeholders, including educators, parents, and community members, to build support for transformation initiatives.
• Fosters partnerships with external organizations, researchers, and thought leaders to enhance district capabilities and resources.
• Manages and participates in the System of Great Schools initiative.
• Administers the 1882 Performance Contracts for school management partners.
• Facilitates and encourages stakeholder dialogue and communication to ensure broad engagement, support, and understanding with both internal and external partners.
  
  

Professional Development

• Develops and facilitates professional development opportunities focused on data use, innovative practices, accountability, transformative practices, improvement planning cycle, and change management.
• Supports the growth of school leaders in turnaround and transformative practices.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff, and makes recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of current education trends, policies, best practices in urban school reform, innovation and system analytics.
• Knowledge of assessment, data analysis, research methodologies, and innovative practices.
• Skill in educational leadership, with a strong track record of driving transformation and improving academic outcomes for all students.
• Skill in professional development including leading schools or districts in school improvement, change management or transformational leadership preferred.
• Skill in communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to successfully implementing systemic change in a school or district setting with expertise in turnaround strategies, initiative effectiveness and turnaround leadership skills.
• Ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams towards a common vision.
• Ability to utilize software to create, access, analyze, and interpret spreadsheets, data dashboards, presentations, email, and documents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to exercise absolute discretion regarding matters of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
  
  

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as requested.
  
  

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Works in an office setting; requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.
  
  

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Data Science, or a related field.
• Certification/License: Eligible for a Valid Texas Mid-Management and/or Principal Certification. Attainment of certification within six months is a condition of continued employment.
• Experience: 3 years of experience in urban educational leadership including principal, director, or other similar district supervisory role.
  
  

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.