What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director of Instruction, School Improvement, and Innovation (C128-2526) position at Hartford Public Schools?
Executive Director of Instruction, School Improvement, and Innovation (C128-2526)
Full time • Hartford Public Schools
POSITION: Executive Director of Instruction, School Improvement, and Innovation
LOCATION: Division of Schools and Academic Excellence
REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent of Schools and Academic Excellence
SUPERVISES: Assistant Director of Professional Learning, Assistant Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), School Leaders, and Operations Manager
POSITION SUMMARY: The Executive Director of Instruction, School Improvement and Innovation provides strategic leadership to school leaders while developing comprehensive improvement initiatives and creating systems for targeted support to school leaders. This role advances instructional leadership and champions innovative approaches that transform educational outcomes district-wide.
This dynamic leader leads strategic initiatives driving academic excellence, equity, and innovative teaching practices across the district. The Executive Director (ED) oversees curriculum implementation, executes data-informed improvement strategies, and fosters an innovation culture ensuring all students are prepared for college, career, and life success.
Working collaboratively with other Executive Directors of Instruction, this position monitors and supports continuous improvement efforts across all schools. The Executive Director (ED) serves as a change agent maintaining unwavering focus on student learning and well-being by increasing engagement and removing barriers to academic success. This dynamic leader effectively supervises both school principals and central office staff while advancing strategic priorities through collaborative leadership.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instructional Leadership
Foster cultures of high expectations and collaboration to support leader focus on high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment practices
Guide school leaders in developing student-centered improvement plans, aligning resources (time, talent, funding), and managing teams to improve performance
Implement research-based coaching frameworks that build principal capacity in instructional leadership, including designing effective systems to improve teaching and learning, culture building, and operational management
Partner with other EDs to align practices to:
Provide feedback on central office support systems for schools
Provide timely, goal-aligned and actionable feedback to principals through formal evaluations, informal supervision, and coaching
Assess principal performance consistently
Deliver clear, unified messaging to all school leaders
Pursue continuous professional growth to enhance one’s own leadership practices
Ensure schools comply with all local, state, and federal policies and regulations
School Improvement and Innovation
Lead implementation of district strategies and goals aligned to student achievement, with targeted focus on underperforming and turnaround schools
Analyze academic performance data to identify district trends that inform strategic goals and shape improvement initiatives
Partner with principals, teachers, and district leaders to design and deliver professional development that reflects best practices and advances district priorities
Manage state and federal accountability programming to ensure compliance standards are met, including strategic allocation of state and federal grants focused on school improvement and student achievement
Align professional learning opportunities with district priorities and best practices in teaching, learning, and turnaround leadership
Monitor emerging educational trends to cultivate innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and operations
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES OF IDEAL CANDIDATE:
Master's degree in educational leadership, curriculum & instruction, or a related field
Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in school leadership, preferably as principal or central office administrator
Demonstrated success improving student achievement and closing achievement gaps
Superior communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
Proven ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders, including families and external partners
Knowledge of and experience with the opportunities and challenges of urban school districts
Expert data analysis skills with experience implementing large-scale improvement initiatives
Demonstrated expertise in strategic budgeting and resource allocation
Ability to inspire excellence in others
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Connecticut Intermediate Administrative Certification (092) is required.
UNION AFFILIATION: Hartford Principals' Supervisors' Association (HPSA)
SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: This is a twelve-month position, and the salary is in accordance with the Hartford Principals' and Supervisors' Association Group 10: $164,680 - $177,589.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools’ online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford. Internal applicants should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. The code word for the internal application is hartford (lowercase “h”). Candidates’ application and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates who advance will be contacted directly by the hiring manager for interviews.
We Value Our Staff…And It Shows
Hartford Public Schools is seeking excellent candidates and wants to provide the best experience for you.
We have put together a comprehensive package of benefits and incentives.
Financial Incentives
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 annually
Residency Differential: 3% of base salary for certified administrators (HPSA members) living in Hartford
National Board Certification Bonus: $3,500 annually
Differential for Doctorate in Education: $2,500 annually
Additional Benefits
Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
Board contribution of 50% of the applicable Health Savings Account (HSA) deductible
5 Personal days per year; 20 Sick days per year
Life insurance (2x annual salary)
Loan forgiveness (State & Federal)
Professional learning
Career growth opportunities
Join HPS & REPRESENT
Hartford Public Schools acknowledges that systems of injustice exist in our nation and our community. Our district is committed to addressing systemic barriers to create a culture of equity that benefits all students. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse team of culturally competent educators. We strive to have our team reflect the different perspectives of our families and community so that we can work together to overcome obstacles, close the opportunity gaps, and prepare our students for continuous success.
HPS is a diverse community of scholars and staff; racially, socioeconomically, culturally, and more. Among our students, there are 86 languages spoken; 25% of our student population are Multilingual Learners. Over 85% of the population are students of color. At Hartford Public Schools, we work deliberately to recruit and hire staff of various backgrounds and from our local community – 26% of our staff reside in Hartford. Among our teaching staff, 30% identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), compared to approximately 12% statewide.
HPS has career opportunities of all kinds, in all of our schools. Come represent your community, your culture, and what’s possible for our beautiful and capable students. When you work here, it’s not just about making a living…it’s about making a difference. And you don’t just earn a paycheck…you earn lifelong respect.
Hartford is The Place to Be
The state of Connecticut is seated on the northeastern seaboard. Hartford is within an hour’s drive of the coastline and is centrally located between New York City and Boston. Hartford is one of America’s oldest and most historic cities, made up of 17 unique neighborhoods rich in history and diversity. It is commonly known as the “insurance capital” due to its prominence beginning in the 19th century as home to many of the most prestigious insurance companies in the U.S., many of which still call Hartford home today. The city features world-class museums, entertainment, and sports venues and is home to several major companies. An array of restaurants reflecting cuisines from all over the world attract people from far and wide, and more than 200 arts, heritage, and cultural organizations in the Hartford region provide hundreds of events year-round. In addition, several universities and colleges are in Hartford and the surrounding towns, allowing easy access to advanced degree programs.
Want to learn more about opportunities in HPS? Join one of our monthly virtual information sessions.
An Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/V/D
Note: The above description covers the principle duties and responsibilities of the position. The description should not, however, be construed as a complete listing of all duties or as a contract. In all cases, these relationships, functions, and their applications are subject to change by the superintendent of schools.
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Job Details
Salary
$164,680.00 - $177,589.00 per year
Grades
Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Subjects
(Certified Administrator)
Salary : $164,680 - $177,589