Executive Director of Research Assessment & Accountability

Job Title:  Executive Director of Research, Assessment & Accountability                Wage/Hour Status: Exempt                                                                 

Reports to: Deputy Chief of Academic Advancement & School Performance          Pay Grade: 8

Dept./School: Academics and School Leadership                                              Initiated Date: 12/2025 

WHO WE ARE

La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district’s vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students.

Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community. 

1. Customer Service
2. Trust & Transparency
3. High-Quality Instruction
4. Excellence in Leadership
5. Integrity & Accountability

We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a strategic, analytical, and equity-driven leader to serve as the Executive Director of Assessment, Accountability & Research. This leader will provide visionary leadership and executive oversight of all district functions related to student assessment, academic accountability, educational research, and program evaluation. The Executive Director will serve on the Academics & School Leadership (A&SL) executive team and supervise the Director of Assessment & Accountability and Data Specialists.

This individual will drive the district’s efforts to promote data accuracy, transparency, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in managing complex systems, leading high-performing teams, and utilizing data and research to support instructional improvement and strategic decision-making.

WHY LA JOYA ISD

You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree required; preferred in Education or related field
• Valid or eligible to receive Texas Principal Certification or MId-Management Certification preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of five year’s experience in school administration (campus or central office) or research, evaluation and data analytics
• Minimum of three year’s teaching experience preferred

              Special Knowledge and Skills

• Proven success in leading a school or district community toward continuous improvement in academic goals with a relentless pursuit of academic excellence for all students
• Deep knowledge of assessment and accountability systems in Texas
• Experience leading research and evaluation efforts and applying findings to educational practice
• Strong data analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and manage teams and projects
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Executive Leadership:

1. Serve as a transformational leader working to create a best-in-class learning environment and lead strategic initiatives aligned with district goals.
2. Participate in executive-level decision-making and strategy development as a member of the A&SL leadership team.
3. Collaborate with Teaching & Learning, Special Education, and campus leadership to align assessment and research practices with instructional priorities.
4. Promote the expectation for high-level performance from staff and students and recognize excellence and achievement.

Assessment Leadership:

1. Oversee the design, implementation, and management of the district’s assessment systems.
2. Support the Director of Assessment & Accountability in managing state and local testing programs and ensuring test security and compliance.
3. Ensure educators have tools and training to use assessment data to inform instruction and accelerate student learning.
4. Monitor the effectiveness of assessments and revise practices to improve quality and impact.

Accountability Leadership:

1. Lead all accountability and compliance functions, including TEA and federal reporting.
2. Forecast and analyze accountability results and provide clear, actionable data to stakeholders.
3. Guide campuses in interpreting accountability data and developing plans for improvement.
4. Prepare and present the annual TAPR and other reports to the Board and community.

Research & Evaluation Leadership:

1. Develop and oversee the district’s research and evaluation agenda to support continuous improvement.
2. Supervise and approve external research proposals and ensure alignment with district priorities.
3. Lead internal program evaluations and disseminate findings to support instructional effectiveness.
4. Stay informed on educational research trends and apply insights to district practice.

Personnel Management:

1. Supervise the Director of Assessment & Accountability, Data Specialists, and other assigned staff.
2. Set performance goals, provide coaching, conduct evaluations, and ensure alignment with district priorities.
3. Support team members’ professional growth through development plans and training.
4. Establish clear roles, workflows, and systems to support efficiency and collaboration.

School and Community Relations:

1. Articulate the mission and goals of the department to internal and external stakeholders.
2. Build strong relationships with school leaders, families, and community partners.
3. Communicate key findings and initiatives clearly and consistently.

Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions:

1. Oversee the department budget and ensure compliance with TEA, federal, and local requirements.
2. Monitor documentation, timelines, and reporting requirements for accountability and assessment programs.
3. Support campuses and staff in fulfilling administrative duties tied to assessment, data, and compliance.

Supervisory Responsibilities

1. Establish and monitor annual performance goals aligned to district accountability targets, Lone Star Governance goals, and Superintendent priorities.
2. Conduct weekly operational check-ins and monthly performance coaching meetings focused on:
1. assessment operations and readiness
2. test security and compliance
3. data integrity and reporting
4. accountability modeling and projections
5. campus assessment support structures
3. Review and approve all districtwide assessment communication, manuals, campus guidance, and timelines before dissemination.
4. Ensure the director is implementing strong systems with campus testing coordinators, data specialists, including documentation, training, and fidelity checks.

Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands: Typical demands of an office environment, including extensive computer use and district-wide travel. Lifting and carrying of light equipment (15-20 pounds), and the ability to move throughout campuses.

Work Environment: Office-based with frequent campus visits and participation in community events. Attendance at evening or weekend meetings may be required. The role may involve occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Mental Demands: Ability to work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, analyze detailed data, make strategic decisions, and communicate effectively across diverse audiences.

POSITION WORKING DAYS: 226 days

COMPENSATION: Based on the district’s approved compensation plan.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manage