Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools

TITLE: Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As a member of the District's Leadership Team, the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools is responsible for the academic success of students across the district's elementary schools and early childhood programs. The Assistant Superintendent supervises elementary building leaders, manages a network team of directors, and collaborates with the Superintendent, Chief Schools and Academics Officer, Principals, and other school system leaders to design and implement the programs and policies of the Portland Public Schools. The position oversees approximately 13 direct reports, including the principals of district elementary schools and a network team consisting of directors of instruction, special education, ESOL, school innovation, and school climate. The Assistant Superintendent is responsible for ensuring high-quality school leadership and instruction by helping school leaders be instructional leaders in alignment with the District's strategic plan. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Instructional Leadership Development

• Coaches and supports principals/school leaders to achieve school and district goals by focusing on instructional leadership, school culture, data analysis and data-driven decision-making, and community and family engagement
• Works with principals to develop annual goals and evaluates principals on goals and performance
• Provides professional development opportunities for school principals to enhance their leadership skills and promote student achievement
• Leads school administrative teams in creating collaborative and equitable learning environments and climates for students, staff, and stakeholders
• Creates opportunities for school leaders across the district to collaborate and learn from one another
• Works collaboratively with principals/school leaders, central office leaders, and others to develop agendas for school leadership meetings

School Improvement Planning & Implementation

• Collaborates with the Chief Schools and Academics Officer, academic directors and staff, and school leaders to ensure the alignment of school success plans with the District's strategic plan
• Provides support in the implementation of school success plans
• Develops strong routines of data analysis to monitor progress and build collective efficacy
• Ensures the strategic use of resources in each building to meet instructional needs
• Advocates at the system level for the resources required to meet instructional needs
• Supports the engagement and growth of leadership teams to develop, implement, and monitor school success plans

Talent Management

• Organizes, convenes, and oversees the hiring process for school leader vacancies
• Leads effective orientation and onboarding of new school leaders
• Facilitates talent planning routines for schools
• Oversees a network team of directors and ensures they are providing support and supervision at schools to drive outcomes for students

School Management

• Serves as the first point of contact for school management concerns, including student and family issues, staff needs, human resources, and facilities needs
• Meets regularly with principals to support all aspects of school management
• Develops and maintains relationships with staff, families, and community partners
• Ensures all policies, procedures, and compliance requirements are successfully implemented in each building
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proven ability to improve performance by executing effectively on goals, building highly functional instructional leadership teams, and making data-driven decisions
• Ability to coach and develop direct reports for improvement
• Demonstrated supervision and evaluation skills
• Experience working with students and families from diverse backgrounds and a commitment to improving access and equity through rigorous learning experiences for all students
• Ability to facilitate effective professional learning
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of curriculum, instruction, and assessment best practices for elementary education
• Thorough knowledge of public school administration and organization
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of public school laws, policies, and procedures
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, speaking, and presentation skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Demonstration of high standards of honesty, integrity, confidentiality, flexibility, and responsiveness

EDUCATION TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a master's degree in educational leadership, administration, or a related field
• Five years of educational leadership experience
• Experience as a school leader and district administrator

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possesses or is eligible for the appropriate Maine DOE certification:
  • Maine State Assistant Superintendent certificate (015) (more info)
  • Maine State CHRC authorization (more info) **
    • **if you already have an active administrator certification, you do not need a separate CHRC as this clearance is tied to your certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical Effort: Light physical effort required with significant stamina needed for long days.
• Meetings: Attendance at evening meetings required.
• Stress: Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Travel: Extensive district-wide travel required; occasional national or statewide travel.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: Full Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Overtime: Salaried position, not eligible for overtime
• Contract: Non-represented
• Salary: Executive grade (range will be posted by June 1)
• Benefits: Generous benefits package, including 25 vacation days per year and full health and dental benefits (see here)
• Reports to: Chief of Schools and Academics

ABOUT PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

Portland Public Schools is committed to closing the opportunity gap for all students by keeping equity at the center of all we do. Our diverse, multicultural, multiracial, multi-linguistic community celebrates and cultivates relationships among students and staff of all backgrounds. Our schools serve over 6,000 students from four year olds to adults, with approximately 60 languages spoken in our 17 schools. As a Portland Public Schools employee you can look forward to:

• Competitive compensation including robust health and dental benefits
• Collaboration with staff from diverse backgrounds
• Opportunities for career advancement and leadership development
• Meaningful mentoring, coaching, and professional development
• Community Circles for Belonging and Connection

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.