Executive Director of Safety & Wellbeing

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director of Student Services is responsible for leading and overseeing district-wide programs that support student success, safety, and well-being. This position ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, district policies, and best practices in student services. The Executive Director provides strategic leadership in areas including physical safety, student management, counseling, and district operations while fostering a positive and inclusive school environment. This role also focuses on the continuous development and enhancement of systems and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness across all areas of responsibility. This position plays a critical role in fostering a safe, supportive, and well-managed learning environment for all students and ensuring the effective operation of essential district services through strong leadership and system development.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full-Time; 12 months (260 days), Union-Exempt Certificated 
• Supervisor: Superintenden t
• 260 days/year; 8.0 hrs/day
• Salary: $185,000
• Benefits

The position will remain open until filled. To be considered in the first review, submit your application by April 14, 2025.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serve as a senior leader in the district, collaborating with the Superintendent and executive team to advance strategic social/emotional learning goals and initiatives, specifically including the practice of district-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) with strategic integration of state and federal categorical resources.
• Ensure efficient, equitable, data-driven,  and transparent allocation of the district’s financial resources.
• Support the continuous development of leadership skills in administrators across the district.
• Provide visionary leadership in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal laws related to safety protocols, student services and student management.
• Support systems for district-wide student management, ensuring alignment with district policies, state and federal regulations, and best practices to ensure consistency, equity, and effectiveness in behavioral interventions.
• Support systems and initiatives that ensure efficient, effective safety protocols at all district locations.
• Oversee professional development initiatives aligned with the district’s strategic plan, designing and implementing training programs that support teachers and administrators in effective student support strategies, and leadership development.
• Support, supervise, and mentor assistant executive directors,  principals, and instructional leaders to foster a culture of continuous improvement, high expectations, and excellence on behalf of all students.
• Guide and support the implementation of inclusionary practices for all students, ensuring equitable access to educational programs through a multi-tiered system of behavioral support and intervention.
• Lead the design and execution of threat assessment processes to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks to student and staff safety.
• Supervise and support school administrators in handling student management matters, providing training, guidance, and professional development on behavior management strategies.
• Establish and enhance cross-functional collaboration between school staff, families, and community partners to support student success and promote a positive school climate.
• Ensure effective leadership and oversight of key district services, including maintenance, nutrition services, technology, and transportation, fostering operational excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within district operations, optimizing efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and aligning strategies with district goals.
• Develop and implement systems for monitoring and evaluating programs and services, using data-driven decision-making to inform policy and practice.
• Serve as a key advisor to district leadership and the school board on matters related to student services, student management, and district operations, providing expert guidance and recommendations.
• Lead the development of innovative approaches to enhance student support services and operational effectiveness, ensuring sustainable and impactful improvements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including instructional staff, principals, district leaders, community members, and educational partners.
• Represent the district in state and regional education initiatives, staying abreast of emerging trends and policies that impact student support.
• Act as a Superintendent designee when required, assuming leadership responsibilities in the Superintendent’s absence.
• Coordinate planning and scheduling across the district’s operational departments.
• Connect student support and operational aspects of the school district with school and district improvement plans.
• In collaboration with the Superintendent and Construction Manager, lead the district’s Facility Advisory Committee.
• Represent the district on community safety initiatives and committees.
• Collaborate with local law enforcement.
• Serve as the district coordinator for state compliance in related areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field.
• Washington State Administrator Certification.
• Washington State Superintendent Certification or willingness to immediately enroll in a program to obtain certification with support from the district.
• Minimum of three years of successful school or school district administrative experience.
• District-level leadership experience preferred.
• Extensive experience in student services, student management, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of state and federal laws governing student management and school operations.
• Proven ability to develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that enhance student support services and district operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading large-scale process improvements and system developments to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing district-wide operations and working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to independently administer district level decisions and plans in support of the district’s strategic plan.
• Experience in development, maintenance, implementation, and communication of school district policies and procedures.
• Experience in supervising and evaluating certificated personnel.
• Technological proficiency and ability to leverage digital tools for instruction, assessment, and data analysis.

LEADERSHIP ABILITIES

• Ability to initiate and  facilitate collaborative conversations that align with the district’s mission, vision, and core principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a commitment to fostering trust, transparency, and open communication.
• Capacity to navigate complex challenges, implement strategic initiatives, and drive continuous improvement.
• Passion for education and a deep commitment to supporting teachers and students in achieving excellence.
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to the evolving needs of the district and its schools.
• Ability to recognize and honor the interconnected nature of departments across the entire school district.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT 

The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX, Civil Rights, Affirmative Action, and Equal Opportunity officer, Michelle Musso, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766-2650, mmusso@mlsd161.org; OR Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Samantha Burgess, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766- 2670, sburgess@mlsd161.org.

Salary : $185,000