Assistant Superintendent of Schools/Programs and Curriculum

ACES seeks a dynamic and experienced educational leader to serve as the Director of Schools Program & Curriculum. This cabinet-level role provides strategic and operational leadership across all ACES schools and programs, including special education, magnet, and satellite sites. The Assistant Superintendent is responsible for ensuring instructional excellence, promoting innovation, and aligning curriculum and assessment practices with state standards and agency goals.

This position plays a key role in both high-level planning and the day-to-day support of schools, including oversight of new program startups, curriculum implementation, and educational assessments. The ideal candidate will bring strong systems-thinking, deep instructional leadership experience, and the ability to lead effectively across a diverse and evolving educational landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Curriculum Oversight

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of curriculum across programs serving a diverse student population.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to support curriculum writing and instructional implementation in the absence of embedded subject-specific specialists.
• Use assessment data within and across schools to evaluate curriculum effectiveness and guide teaching and learning improvements.
• Ensure alignment with CT Core Standards and special education requirements.

Program Oversight & School Leadership

• Supervise Area Directors and Principals, the Internal Pupil Services Director, offering coaching and strategic support to foster strong instructional leadership.
• Provide day-to-day operational and educational support across multiple programs and sites.
• Monitor program effectiveness, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Support the launch and stabilization of new schools and satellite programs in and beyond the ACES region.

Assessment & Accountability

• Coordinate internal and state-mandated assessments across all schools.
• Ensure that students with special needs receive appropriate testing accommodations and supports.
• Serve as the primary testing coordinator and data reviewer to drive instructional decisions and school improvement efforts.
• Ensure that all state reporting connected to the school program operation is accurate and timely.

Strategic Planning & Innovation

• Contribute to agency-wide academic planning and implementation of new instructional initiatives.
• Guide the expansion and replication of programs across districts through data-informed, equity-centered practices.
• Lead the integration of innovative models of teaching, learning, and program design.
• Support schools and programs in budget planning, expenditure management, and grant fund management.

Regional Engagement & Expansion

• Collaborate with External Pupil Service Director to serve as a liaison to member and non-member districts, community stakeholders, and state agencies.
• Provide on-site leadership presence during the start-up phase of new programs, including those located outside the immediate regional catchment area.
• Maintain flexibility in supporting new opportunities and regional partnerships as they emerge.
• Serve as an advocate for ACES schools and programs at the state and local level.

Qualifications

• Valid Connecticut Intermediate Administrator or Superintendent Certification (092)
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful educational leadership experience
• Demonstrated expertise in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and special education or alternative school environments
• Proven ability to lead and supervise cross-functional teams and complex educational systems
• 3-5 years as a building or school principal
• Experience with school and program start-up, assessment coordination, and regional outreach preferred

Preferred Attributes

• Deep understanding of RESC (Regional Educational Service Center) operations and cooperative education models
• Knowledge of the operation and legalities of Connecticut Interdistrict Magnet Schools
• Commitment to inclusive practices and equitable educational access
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and lead through change

Work Environment

This position requires frequent travel across the ACES catchment area and occasional work in districts outside the region. The role involves regular school site visits, collaboration with diverse teams, and a combination of strategic planning and hands-on leadership.

Salary is Negotiable based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with district priorities

External Candidates please apply online at www.aces.org. Internal candidates should apply via the "Careers at ACES" link on Interfaces

• Valid Connecticut Intermediate Administrator or Superintendent Certification (092)
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful educational leadership experience
• Demonstrated expertise in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and special education or alternative school environments
• Proven ability to lead and supervise cross-functional teams and complex educational systems
• 3-5 years as a building or school principal
• Experience with school and program start-up, assessment coordination, and regional outreach preferred