Director of Schools

Des Moines Public Schools is looking for and accepting applications from dynamic leaders in Teaching & Learning for our Director of Schools position. This position will be responsible for leading and supporting a group of our schools and principals.  We will begin screening applicants for this position during the week of May 5th. 

The salary range shared below represents the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range.  Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience, and education.  This position will also qualify for a 14% Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) in addition to the base salary.

Des Moines Public Schools offers single and family health benefits at no cost to our employees and up to $6,000 towards relocation costs.

TITLE: Director of Schools

DEPARTMENT: Teaching and Learning

REPORTS TO: Chief Academic Officer

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Chief Academic Officer

EVALUATES: Building Principals

POSITION INVENTORY: E81

POSITION TYPE: ADMN

FLSA Status: Full Time

Exempt

260 Day Calendar 8 Hour Day

BASIC FUNCTION:
The director is responsible for the implementation of the district’s education and special programs through the supervision, support, and evaluation of principals. Guided by the principles of the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) and the district’s vision, mission, and goals, the director will provide instructional leadership support to principals. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the department and schools.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Establish and promote high standards and expectations of all students and staff for academic performance, facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the community.
2. Foster a culture and climate that supports both student and staff success and promotes respect and appreciation for cultural diversity.
3. Manage personnel, including hiring and retaining high quality school leaders.
4. Use the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) and evaluation model to supervise, coach, and evaluate school principals.
5. Plan and conduct visits to school sites to observe, coach, and support principals in their work as school leaders.
6. Plan and lead professional development of principals focused on instructional leadership and effective implementation of the district’s curriculum and instruction.
7. Analyze school, district, and state assessment results to determine school progress towards meeting School Improvement Plan goals and to develop next steps to improve student achievement.
8. Coach and support school leaders in the following areas:
• School culture with a focus on learning, continuous improvement, innovation and collaborative practice.
• Systems to monitor and evaluate teacher performance to improve instruction.
• Data-driven instructional practices to analyze and improve student learning.
• Research-based instructional framework to observe teacher practice, provide feedback, and plan individual and collective professional development to meet identified needs.
• Use of financial resources, time, facilities, technology and partnerships innovatively and equitably to accomplish the goal of powerful teaching and learning for all students.
• Development of instructional leadership capacity among principals and leadership teams.
• Progress monitoring School Improvement Plans and performance targets.
9. Assist in resolving problems/issues with principals, parents and staff.
10. Regularly participate in central office collaboration to ensure focus on support of principals as the key driver of student achievement.
11. Monitor categorical and special programs and grants for school programs.
12. Represent Des Moines Public Schools effectively in the community, state, and nation.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

1. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
4. Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:
Required Education and Experience:
1. Iowa Administrative certification with Evaluator Approval or willingness to obtain.
2. Master’s degree in educational leadership.
3. Experience as a school leader.

Desired Education and Experience:
1. Specialist or Doctorate in Education

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge in current educational research relative to curriculum and standards-based instruction.
2. Knowledge and experience in leading adaptive change.
3. Knowledge of building the capacity of school leaders for the purpose of improving program quality and effectiveness.
4. Strong communication skills, both spoken and written.

PHYSICAL DEMAND: FREQUENCY:
Standing Frequent 33% - 66%
Walking Frequent 33% - 66%
Sitting Frequent 33% - 66%
Bending/Stooping Occasional 1% - 32%
Reaching/Pushing/Pulling Occasional 1%- 32%
Climbing/Stairs Occasional 1% - 32%
Driving Occasional 1% - 32%
Lifting (10 lbs.) Frequent 33% - 66%
Carrying (20 feet) Occasional 1% - 32%
Manual Dexterity Tasks
Telephone Frequent 33% - 66%
Computer Frequent 33% - 66%
Other Never 0%
Working Conditions
Inside Constant 67%
Outside Occasional 1% - 32%
Extremes of Temperature/Humidity Occasional 1% - 32%

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check.  Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check. 

Salary : $116,438 - $151,382