Chief Schools Officer

Full-Time and Permanent; 7.5 Hours/Day; 252 Days/Year; 12 Months/Year; Grade EXEC

DEFINITION

The Chief Schools Officer is responsible for leading the Department of School Leadership Development (DOSLD) and other assigned departments including the supervision of the division’s schools and school leaders. The Chief Schools Officer’s primary responsibility will be to ensure significant student achievement gains at the school level as measured by school improvement data. Another important function of this job is analyzing and using multiple sources of data to guide the continuous improvement of all schools. This position reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools and serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

SUPERVISION

Executive level duties are performed under the general direction of the Superintendent of Schools.  Work is reviewed primarily for compatibility with the school division’s goals and objectives and the requirements of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).  Supervision is exercised through subordinate executive and senior directors, senior coordinators, building administrators, and a staff of professional administrators who serve in a variety of educational specialties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single position class with division-wide responsibility for school-based and centralized instructional, academic, accountability, governance, and student support activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (Performs a variety of duties itemized below.)

These essential functions are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Lead a rigorous plan for the process of continuous improvement that results in improved student achievement.

Provide leadership in the areas of school improvement planning, principal professional development, and evaluation.

Work with school leaders to monitor school improvement and make adjustments accordingly.

Drive the successful integration of evidence-based strategies to ensure the growth and success of all schools.

Create a shared understanding of challenges at the school level and identify opportunities for improved student achievement.

Support principals to ensure high quality implementation of each school’s educational design, including school culture, standards, assessments, and instructional guidelines.

Ensure the effective management, coaching, and mentorship of school leaders in ways that drive significant student achievement gains.

Support the differentiated professional development of administrative staff to ensure they have the skills to select, develop, and evaluate principals.

Allocate and monitor the effectiveness of mentoring and coaching resources assigned to provide differentiated support to schools as needed.

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Department of School Leadership Development (DOSLD), ensuring strategies are student-focused and aligned with each school’s mission, core values, academic standards, and goals.

Develop and lead the DOSLD administrators in their roles as instructional leaders.

Assist DOSLD staff in developing annual strategic goals as well as plans to meet those goals.

Oversee DOSLD departmental budget(s); review all personnel requests from principals.

Partner with the Department of Human Resources to provide support in recruiting, identifying, and promoting excellent teachers and school-based administrators.

Create collaborative and effective communication channels between central office staff and school administrators.

Collaborate with central office staff to evaluate existing programs, services, and practices.

Establish and maintain clear, consistent interactions with parents, families and community partners to receive input and feedback on the effectiveness of schools and to resolve concerns.

Be personally informed and keep direct reports informed of current educational trends, practices, and proposed legislation impacting the schools.

Lead and supervise the work of other central office areas as directed by the Superintendent of Schools.

Perform other duties as directed by the Superintendent of Schools.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of school administration; comprehensive knowledge of school division objectives, procedures, and organization; comprehensive knowledge of school personnel and administrative practices, procedures and methods; excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with School Board members, school administrators, teachers, staff, and all support staff; ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field and a Master’s Degree in School Administration; Doctoral Degree preferred. Five years of experience with a record of effective school leadership preferred.  Experience as a building principal required.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

Postgraduate Professional License with an endorsement in administration and supervision PreK-12.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Work requires normal physical attributes associated with working in an office.

HAZARDS

Work involves exposure to normal, everyday risks.

UNUSUAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in school and office settings and requires attendance at regularly scheduled after-hours meetings.  Work is subject to continuing stress and constant deadlines and may require evening and weekend hours.

Salary : $109,060 - $202,402