What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Schools and Academics, Full Time (1.0 FTE) position at Portland Public Schools, Maine?
- Master's degree (doctorate preferred) from an accredited college or university with an emphasis on curriculum, instruction, student supports, and/or school leadership.
- 10 years of full-time, paid, professional experience in a large organization such as a school district, governmental entity, a university or other education related setting.
- Six years of supervisory/administrative/management experience, preferably in a large urban school district.
- Three years of experience as a school principal with documented success in improving student outcomes.
- Experience building high-quality, highly functional teams with clear expectations for serving schools and achieving student success.
- Knowledge of best practices and current national trends and research for the instruction of diverse and multilingual learners.
- Ability to navigate uncertainty and ambiguity and to prioritize work efforts to execute overall strategy.
JobID: 4952
Position Type:
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
Date Posted:
3/18/2025
3/18/2025
Location:
Superintendent`s Office
Superintendent`s Office
Date Available:
07/01/2025
07/01/2025
Closing Date:
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Job Title: Chief of Schools and Academics
Summary:
Minimum Requirements
Summary:
The District seeks an experienced education leader to serve as Chief of Schools and Academics. This person will lead alongside teachers, school leaders, assistant superintendents who oversee schools, and the Superintendent and Executive Leadership Team, to support the implementation of PPS’ new five year strategic plan. This is a hands-on position which requires strategic leadership, a deep understanding of research-based pedagogy and curriculum, and the ability to get into the weeds and proactively develop innovative programming alongside a committed team of educators.
Reporting directly to the Superintendent, the Chief of Schools and Academics is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and is critical for ensuring that the District achieves high outcomes for all students. The Chief is responsible for ensuring that the District has a clear vision for academic excellence and provides all students with strong academics, enrichment, and student supports across all schools to meet the needs of our diverse students. The Chief will oversee all components of the District’s academics including our Elementary and Secondary Network Teams (each team consists of an assistant superintendent, director of academics, director of multilingual learners, director of special education, and director of school culture), school culture and climate, extracurriculars, and other academic and educational functions as designated by the strategic plan.
The Portland Public Schools (PPS) serves approximately 6,500 students in 17 schools in pre-K through grade 12, about one-third of whom come from homes where a language other than English is spoken – for a total of more than 50 languages. The District serves an additional 2,000 students through Portland Adult Education. As the largest and most diverse school system in Maine, the mission of Portland Public Schools is to ensure a challenging, relevant, and joyful education that empowers every learner to make a difference in the world.
(See full job description here.)
The salary for this position is competitive, starting at $150,000-190,000 and commensurate with prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package will be included in the ultimate offer for the identified sole finalist.
(See full job description here.)
The salary for this position is competitive, starting at $150,000-190,000 and commensurate with prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package will be included in the ultimate offer for the identified sole finalist.
Maine Department of Education Criminal History Record Check required (*$70.00*).
Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and push up to 100 pounds (on wheels). Must be able to reach above the shoulder level to work, must be able to bend, squat and sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist/turn.
Special Requirements: Occasional extended work hours and attendance at evening meetings.
Overtime Eligible: No
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.
Salary : $150,000 - $190,000
