BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:      Director of Academics

SUPERVISOR: Superintendent

LOCATION:     Central Administration

JOB SUMMARY:  This position will lead individual school leadership teams in developing, implementing, and evaluating performance targets, lead and facilitate executive-level discussions and training, and will be responsible for the codification of all district protocols, processes, and procedures in his/her domain to ensure efficient and sustainable systems. This position will oversee the full implementation of the MiCLSD grant and will be responsible for the literacy and curriculum development of Birth to Grade 12 students in the district. The candidate for this position must have strong leadership qualities, a sound knowledge of literacy and assessment, and be able to coordinate multiple services across multiple levels. The Director of Academics reports directly to the superintendent and oversees the staff and operations of the teaching and learning department.   In addition, this position is responsible for monitoring all programs in his/her domain, ensuring timely submission of all local, state, and federal reporting, aligning all district systems as they pertain to student achievement and success

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Develop, train, and monitor the implementation of all processes, protocols, and procedures within his/her domain
2. Ensure the District Improvement Plan and School Improvement Plans align with the overall strategic direction of the district - MICIP
3. Provide district leadership in literacy and curriculum
4. Implement all aspects of the MiCLSD Grant with fidelity
5. Work with K-12 Principals to create a school-wide focus on goals for reading achievement
6. Co-facilitate the implementation of a Multi-tiered System of Support as defined by MDE
7. Stay current on research and best practices in the area of reading pedagogy
8. Ensure all local, state, and federal reporting within his/her domain is conducted in a timely and accurate manner
9. Monitor and oversee all compliance issues within his/her domain to ensure corrective action plans are developed and implemented
10. Study the evolving/transforming educational environment to remain alert, informed, and forward-thinking about opportunities, risks, and resulting implications for action (systems, infrastructure)
11. Develop and disseminate well-researched, actionable insights to district leadership
12. Train and provide information and guidance regarding a range of effective and innovative literacy practices
13. Facilitate, monitor, and report on the execution of the strategic plan and high-priority initiatives
14. Develop strategic initiative project management framework; orient initiative teams on its use
15. Provide leadership in the identification and implementation of instructional practices, delivery systems, and formative assessments that maximize student growth in reading
16. Provide district-wide professional development for instructional staff in reading pedagogy and disciplinary literacy
17. Provide leadership in a wide range of reading assessments, analysis of reading assessment data, and reading intervention programming
18. Monitor ongoing progress by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones and adjusting as needed
19. Identify and address barriers to implementation as they arise (e.g., cultural, leadership, resourcing, and capabilities)
20. Through teamwork assess the efficacy of processes and initiatives and develop recommendations for course corrections and/or termination of initiatives if warranted
21. Coach and develop leadership abilities among his/her direct reports and their staff
22. Prepare content and deliver presentations, discussion documents, and updates to executive-level audiences
23. Prepare and present recommendations for the Superintendent and, upon approval, to the board of education
24. Facilitate monthly Board of Education curriculum committee meetings
25. Serve on the Superintendent's Cabinet
26. Perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1.  Master's degree in education, or a related field 
2. Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate
3. Three (3) years of experience as a building principal, including an instructional leadership role
4. Three (3) years of classroom teaching experience 
5. Extensive knowledge of curriculum & instruction
6. Administrative, budgeting, planning, and leadership skills 
7. Ability to organize, interpret, and present conceptual models to users in a manner appropriate to users' skill sets and needs 
8. Demonstrated independent critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills
9. Ability to successfully communicate at all levels of the organization
10. Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with senior-level decision-makers
11. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated experience giving presentations to a variety of audiences
12. Strong attention to detail and accuracy, excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, coordinate, and simultaneously maintain multiple projects with a high level of quality and productivity
13. Demonstrated experience with tools used for evaluating, developing, and implementing ideas and concepts
14. Ability to think strategically and execute tactically and tactfully
15. Proficient computer skills in all Microsoft Office suites, as well as multiple platforms relevant to education, i.e. PowerSchool, Illuminate
16. Strong communication skills.  
17. Proven ability to meet the challenges of an urban school district

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Doctorate in Education or related field of study; transformational and turnaround leadership experience; experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring infrastructures and strategic frameworks; experience working with grant-funded programs; experience working in Special Education; supervisory experience; partner collaboration experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Focus on Data-Driven Results: Pursues the improvement of central office performance and school leadership, instruction, and operations,
2. Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative problem-solving; takes the initiative to explore issues and find potential innovative solutions.
3. Adaptability: Excels in constantly changing environments and adapts flexibly in shifting projects or priorities to meet the needs of a dynamic transformation effort; comfortable with ambiguity and non routine situations.
4. Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning, and supporting others; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others.
5. Communication and Customer Service Skills: Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders in both oral and written forms; anticipates and responds to customer needs in a high-quality and courteous manner.
6. Must be able to be bonded in the State of Michigan

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary based on education and experience pursuant to the Benton Harbor Area School Board policies and collective bargaining agreement for any position that falls under collective bargaining.

EVALUATION: 

The performance of this job will be evaluated by the Superintendent.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts

Benton Harbor Area Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER