Instructional Support Executive Director – Area Learning Community
Job Description
Purpose of the Job:
The Hamilton County Department of Education is restructuring its school leadership organization to align with K-12 feeder patterns across the district. Beginning in 2018-19, the district will operate via five Area Learning Communities, including the Opportunity Zone. We are currently seeking dynamic instructional leaders to organize and launch the four newly established learning communities. The primary high school feeder patterns served by these learning communities are defined as follows:
1. Central/Ooltewah; 2. Hixson/Sale Creek/Soddy-Daisy; 3. East Hamilton/East Ridge/Tyner; 4. Lookout Valley/Red Bank/Signal Mountain. These Area Learning Communities will allow the district to be more responsive to diverse community needs, build capacity across the feeder patterns, build stronger community ties, and clarify a single point of contact for parents and community stakeholders to engage with the central office. The Executive Director of the Area Learning Community will provide leadership, direction, and support to elementary, middle and high schools within the assigned area. While developing a unique culture of collaboration, the Executive Director will also ensure that the work of the learning community is aligned with the overarching vision of the district, as well as meeting the goals of the strategic plan.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Establishes and maintains a culture of excellence and high expectations in the Area Learning Community, such that assigned schools are the preferred choice for families to meet their K-12 educational needs.
- Creates a customer-focused climate to provide quality services and support to schools and the community. Prioritizes family and community engagement across all schools.
- Functions as “face of district,” while developing strong community partners through intentional outreach and high visibility at school and community events.
- Understands and communicates about state accountability framework and school grading report card.
- Proactively communicates with all stakeholders about progress of Area Learning Community, as well as about any issues or concerns that may arise. Escalates to supervisors or external agencies as appropriate.
- Develops and implements long and short term plans, goals, and objectives for Area Learning Community focused on improving overall student achievement and post-secondary readiness.
- Understands and utilizes McRel Balanced Leadership Framework to support principals and improve school performance.
- Directs the planning, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures for assigned Area Learning Community. Ensures equitable distribution of resources to support the vision and mission of community and district.
- Consults and collaborates with the Superintendent, Board of Education, State Department of Education, administrators, district employees, other officials and stakeholders to ensure efficient school operations.
- Coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff, assists with complex problem situations, and provides technical guidance and expertise to address problems in assigned area.
- Supervises, directs, counsels, disciplines, and evaluates assigned staff. Leverages performance management to drive continuous improvement in instruction, leadership, and school operations.
- Evaluates effectiveness of operations and programs in assigned Area Learning Community; identifies and recommends improvements or enhancements.
- Develops and implements budget as assigned; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget.
- Follows established procedures for ensuring assigned schools, students and staff are safe.
- Ensures compliance with district, state, and federal policies, regulations, and laws.
Knowledge/Education/Experience:
- Minimum of a Master’s degree in the appropriate field; Specialist or Doctorate degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years previous experience in school administration or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.
- Must possess a valid state-issued driver’s license.
Skills/Qualifications:
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, Board members, parents, and community members.
- Record of personal and professional achievement, with evidence of improving student performance and leading second order change in prior positions.
