SUMMARY
Under executive supervision, responsible for supporting the Senior Academic Officer to increase and support the roles of Associate Superintendents, Principals, teaching staff, division staff and overall school improvement that is aligned to the core values and academic goals of the District’s strategic plan.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS — Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Delivers higher academic achievement for all students, contributing toward attaining district achievement targets agreed to with Board of Education as outlined in the strategic plan.
- Supports a shared vision set by Senior Academics Officer with clear goals, high performance standards and research-based strategies to support Associate Superintendents and school leaders and hold accountable school leaders as powerful agents of change.
- Supports change management processes, which focuses on transforming schools and portfolio networks resulting in a dramatic increase in student achievement.
- Provides input and guidance for operational functions that support school leadership in accordance with all laws, policies, regulations and accounting standards.
- Participates in the selection and support of new principals that are committed to a standard of excellence and can bring results.
- Provides leadership, management and direction to division staff, as assigned; manages assigned staff, and assigns tasks, programmatic responsibilities, and projects; evaluates performance, resolves workload and technical issues, and assures that goals are defined and achieved.
- Administers assigned budgets including the responsibility for budget development and long-range financial planning.
- Recommends changes and additions in the instructional program based on research and established goals.
- Keeps informed of and interprets all laws, regulations and statutes relating to education.
- Oversees the coordination of academic professional development efforts across the District.
- Exercises independent judgment within parameters established by the Senior Academics Officer and policy guidelines; analyzes issues and recommends solutions; assures compliance with state and Federal rules and regulations, and MPS policies and procedures.
- Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
- Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
- Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
- Assumes responsibility for, supporting, and completing other duties/tasks or special projects as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Master’s Degree in Education or a closely related field; AND five (5) years of managerial experience in progressively responsible academic administration; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
Knowledge of:
- Assessment, curriculum, instructional strategies, professional development, instructional leadership, educational best practices in literacy, math, English as a Second Language and Special Education, and instructional technology to support teachers and school leaders in order to improve student achievement.
- Educational reform models and school turnaround strategies, and demonstrated success in leading school improvement initiatives that resulted in improved student achievement results and the closing of the achievement gaps between racial, ethnic, and economic groups.
- Federal and state fund accounting regulations, procedures, and accountability standards.
- Related State and Federal laws.
- Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including strategic planning, budgeting, purchasing, contract management, customer service and employee supervision.
- Techniques and practices for efficient and cost effective management of resources.
Skill in:
- Reading, interpreting, understanding and applying academic standards and procedures, applicable Federal and state rules and regulations, and MPS policies and procedures.
- Analyzing MPS needs, and prioritizing and promoting academic strategies to meet future needs.
- Manage multiple responsibilities and organizational units and demonstrated success in building a high-performing team.
- Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
- Designing, organizing and leading a systemic change process in a large, complex, diverse organization.
- Evaluating workflow and effectively prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
- Preparing, reviewing and presenting management reports.
- Answering questions, advising staff, and resolving problems on academic and resource issues.
- Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and clients.
- Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.
- Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must possess valid Principal License.
Must possess a valid Minnesota State Driver’s License.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.