Senior Associate Commissioner of Data, Assessment, and Accountability

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves and where collaboration innovation and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children youth and families thrive socially academically and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

Educational Vision of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:Our educational vision describes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations (DESE) aspiration for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This vision is anchored in our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning in the Commonwealth. We will continue to work with districts schools and educators to promote teaching and learning that is antiracist inclusive multilingual and multicultural; that values and affirms each and every student and their families; and that creates equitable opportunities and experiences for all students particularly those who have been historically underserved. For more information on our visionclickhere.

The Senior Associate Commissioner for Data Assessment and Accountability reports directly to a Deputy Commissioner is a member of the Commissioners Cabinet and provides executive level decision-making guidance and leadership for a wide range of Department programs and activities. The position participates to a substantial degree in formulating determining and implementing policy

This position has cabinet-level responsibility for two large offices at DESE: Student Assessment Services and the Office of Data and Accountability. Both of these offices are overseen by Associate Commissioners who will report directly to the Senior Associate Commissioner. the following program areas:

Specifically in this capacity the Senior Associate Commissioner for Data Assessment & Accountability will:

In this role the Senior Associate Commissioner for Data Assessment and Accountability will directly supervise the Associate Commissioner of Data and Accountability and serve as the cabinet-level lead for district and school accountability in the Commonwealth. Additionally this role will provide direction for all activities around the strategic planning design/redesign and implementation of the district and school accountability system. This work will include setting the long-term accountability goals for districts and schools to ensure that they are aligned with the fundamental vision priorities and goals of the Commissioner and the agency.

This role will also provide cabinet-level oversight for other responsibilities of the Associate Commissioner for Data and Accountability including: (1) the continued development of the cross-agency Education-to-Career Data Hub; (2) the continued execution and refinement of DESEs data collection systems; (3) DESEs data analytical and reporting responsibilities; and (4) DESEs District Review program.

In this role the Senior Associate Commissioner for Data Assessment and Accountability will directly supervise the Associate Commissioner of Student Assessment and provide leadership and direction to the assessment team in the development management and implementation of policies and procedures to guide the development production and administration of all facets of DESEs assessment program.

Working at the direction of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner the role will exercise direct authority and independent judgment over the strategic vision for the agencys overall policy around data services assessment and accountability.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Provide administrative leadership and supervision to assigned unit offices including the development of operational plans oversight of day-to-day operational activities allocation of budgetary and staffing resources and supervision and mentoring of subordinate managers to attain goals.

Strategic planning including the evaluation of existing programs and the development of new programs initiatives and activities to achieve the Departments mission and/or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Department operations to positively impact students.

Direct oversight and leadership responsibility of major projects assigned by the Commissioner and/or Deputy Commissioner which involve staff from other Department units and/or staff from other agencies.

Provide oversight and direction on policy development and implementation on data and accountability and assessment services programming across the agency including coordination across offices within DESE who support data and accountability and assessment services. Support the coordination and development of policy related to key governmental agencies and bodies including the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Maintain a high level of expertise in the assigned areas of work including attendance at national conferences review of relevant research and studies and discussions with officials in the U.S. Department of Education and other state education agencies to ensure that Department programs and activities are informed by data-driven research and best practices.

Ensure that supervised staff staff elsewhere in the Department and outside stakeholder groups are communicating effectively and working together in a productive collegial relationship.

Other duties assigned by the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner (e.g. responding to constituents presenting at Board meetings etc.).

Represent DESE at meetings with external groups as needed.

Based on assignment travel throughout the Commonwealth may be required.

The position will report to the Everett office 5 days/week.

Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen OBrien @

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum or ten (10) years experience in education including experience as a superintendent principal and/or administrator in a school district or other educational organization: or any combination or related experience and training that provides the required knowledge and skills in the areas of education policy development and program leadership and implementation.

Thorough understanding of public policy and educational practice at the district/community and state level and comprehensive knowledge of federal state and local laws including statutes regulations rules and policies relating to K-12 public education.

Ability to articulate a clear vision or high-quality education with documented evidence anchored in data/research of consistent positive results.

Understanding and appreciation of the Commonwealths institutions culture political and educational leadership with a strong knowledge and belief in the departments vision mission and goals; an equivalent depth of perspective in another jurisdiction could provide an acceptable substitute.

Proven skills in providing leadership resolution of complex problems and issues.

Demonstrated ability to manage professional technical and administrative support staff and extensive experience with the principles of supervision performance planning and evaluations.

Ability to interpret and use data to support continuous improvement and evaluate the efficacy of a wide range of initiatives.

Experience in budget planning management and monitoring.

Capacity to develop and administer department goals objectives and monitoring strategies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

Ability to analyze problems identify alternative solutions and plan for successful outcomes.

Excellent communication oral and written and interpersonal skills to effectively plan interact with present information engage and motivate a wide variety of audiences.

High Integrity and a record of exceptional work performance.

Strong analytical and organizational management skills.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional administrative supervisory or managerial experience in business administration business management public administration public management clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you your loved ones and your future.

Want the specificsExplore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action minorities veterans and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race religion color sex gender identity or expression sexual orientation age disability national origin veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women Black Indigenous and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they dont meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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