Executive Director of Instructional Services

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Superintendent the Executive Director of Instructional Services provides strategic leadership and vision for the development implementation and continuous improvement of instructional services across the district. This role leads a team of professionals dedicated to supporting educators and administrators in delivering high-quality equitable instructional experiences that promote student achievement and 21st-century skill development. The Executive Director ensures alignment of curriculum instruction assessment and professional learning with district goals state requirements and best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in Educational Administration Curriculum and Instruction or related field
• Valid Iowa Professional Administrator License
• Valid Evaluator Approval certification
• Minimum of five years of exemplary leadership experience in K-12 education with demonstrated success in instructional leadership
• Experience with state and federal compliance and reporting requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Leadership & Vision

• Establish and lead a cohesive district vision for instructional services including strategic planning implementation timelines and accountability measures.
• Promote innovative student-centered learning environments emphasizing critical thinking collaboration creativity communication and global awareness.
• Lead district initiatives in standards-referenced grading to ensure accurate and meaningful representation of student learning.
• Explore and expand learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings.
• Ensure instructional materials and resources are current inclusive and aligned to student learning needs.

Instructional Services Team Leadership

• Supervise and support the Instructional Services Team including regular meetings performance management and professional growth.
• Facilitate team collaboration in partnership with the Executive Director of School Leadership.
• Oversee the districts curriculum review cycle including planning implementation and budget management.
• Partner with staff to design and deliver high-quality professional learning for all employees.
• Convene and lead the Academic Affairs Committee as needed.

Professional Learning & Administrator Support

• Collaborate with district and building administrators to strengthen instructional leadership practices.
• Ensure administrators have access to high-quality ongoing professional development.
• Support Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across the district.

State & Federal Compliance & Reporting

• Provide leadership and oversight for required state and federal reporting including but not limited to
• Consolidated Accountability & Support Application (CASA)
• Student data reporting (state and federal)
• Assessment accountability systems
• School Reporting in Iowa (SRI)
• Secondary Career and Technical Education Reporting (SCERTA)
• Graduation and dropout verification processes
• Nonpublic consultation requirements
• Oversee policies and processes related to curriculum design instructional materials selection and objections
• Lead and support required committees including Teacher Quality and School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) for Postsecondary Pathways and Academics

Executive Cabinet Leadership

• Collaborate to evaluate existing academic programs for effectiveness and alignment
• Recommend and lead implementation of innovative programs supporting college career and life readiness
• Provide oversight of the Maximizing Learning strategic direction within the districts strategic plan
• Attend Board of Education meetings and present as needed; serve as a resource to the Board and Superintendent
• Serve as an ad hoc member of the Board Policy Committee
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement across staff administration and students

Assessment & Instructional Technology

• Serve as the District Assessment Coordinator
• Ensure effective implementation of assessment systems and practices
• Support and collaborate with the Technology Director to advance the districts instructional technology vision
• Promote effective integration of technology to enhance teaching and learning

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with the Associate Superintendent to facilitate the School Improvement Advisory Committee
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support instructional priorities and student success

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Engages in professional development related to responsibilities and duties.
• Completes all required training.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of principles methods and issues of public education and administration
• Thorough knowledge of curriculum development assessment systems and professional learning
• Skilled in strategic vision and systems thinking
• Strong leadership communication and organizational skills
• Excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Effective supervision coaching and evaluation skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment

In evaluating candidates for this position Johnston Community School District may consider a combination of education training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent walking standing and sitting
• Ability to carry and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to travel within district and attend meetings outside of the work day
• Occasional exposure to irritated or agitated individuals
• Indoor work environment primarily in an office or school setting

Required Experience:

Director