Director of Innovation and Strategic Growth - Vacancy ID: 230079

OBJECTIVE: The Director of Innovation and Strategic Growth serves as a key member of the district’s leadership team and assists the Superintendent in overseeing the overall operations of the school district. This role requires a strong educational leader who will work collaboratively with administrators, teachers, staff, and the community to enhance student achievement and ensure the effective delivery of educational services. The Director of Innovation and Strategic Growth is responsible for the management of curriculum, instruction, strategic development, future ready education, staff development, and other administrative functions to improve school performance across the district.

Leadership and Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with the Superintendent and district leadership team to set the vision and goals for the district’s educational program.

• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic plans aligned with district priorities and student achievement goals.

• Ensure alignment between instructional programs, professional development, and district objectives.

Curriculum and Instruction:

• Lead the district’s curriculum development, review, and implementation to ensure high standards and equity across all schools.

• Support the integration of research-based best practices in instruction to improve student outcomes and engagement.

• Oversee the district’s educational assessment systems, analyzing data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement in instructional practices.

Professional Development and Staff Support:

• Design and implement district-wide professional development initiatives for educators, administrators, and staff to improve instructional effectiveness and leadership capacity.

• Foster a culture of professional growth, collaboration, and shared responsibility for student success.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of professional development programs, adjusting strategies based on feedback and performance metrics.

Human Resources and Staffing:

• Oversee the recruitment, hiring, retention, and evaluation of district instructional and administrative staff, ensuring alignment with the district’s mission and goals.

• Provide leadership and support in the development of a comprehensive human resources strategy to attract, develop, and retain highly qualified educators and leaders.

• Mentor building-level principals and other administrative staff, providing guidance on best practices for leadership, team building, and staff performance.

Supervision and Evaluation:

• Provide guidance and oversight to principals and other district administrators on effective school management and instructional leadership.

• Promote a collaborative leadership style that encourages input, fosters transparency, and supports innovation.

Assessment, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement:

• Direct the implementation of formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and identify areas for improvement.

• Use data to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional strategies, programs, and policies, making adjustments as necessary to meet district objectives.

• Develop systems for tracking and reporting progress toward district goals, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Assist in the development and management of the district's budget, prioritizing the allocation of resources to support instructional and human resource needs. Ensure the efficient use of resources to optimize the effectiveness of instructional programs and staff development initiatives.

• Support the Superintendent in securing funding through grants, partnerships, and other revenue sources to enhance educational programs and staff development.

Community Engagement and Communication:

• Serve as a liaison between the district and the community, including parents, local organizations, and other educational institutions.

• Maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and fostering trust.

• Assist in the creation and dissemination of communications related to district programs, initiatives, and achievements.

Policy and Compliance:

• Ensure district compliance with all state, federal, and local education laws and regulations, including those related to staffing, curriculum, and assessment.

• Review and recommend revisions to district policies to ensure they reflect current best practices and legal requirements.

• Stay informed of changes in educational law and policy, implementing necessary adjustments in district operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster a collaborative and positive work environment.

• Strong background in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and data-driven decision-making.

• Proficiency in human resources functions, including staff development, performance management, and employee relations.

• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of current trends in education, including technology integration and innovative instructional practices.

• Commitment to the academic success and well-being of all students.

• High ethical standards and a strong sense of integrity.

• Ability to navigate complex situations and provide thoughtful, effective solutions.

• A passion for fostering a culture of continuous improvement, equity, and excellence.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Education 

Required: Master of Education/Educational Leadership or equivalent

Required: Formal coursework on the rules, regulations, and operating
                procedures, including WUFAR, related to school operations

Preferred: Advanced degree preferred, but not required 

Preferred: Training in Microsoft Office, Google, Skyward, and other school
                  related software 

Preferred: Strong technology background

Experience 

Required: Prior demonstrated successful experience as a public school
                employee, particularly as a teacher and an administrative leader

Required: Possess strong expertise in student achievement and learning in a
                public and private school system

Required: Possess strong skills in management, leadership and strategic
                planning, human resources, financial acumen, and public relations

Required: Ability to speak effectively in front of small and large audiences

Required: Experience communicating complex information and maintaining
                positive relationships with individuals in the workplace and community

Required: Experience with compiling, organizing, preparing, maintaining and
                supervising state and federal reports related to school districts and
                other records, reports, and information in an effective and efficient
                manners. 

License 

Required: Valid Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 5003
                Superintendent-District Administrator License

WORKING CONDITIONS

Conditions consistent with working in a school or general office environment.  The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions.

Persons performing services in this position classification will exert 10 to 20 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.  This type of work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods.

Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, providing oral information, the manual dexterity to operate business related equipment, and handling and working with various materials and objects are important for this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

EVALUATION

Performance of the Superintendent of Schools will be evaluated in accordance with the School Board’s policy on Evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools (Policy 1240).