Chief Learning Officer

JOB TITLE: Chief Learning Officer

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

FUNDING SOURCE: Local

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

PAY GRADE/CALENDAR DAYS: Pay Grade 11 (230 days)

DEPARTMENT: Learning Services

DATE REVISED: February 2023

PRIMARY PURPOSE AND FOCUS:

The Chief Learning Officer serves as an educational leader for the system of schools across the district. The main focus of the Chief Learning Officer is to provide leadership in the implementation of PreK–12 innovative school instruction and programming. The Chief Learning Officer works collaboratively with central office departments and campus administration to ensure that all current and anticipated academic programs are implemented with fidelity. The Chief Learning Officer provides leadership in planning, developing, maintaining, and evaluating the district's curriculum and instruction. The Chief Academic Officer acts as a resource to other educational personnel and the community. Additionally, the Chief Learning Officer works collaboratively with others to assist the Superintendent of Schools in carrying out his/her administrative responsibility for the planning, operation, supervision and evaluation of the education curriculum, programs, and services of the district. The Chief Learning Officer must act with integrity, support organizational goals, demonstrate the ability to inspire, grow and motivate others, utilize feedback, drive for results and commit to championing the needs of the students, employees and District overall.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

Doctorate in Educational Administration or Education related field (Preferred) Master’s degree in Educational Administration or Education related field Valid Texas Teaching Certification Valid Texas Superintendent Certification (Preferred) Valid Texas School Administrative Certification

Minimum Experience :

At least 10-15 years of successful leadership experience at the District and/or campus level in an urban school system Experience working with students and families from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access and commitment to equity for all students Familiarity and knowledge of district instructional programs and services; Extensive knowledge of how effective schools operate Successful experience in leading a school's or district’s academic system; Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of research-based instructional practices/strategies in the areas of response to intervention, Emergent Bilingual (EB) instruction, and specialized instruction Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and local accountability measures; state and local assessments; and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Proven ability in aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment to standards; implementing and evaluating academic programs; leading and facilitating collaboration among departments; and analyzing and utilizing data effectively to improve instruction Proven ability to improve student academic achievement by executing instructional programs effectively, building highly functional instructional leadership teams, professional learning communities (PLCs), and making data-driven decisions Excellent leadership, communication, public relations, report writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills Ability to apply analytical techniques to identify and resolve problems

  Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of how a school District functions and understanding of the roles of the Chief Learning Officer and campus instruction and programs PreK-12 Proven record of improving academic and organizational success Ability to evaluate all programs and curriculum based on effectiveness Ability to manage budget and personnel Ability to manage District-wide initiatives within the scope of his/her duties Ability to ensure policies are implemented throughout the District within the scope of his/her duties Strong organizational, communication, public relations and interpersonal skills Ability to promote the initiation of academic partnerships with other institutions on behalf of the School District Ability to handle conflict resolution both internally and externally Experience with hiring, evaluating, supervising, and coaching staff Demonstrated leadership and project organizational skills (planning, implementing, and evaluation) Experience in data-based decision-making Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with individuals, teams, and groups Ability to handle multiple tasks and plan and schedule priorities accordingly Exhibit flexibility, resiliency, and adaptability to changing priorities

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide overall leadership for the management and effective supervision of academic services PreK-12

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Instructional Management

Assist the Superintendent in supervising the District’s instructional programs and curriculum; work collaboratively with other district departments to develop and implement innovative curriculum, programs, specifying short and long-term goals, timelines and processes Lead the implementation of innovative educational programs PreK–12 to meet the needs of all students Provide guidance and leadership to campus and district staff in the area of programming design, instructional approaches, and assessment practices Serve as a resource in planning effective professional learning opportunities related to innovative programs and related services Align programming of federal, state, district expectations and guidelines to plan for student learning and educator effectiveness Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of Innovation and operations contracts Accurately prepare and submit in a timely manner all reports required by the Board, Texas Education Agency (TEA), other federal and state agencies, and any records subpoenaed by a court of law Collaborate with all members of the district leadership to ensure district-wide teaching and learning goals, strategic objectives, initiatives, strategies, and priorities identified in the district’s comprehensive plan are fully implemented Oversee and monitor teaching and learning strategic programs, projects, and initiatives outlined in the district comprehensive plan as well as school improvement plans and/or school success plans to ensure they lead to maximum student achievement Provide guidance and leadership to campus and district staff in the area of programming design, instructional approaches, and assessment practices Attend Board meetings and prepare reports for Board as the Superintendent directs Assist with the preparation and administration of the instructional accounts of the budget Study, evaluate and as appropriate, recommend to the Superintendent the adoption of new instructional materials, methods, and programs Work collaboratively with other district departments to develop and implement innovative programs, specifying short and long-term goals, timelines and processes to impact instruction Oversee and provide guidance for professional development of all staff Facilitate consistent communication and close collaboration with all departments to ensure federal, state, and district expectations/guidelines are followed Foster interaction and coordination within and among all instructional departments to meet the needs of all learners including Emergent Bilinguals (EB), gifted and talented, and special student populations in grades PreK-12 including adult education Perform other duties consistent with the position as assigned by the Superintendent

2. District/Organizational Climate

Make every interaction count through the fostering of collegiality and team-building among appropriate personnel, encouraging active involvement in decision-making Exhibit ownership of work, honesty, integrity, dependability, competence, and a professional attitude in the performance of duties and responsibilities Demonstrate and reinforce high expectations and a strong commitment to putting students first in our diverse community Develop and model communication that establishes consistent, efficient and collaborative processes for the provision of guidelines, services, and support to campuses and district staff Exemplify effective problem-solving methods that are customer-service oriented Display high visibility on campuses to support, monitor, and observe programming delivery, instructional practices, and professional learning implementation Promote and exhibit a positive work environment that fosters high staff morale and excellence within the schools Establish a spirit of trust and communication within and among department personnel and all district employees Make every interaction count through the fostering of collegiality and team-building among appropriate personnel, encouraging active involvement in decision-making Exhibit ownership of work, honesty, integrity, dependability, competence, and a professional attitude in the performance of duties and responsibilities Demonstrate and reinforce high expectations and a strong commitment to putting students first in our diverse community Develop and model communication that establishes consistent, efficient and collaborative processes for the provision of guidelines, services, and support to campuses and district staff Exemplify effective problem-solving methods that are customer-service oriented Display high visibility on campuses to support, monitor, and observe programming delivery, instructional practices, and professional learning implementation

3.   District/Organizational Improvement

Provide leadership in the reorganization and restructuring of various aspects of the district and innovative school programs as needed Recommend policies, guidelines, and practices to address challenges impeding the initiation and implementation of system-wide improvement Work with the department of Assessment and Accountability to align departmental support to the classroom, campus and district goals for student and educational learning using data to monitor and measure its effect on educator and student performance Work with the department of Human Resources to develop and deploy a leadership capacity model for current and aspiring principals, assistant principals, and other district leaders Develop and implement effective communication between the schools and community; promote community support and involvement with the schools (per Board Policy GB) Ensure a favorable educational environment through the implementation of an equitable and efficient system of student behavioral management Support staff development and other professional development programs (per Board Policy DMA) Ensure the development of specific administrative procedures and programs to implement the intent established by Board policies, directives and formal actions Provide guidance to ensure that school buildings and facilities are properly maintained and that adequate provision is made for the safety of students, employees, and other users of school facilities (per Board Policy CK) Develop and recommend to the Superintendent a strategic plan consistent with population trends, cultural needs, and the appropriate use of District facilities, and see to the development of long-range plans, which are consistent with Board objectives Assist the Superintendent in the preparation of the agenda for the Board meetings. Prepare and submit recommendations to the Superintendent on all matters requiring Board action, placing before the Board such necessary and helpful facts, information, and reports as needed to ensure the making of informed Board decisions (per Board Policy BE) Oversee the development throughout the District of high standards of performance in educational achievement, use and development of personnel, public responsibilities, and operating efficiency Provide leadership in the reorganization and restructuring of various aspects of the department and innovative school programs as needed Recommend policies, guidelines, and practices to address challenges impeding the initiation, implementation of system-wide instructional improvement Collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure college and career readiness for our students Keep current with educational developments and literature in the field of education and participate in professional development provided by state and national professional associations devoted to the advancement of education

4. Personnel Management

Assume appropriate leadership in interviewing, recommending for hire, and orienting new staff members Encourage and guide the development of leadership among staff Regularly coach academic staff to collaboratively develop improvement objectives and identify opportunities for professional growth and development Oversee the job performance and quality of work of those under his/her direct supervision Hold regular meetings with Administrators, Directors, Coordinators and all other applicable staff to discuss progress and educational problems facing the District Encourage and guide the development of leadership and professional coaching among staff Collaborate in providing feedback regarding the operations and activities of administrators; provide leadership to ensure that administrators effectively guide and coordinate the operations and activities of the educational system; secure their assistance in formulating internal objectives, plans and programs; evaluate their job performance; and stand ready always to render them advice and support Assist the Superintendent in the assignment and reassignment of administrative and school personnel; make recommendations related to the transfer of personnel because of enrollment shifts or program changes (per Board Policy DK) Perform duties established by the Board regarding the recommendation, employment, suspension, and dismissal of employees (per Board Policy DC and DF) Provide for the optimum use of the staff of the District; ensure that the District is staffed with competent employees, who are delegated authority commensurate with their responsibilities; define the duties of those under his/her purview of supervision Keep the Superintendent informed of the condition of the District’s educational system; assure effective communication between the Superintendent and school leadership; relay all communications by the Superintendent regarding personnel to District employees and receive from all school personnel communications directed to the Superintendent as appropriate

5. Financial and Fiscal Responsibilities

Direct and supervise all applicable financial accounting and ensure that funds are expended legally, in accordance with the approved budget, and controlled effectively Ensure school compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements as it pertains to budgetary matters Submit to the Superintendent a clear and detailed explanation of any proposed procedure that would involve either departure from established policy or the expenditure of substantial sums

  6. Other Responsibilities

At the discretion of the Superintendent, work with other district employees and advisors, including auditors, architects, attorneys, consultants, and contractors Hold meetings with teachers and other employees as necessary for the discussion of matters concerning the improvement and welfare of the schools At the discretion of the Superintendent, represent the District in collective negotiations with recognized or certified employee organizations At the discretion of the Superintendent, attend or delegate a representative to attend, all meetings of municipal agencies or governmental bodies at which matters pertaining to school district appear on the agenda Receive all complaints, comments, concerns and criticisms regarding the operation of the schools from the public, employees of the District, students, parents and Board members while maintaining a courteous and respectful demeanor and disposition as a representative of the District At the discretion of the Superintendent, represent the District before the public, and maintain a system of public relations to keep all stakeholders informed as to the activities, needs and success of the District Receive all complaints, comments, concerns and criticisms regarding the operation of the District from the public, employees of the District, students, parents and Board members Communicate with the District’s attorney on matters of litigation or potential litigation except as otherwise directed by the Superintendent Pursue personal professional development through academic reading, attending conferences, and being an active member of professional learning organizations in the education field Serve as liaison to establish and maintain relationships with other school Districts, Colleges, Universities, Texas Education Agency (TEA), and the State Board of Education (SBOE) Maintain current and actionable knowledge of any developments in state, federal, and local laws and public policy affecting education

WORKING

---