Job Description Overview

The Executive Director of School Leadership at Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) provides innovative and exemplary leadership and executive coaching to school leaders (principals, assistant principals, deans of students) and evaluation for 18 principals.  This role is pivotal in developing instructional leadership skills and practices, aligning with the ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan and priorities of the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership (TLL). The Executive Director supports school leaders in improving teaching and learning through executive coaching, instructional walk-throughs, data sessions, and leadership team meetings. Additionally, this position oversees principal evaluations and collaborates with TLL offices and other ACPS departments to ensure the cohesive implementation of school improvement goals.

Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field required. Doctorate preferred.

Licenses: Valid Virginia Department of Education License or ability to obtain one with an Administrator and Supervisor PreK-12 endorsement within 30 days of hire.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of job-related experience and evidence as a successful leader focused on improving teaching, learning, and leadership.
• Experience as a school leader is highly preferred. K-12 school leadership experience is required.
• Central Office experience in a public school division is highly preferred.
• Evidence of implementing a systemic focus on building school leaders’ capacity as instructional leaders.
• Experience in leading and facilitating school leader professional learning, school leaders networks, and conducting courageous conversations.
• Experience in executive coaching and mentoring school-based leaders.
• Effective at facilitating collaboration among division and school-based leaders to foster excellence and equity in teaching and learning division-wide.
• Experience providing job-embedded assistance and support to school leaders.
• Experience with leading continuous improvement processes at the school level.

Essential Functions

Instructional Leadership 

• Supports leaders in developing and implementing processes and procedures for continuous individual professional growth.
• Supervises and evaluates 18 school school leaders across various school levels.
• Models effective instructional leadership practices to improve instruction related to Multi-Tiered Systems of Instructional Supports (MTSS).
• Develops professional learning networks for school leaders to share instructional leadership practices.
• Designs and brokers professional learning sessions based on school leaders' learning needs.
•  Plan, develop, and implement the division’s Leadership Development Plan and partnerships with universities and associations.
• Attends weekly instructional walk-throughs with TLL offices, classroom visits, and conferences and provides documented leadership feedback to school leaders.
• Plan and implement leadership instructional practices to include the implementation of Instructional Rounds, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and a data-driven culture in all schools.
• Supports and reinforces the Office of Instructional Support, Specialized Instruction, English Learners, School Improvement, and Professional Learning in implementing division-wide instructional practices and interventions.

Managerial Support: School Operations

• Oversees master schedule and bell schedule development to ensure equitable access to rigorous coursework.
• Provides leadership and coaching to assist school leaders in enhancing family and community relationships.
•  Supports and reinforces effective school operations and policy compliance between school leaders and all ACPS departments and offices.  
• Collaborates, supports, and provides guidance in the implementation of effective discipline methods and fostering a positive environment in compliance with the ACPS Student Code of Conduct and School Board Policy.
• Supports and provides guidance to school leaders regarding staffing and budgeting as needed.

Professional Learning and Division Support -   School Leadership Professional Learning Coaching, and Development

• Develops and implements professional learning activities to enhance leadership growth, equity-based leadership practices, and student learning.
• Supports and reinforces the implementation of the division-wide professional learning plan.
• Supports and implements strategies to develop and enhance school leaders' instructional leadership skills.
• Demonstrates expertise in facilitating PLCs to promote collaborative learning and sharing of best practices among school leaders.
• Implements executive coaching techniques to support and guide school leaders.
• Ability to mentor school leaders in developing and implementing instructional strategies and school improvement plans.
• Supports and provides guidance to school leaders in the development and monitoring of their annual professional learning goals. 
• Expertise in designing and delivering professional development programs tailored to principals' needs.
• Ability to assess professional development needs and provide targeted support to school leaders.

Data-Driven School Culture and School Improvement Processes

• Strong understanding of data analysis and interpretation to inform instructional practices.
• Ability to support principals in creating a data-driven culture within their schools.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and tools.
• Ability to guide principals in implementing continuous improvement processes to enhance school performance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Outstanding communication, written, interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrates excellent collaboration, facilitation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Models practice that engages school leaders in supporting both new and experienced staff.
• Serves on the Chief Academic Officer's Leadership Team and other division-wide committees.
• Advises the Chief Academic Officer’s Team on teaching, learning, and school leadership issues.
• Works in a multicultural, multilingual, and multigenerational environment.
• Ability to visit various schools and offices.
• Expertise in advancing equity and excellence through personal leadership.
• Skilled in coaching strategies for administrators and building culture through content.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Academic Officer.

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP