Position Summary:
New Position – Effective July 1, 2026
Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the Director of Systemic Improvement advances academic progress in schools identified for improvement and fosters a districtwide culture of continuous improvement. Partnering with and working across central office divisions, the incumbent of this position aligns and implements improvement initiatives, ensuring coherence, cross-functional collaboration, progress monitoring, and focus on student outcomes. The Director of Systemic Improvement leverages data to guide decision-making, supports aligned school improvement planning, and builds leadership capacity through professional learning and data-informed practices in partnership with the Office of Organizational Development, while developing clear communications to support implementation.
The Director of Systemic Improvement represents the Superintendent in presentations to the Board of Education and other officials, contributes to policy alignment and communicates district priorities and progress. Additionally, the Director leads the School Performance Planning cycle, oversees school improvement initiatives, and provides coaching and support to principals and system leadership. The incumbent is responsible for advising executive staff, supporting performance management and strategic planning, and assisting the Chief of Staff with reports, Board materials, and resource planning, while ensuring compliance and managing multiple priorities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Leads the design, coordination, and implementation of a districtwide systemic improvement strategy aligned to strategic priorities and focused on measurable student outcomes;
- Provides strategic leadership for continuous improvement by fostering cross-functional collaboration across central office divisions to ensure coherence, integration, and shared ownership of district priorities;
- Collaborates with Strategic Planning and Resource Management, Monitoring and Accountability, the ESSA and Title I Office, and key divisions to align priorities, funding, and data systems in support of school and system improvement efforts;
- Leads continuous improvement processes including facilitating needs assessments, root cause analyses, and the identification and scaling of high-impact practices;
- Oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of district and school performance plans, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and compliance with local, state, and federal accountability systems;
- Differentiates and coordinates support for schools based on need, ensuring targeted strategies and tiered supports for identified and non-identified schools;
- Uses data systems and performance metrics to monitor progress, evaluate initiatives, and ensure accountability for results across schools and departments;
- Leads change management efforts to support the effective implementation and sustainability of improvement initiatives across the district;
- Builds capacity of central office and school-based leaders through professional learning, coaching, and technical assistance in continuous improvement and data-informed practices;
- Strengthens partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including community and governmental agencies, to support coordinated and aligned services for schools;
- Leads and supports the development and review of policies and regulations to ensure alignment with systemic improvement goals and compliance requirements;
- Represents the Superintendent through presentations, briefings, and communications with the Board of Education and external stakeholders;
- Develops and implements communication strategies to ensure clarity, transparency, and alignment of improvement efforts across the district;
- Supervises and develops assigned staff, including setting performance expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth;
- Remains current on research, trends, and best practices in continuous improvement, school reform, and educational leadership;
- Serves on district, state or community committees as assigned; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated success in leading systemic school improvement initiatives with measurable outcomes in student achievement, particularly for historically underserved student groups;
- Proven experience designing and delivering professional learning for school leaders and staff focused on continuous improvement and instructional effectiveness;
- Strong skills in managing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating complex initiatives and educational programs;
- Deep knowledge of continuous improvement principles, systems thinking, and evidence-based school reform strategies;
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into actionable strategies and research-based practices to improve outcomes;
- Expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment to support high-quality teaching and learning, and the alignment among curriculum, instruction, assessment, and school improvement processes;
- Thorough knowledge of local, state and federal accountability systems including the intricacies of the Maryland Accountability Framework, including specific knowledge of the School Quality and Student Success (SQSS) Indicator and the management of Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) data for public reporting (e.g., Maryland Report Card);
- Ability to collaborate and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including schools, central office, community members and external partners;
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally, including presenting to executive leadership, the Board of Education and external groups;
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead complex projects, and ensure accountability for results;
- Ability to interpret and apply standards, policies, and regulations; and
- Experience facilitating collaboration across school and district teams to support aligned instructional initiatives.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, administration or a related field required; Doctorate preferred. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in education, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory role. A minimum of three (3) years of experience directly related to school or systemic improvement; experience working with schools identified for improvement (e.g., CSI, ATSI) preferred.
Certification:
Holds or is eligible for a valid professional license in Administrator I or II (historical) or Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, or Principal issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Oversees and provides guidance to assigned personnel.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information:
None.
