Senior Director of Academics

Senior Director of Academics

Under the direction of the Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Director of Academics (SDA) provides leadership and strategic direction for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the Network's K-12 academic program. The SDA ensures the alignment of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning systems to the network's vision and mission of preparing all scholars for postsecondary success.

The Senior Director of Academics serves as a member of the Superintendent/CEO's Executive Team and works collaboratively with central office administrators, school leaders and other stakeholders to advance network-wide priorities, ensure academic excellence, and promote equitable learning outcomes for all scholars. The SDA directly supervises the Academic Team and leads efforts to strengthen instructional quality and scholar achievement across all schools.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Academic Leadership and Strategy
   • Provide leadership in the design, implementation and evaluation of the network's comprehensive academic program, including curriculum, instruction and assessment.
   • Establish and monitor academic performance indicators aligned with state standards, federal accountability requirements and organizational goals.
   • Ensure rigorous, standards-based instruction and equitable access to high-quality learning experiences for all scholars.
   • Lead the development and execution of network-wide strategies to improve teaching effectiveness and scholar achievement.
2. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
   • Oversee the selection, development and implementation of K-12 curriculum and instructional resources.
   • Ensure the alignment of curriculum and assessment frameworks to Pennsylvania standards and organizational goals.
   • Monitor the effectiveness of instructional practices and ensure consistency in academic expectations across all schools.
   • Serve as District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) for all Pennsylvania State Assessments.
3. Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
   • Direct the implementation of MTSS with clearly defined tiered academic and wellness supports.
   • Collaborate with school leaders and scholar services personnel to ensure coordinated intervention strategies that address both academic and social-emotional needs.
4. Professional Learning and Capacity Building
   • Lead the design and delivery of the network-level professional learning that supports instructional practice, educator growth and builds leadership capacity.
   • Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Residency to strengthen educator induction and ongoing professional learning systems.
5. Specialized Programs and Initiatives
   • Early Literacy (K-2 Initiative)
   • High School Programming
   • Standards-Based Grading
   • Special Education
   • English Learners
   • Scholars in Fostercare
   • Scholars Experiencing Homelessness
   • Innovation and Instructional Partnerships
   • Provide oversight of programs and initiatives related to:
6. Data-Driven Improvement
   • Utilize multiple sources of data to evaluate program effectiveness, guide instructional decision-making and inform continuous improvement.
   • Provide leadership in the use of data to monitor scholar progress, close achievement gaps, and improve academic outcomes.
7. Professional Conduct
   • Model integrity, professionalism, and alignment with the network's core values and professional norms.
   • Maintain confidentiality, accountability, and a commitment to continuous personal and organizational improvement.
   • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent/CEO.

• Comprehensive understanding of curriculum design, assessment systems, instructional leadership and professional learning.
• Knowledge of systems: DRC, Skyward, Panorama, PVAAS, Future Ready Index, and other PA programming and reporting requirements for charter schools.
• Ability to manage and maintain academic budget.
• Strong analytical, organizational and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and meet established timelines.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including educators, families and community partners.

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing scholar achievement and continuous improvement in an urban education context.
• Proven record of success in academic leadership, curriculum development, and/or instructional improvement.
• Experience in strategic planning, data analysis, and cross-functional team leadership.

• Supervisory and/or Principal Certification required
• Additionally, Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership or a closely related field required; Doctoral degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful administrative experience, including service as a Principal, Director of Curriculum or comparable leadership role.