Senior Associate Commissioner of Data, Assessment, and Accountability

Job Description

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves and where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

Educational Vision of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Our educational vision describes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) aspiration for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This vision is anchored in our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning in the Commonwealth. We will continue to work with districts, schools, and educators to promote teaching and learning that is antiracist, inclusive, multilingual, and multicultural; that values and affirms each and every student and their families; and that creates equitable opportunities and experiences for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved. For more information on our vision, click here.

The Senior Associate Commissioner for Data, Assessment, and Accountability reports directly to a Deputy Commissioner, is a member of the Commissioner's Cabinet, and provides executive level decision-making, guidance and leadership for a wide range of Department programs and activities. The position participates to a substantial degree in formulating, determining, and implementing policy

This position has cabinet-level responsibility for two large offices at DESE: Student Assessment Services and the Office of Data and Accountability. Both of these offices are overseen by Associate Commissioners who will report directly to the Senior Associate Commissioner. the following program areas:

Specifically, in this capacity the Senior Associate Commissioner for Data, Assessment, & Accountability will:

In this role, the Senior Associate Commissioner for Data, Assessment, and Accountability will directly supervise the Associate Commissioner of Data and Accountability and serve as the cabinet-level lead for district and school accountability in the Commonwealth. Additionally, this role will provide direction for all activities around the strategic planning, design/redesign and implementation of the district and school accountability system. This work will include setting the long-term accountability goals for districts and schools to ensure that they are aligned with the fundamental vision, priorities and goals of the Commissioner and the agency.

This role will also provide cabinet-level oversight for other responsibilities of the Associate Commissioner for Data and Accountability including: (1) the continued development of the cross-agency Education-to-Career Data Hub; (2) the continued execution and refinement of DESE's data collection systems; (3) DESE's data analytical and reporting responsibilities; and (4) DESE's District Review program.

In this role, the Senior Associate Commissioner for Data, Assessment, and Accountability will directly supervise the Associate Commissioner of Student Assessment and provide leadership and direction to the assessment team in the development, management and implementation of policies and procedures to guide the development, production, and administration of all facets of DESE's assessment program.

Working at the direction of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, the role will exercise direct authority and independent judgment over the strategic vision for the agency's overall policy around data services, assessment and accountability.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Provide administrative leadership and supervision to assigned unit offices, including the development of operational plans, oversight of day-to-day operational activities, allocation of budgetary and staffing resources, and supervision and mentoring of subordinate managers to attain goals.

Strategic planning, including the evaluation of existing programs and the development of new programs, initiatives, and activities to achieve the Department's mission and/or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Department operations to positively impact students.

Direct oversight and leadership responsibility of major projects assigned by the Commissioner and/or Deputy Commissioner which involve staff from other Department units and/or staff from other agencies.

Provide oversight and direction on policy development and implementation on data and accountability, and assessment services programming across the agency including coordination across offices within DESE who support data and accountability, and assessment services. Support the coordination and development of policy related to key governmental agencies and bodies, including the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Maintain a high level of expertise in the assigned areas of work, including attendance at national conferences, review of relevant research and studies, and discussions with officials in the U.S. Department of Education and other state education agencies, to ensure that Department programs and activities are informed by data-driven research and best practices.

Ensure that supervised staff, staff elsewhere in the Department, and outside stakeholder groups are communicating effectively and working together in a productive, collegial relationship.

Other duties assigned by the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner (e.g. responding to constituents, presenting at Board meetings, etc.).

Represent DESE at meetings with external groups as needed.

Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth may be required.

The position will report to the Everett office 5 days/week.

Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O'Brien @ maureen.t.o'brien@mass.gov

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum or ten (10) years' experience in education, including experience as a superintendent, principal and/or administrator in a school district or other educational organization: or any combination or related experience and training that provides the required knowledge and skills in the areas of education policy development and program leadership and implementation.