Executive Director, Visioning and Strategy - Division of Teaching and Learning

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Visioning and Strategy works in close collaboration with the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent to ensure that the district's Portrait of a Graduate drives all aspects of the organization. This role is responsible for translating the Portrait into a coherent, system-wide strategy and ensuring it is embedded across every division, school, and initiative.

Serving as a key strategic partner to the Superintendent's Cabinet, the Executive Director brings alignment, focus, and accountability so that the district's vision is consistently reflected in practice across the system.

Key Responsibilities

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment (Core Function)
- In partnership with the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, lead the system-wide integration of the Portrait of a Graduate into all district priorities, initiatives, and practices
- Ensure the competencies and outcomes outlined in the Portrait are clearly defined, measurable, and reflected in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student experiences
- Collaborate with division leaders to embed the Portrait into planning, implementation, and evaluation processes
- Conduct ongoing reviews of programs and initiatives to ensure alignment with the Portrait, making recommendations for refinement or discontinuation

Strategic Planning and Execution
- Co-develop and manage the district's strategic plan with the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, ensuring direct alignment to the Portrait of a Graduate
- Establish metrics and benchmarks that measure progress toward Portrait outcomes
- Monitor implementation across departments and schools, ensuring consistency and coherence

System Coherence and Cross-Functional Leadership
- Work alongside senior leadership to align academic, operational, and support functions around shared outcomes
- Facilitate cross-department collaboration to ensure unified direction and reduce fragmentation
- Support leaders in prioritizing high-impact work tied to district goals

Performance Management and Continuous Improvement
- Develop and implement systems to track progress toward Portrait-aligned goals
- Use data to identify gaps between current practice and desired outcomes
- Lead cycles of reflection and adjustment in collaboration with senior leadership

Innovation and Future Readiness
- Advise the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent on emerging practices that strengthen Portrait outcomes
- Ensure innovation efforts are aligned to district priorities and not operating independently
- Balance forward-looking strategies with proven practices that support student success

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
- Support the Superintendent in communicating a clear and consistent vision tied to the Portrait of a Graduate
- Develop messaging and materials that connect district priorities to day-to-day work
- Build shared ownership of the Portrait across staff, families, and community stakeholders

Other Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Superintendent or Superintendent

 

Core Competencies

- Strategic thinking with the ability to operationalize vision
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to function as a senior-level thought partner
- Deep understanding of instructional systems and student outcomes
- Ability to lead through influence across departments
- Data-driven decision making and performance management
- Clear and disciplined communication
- Commitment to equity and consistent outcomes for all students

Qualifications

- Master's degree required (Doctorate preferred) in Education, Leadership, Public Administration, or related field
- Minimum of 7 to 10 years of leadership experience in education, public sector, or a related field
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, systems alignment, and organizational change
- Experience working directly with executive leadership teams

Reports To

Deputy Superintendent

Closing Perspective

In strong systems, vision is not owned by one office, it is carried consistently by leadership. This role ensures that, in partnership with the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, the Portrait of a Graduate becomes the throughline that guides decisions, priorities, and outcomes across the entire district.