Director - Advanced Academics

Mesquite ISD - Compensation Plans

Administrative Compensation Plan

Pay Grade: 5
Shift Type: Full-Time
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent - Teaching & Learning

 EMPLOYMENT BEGINS: As soon as possible

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Lead the district's Advanced Academics program by designing and implementing systems that expand access to rigorous learning experiences, promote excellence in teaching and learning, and prepare students for postsecondary success. 
Provide leadership for advanced coursework, gifted services, academic competitions, and related initiatives while ensuring program effectiveness, equitable student outcomes, strategic resource allocation, and alignment with district accountability, college readiness, and long-range strategic priorities

QUALIFICATIONS: 
Education/Certification:

Master's Degree
Texas Teacher Certificate
Gifted Endorsement/Certification
Mid-Management, Principal, or other leadership certification preferred.


SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
Knowledge of Texas public school laws, regulations, and accountability systems related to advanced academics and postsecondary readiness 
Knowledge of Texas Education Agency (TEA) requirements for Gifted and Talented (GT) identification, services, and program evaluation (Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students)
Knowledge of Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Credit, OnRamps, and other advanced coursework programs 
Knowledge of postsecondary readiness assessments, including the SAT, ACT, TSIA2, PSAT, and related benchmarks 
Knowledge of academic competition programs and enrichment opportunities, including University Interscholastic League (UIL), academic decathlon, spelling bee, Destination Imagination, and similar programs 
Knowledge of the AVID system
Skill in project management, organization, and prioritization of competing responsibilities 
Skill in consensus building, problem solving, and change management 
Skill in presenting information to executive leadership, school boards, and other stakeholders 
Knowledge of scaling advanced academic opportunities across multiple high schools, middle schools, and elementary campuses 
Knowledge of articulation agreements, dual-credit partnerships, and higher education collaboration models 
Ability to build districtwide systems to increase advanced course participation while maintaining program rigor 
Ability to align Advanced Academics initiatives with district strategic planning, talent development, and accountability goals
Ability to lead cross-department collaboration among teaching and learning, counseling, college readiness, assessment, special populations, and campus leadership teams.

EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience required
Minimum of three (3) years of campus or district-level leadership experience required
Experience managing departmental budgets, grants, and contracts preferred.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Provide strategic leadership and oversight for, develop, implement, monitor, and continuously improve a comprehensive K�12 Advanced Academics framework aligned to district goals and student needs. 
Establish annual goals, performance measures, and improvement plans for Advanced Academics programs. 
Ensure alignment among advanced academic offerings, district curriculum, instructional priorities, and postsecondary readiness goals. 
Advanced Coursework and Postsecondary Readiness
Oversee the implementation and expansion of Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Credit, OnRamps, and other advanced coursework opportunities. 
Oversee the District AVID Coordinator and provide leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of AVID programming across the district.
Collaborate with campus administrators to increase student enrollment, participation, and success in rigorous academic programs. 
Monitor student outcomes in advanced coursework, including course completion, exam participation, exam performance, and earned college credit. 
Direct the district's Gifted and Talented (GT) program and ensure compliance with state requirements. 
Oversee GT identification processes, service delivery models, program evaluation, and parent communication. 
Ensure equitable access to GT services and advanced learning opportunities across all student groups. 
Monitor implementation of GT instructional practices and program standards across campuses. 
Oversee district academic enrichment opportunities and competitions. 
Oversee district participation in programs such as UIL Academics, Destination Imagination, spelling bee competitions, and other academic contests. 
Support campuses in expanding student engagement in enrichment activities that promote academic excellence and leadership development. 
Monitor district and campus performance indicators related to advanced academics and college readiness. 
Utilize student achievement, enrollment, assessment, and program data to inform decision-making and resource allocation. 
Develop and present reports to district leadership, the superintendent, and the board of trustees regarding program outcomes and progress toward goals. 
Design and coordinate professional development for teachers, counselors, instructional leaders, and administrators related to advanced academics. 
Support campuses in implementing effective instructional practices for advanced learners. 
Provide coaching and technical assistance to campus staff regarding advanced coursework and gifted education requirements. 
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with colleges, universities, education service centers, and community organizations. 
Coordinate partnerships that expand student access to advanced learning and postsecondary opportunities. 
Communicate program expectations, opportunities, and outcomes to students, parents, staff, and community stakeholders. 
Develop and manage departmental budgets in accordance with district priorities and fiscal guidelines. 
Monitor expenditures and ensure effective use of district, state, and grant funds. 
Oversee contracts, agreements, and services related to Advanced Academics programs. 
Supervise, evaluate, and support assigned staff members. 
Establish performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and professional growth opportunities. 
Promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the department. 
Maintain accurate records and documentation required for audits, monitoring, and reporting. 
Stay informed of legislative, policy, and accountability changes affecting advanced academic programming and recommend appropriate district responses. 
Ensure equitable implementation of programs and services across all campuses. 
Collaborate with district leadership and the curriculum team to align Advanced Academics initiatives with strategic priorities and long-range planning efforts. 
Lead initiatives that increase student achievement, expand access to advanced coursework, and improve postsecondary outcomes. 
Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement that prepares all students for success in college, career, and life.
Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
AVID Coordinator
Facilitators of specific gifted programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands:
Writing routine reports and correspondence
Ability to meet deadlines from multiple assignment requests on a frequent basis
Managing multiple projects, communicating effectively with all publics, and making sound decisions while maintaining emotional control
Maintaining and displaying a positive attitude
Expecting and reflecting the highest of expectations. 

Physical demands/environmental factors:
Intermittent walking, sitting, and standing
Occasional warehouse visits to inventory merchandise and occasional lifting, moving of up to 20 lbs
Travel within the district and state
Prolonged and irregular hours.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.