Chief of Schools

Rio Rancho Public Schools•Rio Rancho, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief of Schools (COS) provides executive leadership and strategic direction to ensure high levels of school performance across the District. This role is responsible for driving continuous school improvement, developing and supporting principals, and ensuring that every school maintains a safe, engaging, and high-quality learning environment. The COS ensures that schools are aligned to district goals, board policy, and strategic priorities, and that expectations for performance are clear, monitored, and met. The COS serves as a key partner to the Superintendent and works directly with principals and school leaders to strengthen instructional leadership, improve student outcomes, and build the leadership capacity necessary for sustained success across all schools.

Requirements

Master’s degree
Successful school-based administrative leadership experience
Demonstrated success leading school improvement and large-scale educational initiatives
Must hold a New Mexico Administrative License
Extensive knowledge of curriculum, instruction, school improvement, and student support systems
Strong understanding of leadership development, organizational change, and continuous improvement practices
Knowledge of culturally responsive leadership practices
Ability to analyze complex data and translate findings into actionable improvement strategies
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead large teams, and work effectively under pressure
Demonstrated ability to build trust and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree
Minimum of eight (8) years of leadership and management experience in education

Responsibilities

Reports to the Superintendent to develop, implement, and monitor instructional improvement initiatives and programs; keeps the Superintendent and Board of Education informed regarding program status, implementation timelines, and outcomes
Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet and collaborates with executive leadership to implement the District’s strategic plan as it relates to teaching and learning
Supervises designated departments and programs including School Supervision and Improvement, Student Services, Athletics, and Fine Arts to ensure access and compliance
Supervises and supports departments and executive directors to build a high-performing, aligned Central Services leadership team focused on results and service to schools
Provides leadership, supervision, and support to school leadership teams, including principals, school-based administrators, executive directors, and school improvement officers
Establishes clear expectations for instructional leadership and school performance, using student achievement data and other indicators to guide improvement efforts
Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of school improvement plans designed to improve student achievement and close opportunity and achievement gaps
Collaborates with the Cabinet to ensure standards-aligned curriculum, assessment practices, and instructional strategies are implemented consistently across schools
Supports principals and school leaders in building strong school cultures that promote academic excellence, safety, belonging, and student engagement
Provides guidance to school leaders regarding effective management of fiscal, personnel, and operational resources
Monitors school performance and directs interventions for schools requiring targeted support or improvement
Leads principal coaching, professional learning, and leadership development efforts; works in partnership with the Superintendent and School Improvement Officers to build and sustain a high-quality pipeline of school-based leaders and future principals
Ensures compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements
Provides supervision of Student Services to ensure that all district disciplinary functions are implemented ethically and with fidelity, supporting students while maintaining safe and effective learning environments
Advises the Superintendent on school performance, emerging issues, and recommended actions
Supports District strategic planning and implementation of major instructional initiatives
Participates in recruitment, selection, assignment, supervision, and evaluation of school leaders
Builds effective relationships with staff, families, community members, and external partners to support district priorities
Complies with state-approved New Mexico Administrative Code of Ethical Responsibility of the Education Profession and the RRPS Employee Standards of Conduct and upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives and regulations, school board policies, and local, state and federal regulations
Performs other related duties as assigned by Superintendent
Employee may be assigned other duties based on the needs of the District during the term of employment