Chief of Schools

RCSD•Rochester, NY

11d

About The Position

The Chief of Schools is a senior cabinet-level leader responsible for ensuring that every school is led by an effective principal and that all students experience rigorous, high-quality teaching and learning within a supportive school culture. This leader provides strategic supervision, coaching, and support to principals to drive instructional excellence, accelerate student achievement, and foster positive, inclusive environments across all schools. As a key member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, the Chief of Schools ensures coherence between district strategy and school implementation. The role bridges central office and schools—aligning academic, operational, and student support priorities to create the conditions for every school to thrive. The Chief of Schools applies data-driven decision-making, equity-centered leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure that all students—particularly multilingual learners and students with disabilities—have access to engaging, culturally and linguistically responsive instruction. This position requires setting clear expectations, monitoring results, holding principals accountable for performance, and providing the coaching and resources necessary for success.

Requirements

Deep understanding of student learning, adult learning, and school improvement theory.
Expertise in organizational planning, communication, and group process management.
Knowledge of job-embedded professional development and instructional technologies.
Proficiency in differentiated instruction, assessment systems, and continuous improvement cycles.
Strong understanding of instructional needs for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and gifted students.
Demonstrated ability to lead in ways that close opportunity gaps and promote inclusive, respectful learning environments.
Strategic vision and courage to pursue excellence and equity for all students.
Proven capacity to lead and inspire principals toward measurable improvement.
Expertise in data analysis, accountability, and instructional improvement systems.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.
Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred.
Minimum of eight (8) years of combined certified teaching and supervisory experience, including at least five (5) years in an administrative leadership role.
Proven experience as a school principal or district-level cabinet leader, preferably in an urban, high-need, or turnaround setting.
Demonstrated record of improving student achievement and closing equity gaps.
Strong foundation in teaching, learning, and leadership development.
Demonstrated experience serving racially, ethnically, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse student populations.
Skill in data-informed decision-making, strategic planning, and organizational improvement.
New York State certification as School District Administrator (SDA) or School District Leader (SDL), or eligibility to obtain certification.

Nice To Haves

A sustained record of improving student outcomes across multiple schools.
Experience supervising and developing school leaders.
Success leading turnaround or transformation efforts that improved school performance and culture.
Skill in balancing accountability with empathy and support.
Experience partnering with labor unions, community organizations, and higher education institutions.
Evidence of leading equity-focused initiatives that improve outcomes for multilingual learners and historically underserved students.
A reputation as a reflective, results-oriented leader capable of building coherence across a complex urban district.
Experience leading successful school turnaround or transformation efforts preferred.
Proven ability to supervise, coach, and evaluate school leaders to drive measurable results.
Bilingual or multilingual proficiency preferred.