Executive Director of Alternative Programs

Rock Hill School District•Rock Hill, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director of Alternative Programs provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for the district’s alternative education offerings, including Aspire MS/HS, Virtual Academy, T3 (Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Teaching), and the Day Treatment Center. This role ensures high-quality instruction, supports student achievement, fosters safe and supportive environments, and aligns program operations with district goals and regulatory requirements. The Executive Director of Alternative Programs, under minimal supervision, performs senior-level work with extensive decision-making discretion, overseeing the school organization, its operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment that promotes belonging and academic success. The Executive Director of Alternative Programs provides decisive leadership grounded in strong instructional knowledge, effective management practices, and a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures under the direction of the Superintendent To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Master’s degree in educational leadership, administration, or related field.
SC Principal Certification or eligibility to obtain required
Minimum of three (3) years' experience as a building or district administrator preferred
Proven experience in school or program leadership, with increasing levels of responsibility in alternative education preferred.
Equivalent combination of experience and education
Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License or ability to provide own transportation.
May be required to travel to school district buildings and professional meetings.
Prior to beginning employment, negative TB test results must be provided.

Nice To Haves

Secondary administrative experience with demonstrated success improving academic achievement, graduation rates, and postsecondary readiness.
Proven ability to establish fair, consistent discipline systems and create a safe, orderly learning environment.
Strong instructional leadership in secondary scheduling, MTSS/RTI, college and career pathways, and data-driven decision-making.
Demonstrated success building trust through visibility, accessibility, and accountability.
Proven ability to elevate staff professionalism, morale, collaboration, and instructional quality.
Exceptional communication skills with experience engaging families in academics, graduation planning, and postsecondary transitions.
Demonstrated success fostering student voice, leadership, school pride, and meaningful community partnerships.
Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, character education, and holistic student development.

Responsibilities

Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
Support and uphold the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the district
Oversee the academic success and well-being of each student by facilitating the development, communication,/ implementation, and evaluation of a shared vision of learning that reflects excellence and equity
Lead the development and alignment of the organizational, instructional, and assessment strategies that enhance teaching and learning
Initiate and maintain strategies to promote collegiality and collaboration among the staff to ensure high expectations for professional work, ethical and equitable practice, child-centered education, and continuous individual and organizational improvement
Build and sustain productive partnerships with public and private sectors, such as businesses and institutions of higher learning, to promote school improvement and student learning
Collaborate with school and district staff to plan and implement professional development activities that promote the achievement of school and district goals
Use data from multiple sources to monitor student learning, guide instructional decisions, and close achievement gaps
Provide meaningful feedback, coaching, and evaluation in accordance with state and district policies and procedures
Oversee and monitor the implementation of emergency operations and crisis response plans
Oversee and manage the program budgets in accordance with local, state, and federal laws
Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly
Facilitate/participate in professional development workshops and leadership training
Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
Perform related work as assigned or required
Oversee the strategic planning, daily operations, and continuous improvement of all alternative education programs.
Supervise and evaluate program directors, administrators, and staff.
Serve as building-level administrator for the Flexible Learning Center, including responsibility for facilities and maintenance coordination.
Lead program alignment efforts to ensure each initiative reflects district mission, equity goals, and strategic priorities.
Promote a culture of high expectations, equity, and academic success for all students.
Ensure alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment with state and district standards.
Support teachers through professional development, PLCs, coaching, and collaboration.
Guide re-entry planning and transition strategies for students moving between alternative and traditional school settings.
Collaborate with the Executive Director of Secondary Service Team to integrate counseling and therapeutic services.
Administer and ensure compliance with district, state, and federal school safety regulations.
Establish and reinforce standards for positive student behavior and respectful conflict resolution.
Foster a caring school climate through family engagement, culturally responsive practices, and student-centered supports.
Lead the development and evaluation of data-informed school improvement plans.
Monitor academic performance, attendance, behavioral trends, and other key metrics.
Evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for innovation and refinement.
Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets to ensure responsible use of funds.
Oversee the implementation and compliance of federal and state grant funding.
Write and manage grants to support alternative program initiatives.
Coordinate with external vendors and partners, including SFE and the Boys and Girls Club.
Act as liaison between alternative programs, district departments, families, and the community.
Facilitate communication with stakeholders through meetings, reports, and presentations.
Represent the district in forums that promote alternative education and community partnerships.
Chair and participate in district committees (e.g., curriculum, safety, equity).
Maintain an updated schedule of school site visits and monitor building-level operations.
Delegate tasks effectively to ensure efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.
Perform other duties as assigned by district leadership.