Executive Director of Instructional Services

Johnston Community School District•Johnston, IA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Executive Director of Instructional Services provides strategic leadership and vision for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of instructional services across the district. This role leads a team of professionals dedicated to supporting educators and administrators in delivering high-quality, equitable instructional experiences that promote student achievement and 21st-century skill development. The Executive Director ensures alignment of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning with district goals, state requirements, and best practices.

Requirements

Masters degree in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or related field
Valid Iowa Professional Administrator License
Valid Evaluator Approval certification
Minimum of five years of exemplary leadership experience in K-12 education, with demonstrated success in instructional leadership
Experience with state and federal compliance and reporting requirements
Knowledge of principles, methods and issues of public education and administration
Thorough knowledge of curriculum development, assessment systems, and professional learning
Skilled in strategic vision and systems thinking
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
Effective supervision, coaching, and evaluation skills
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment

Responsibilities

Establish and lead a cohesive district vision for instructional services, including strategic planning, implementation timelines, and accountability measures.
Promote innovative, student-centered learning environments emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication, and global awareness.
Lead district initiatives in standards-referenced grading to ensure accurate and meaningful representation of student learning.
Explore and expand learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings.
Ensure instructional materials and resources are current, inclusive, and aligned to student needs.
Supervise and support the Instructional Services Team, including regular meetings, performance management, and professional growth.
Facilitate team collaboration in partnership with the Executive Director of School Leadership.
Oversee the district’s curriculum review cycle, including planning, implementation, and budget management.
Partner with staff to design and deliver high-quality professional learning for all employees.
Convene and lead the Academic Affairs Committee as needed.
Collaborate with district and building administrators to strengthen instructional leadership practices.
Ensure administrators have access to high-quality, ongoing professional development.
Support Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across the district.
Provide leadership and oversight for required state and federal reporting, including but not limited to, Consolidated Accountability & Support Application (CASA), Student data reporting (state and federal), Assessment accountability systems, School Reporting in Iowa (SRI), Secondary Career and Technical Education Reporting (SCERTA), Graduation and dropout verification processes, Nonpublic consultation requirements.
Oversee policies and processes related to curriculum design, instructional materials selection, and objections.
Lead and support required committees, including Teacher Quality and School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) for Postsecondary Pathways and Academics.
Collaborate to evaluate existing academic programs for effectiveness and alignment.
Recommend and lead implementation of innovative programs supporting college, career, and life readiness.
Provide oversight of the “Maximizing Learning” strategic direction within the district’s strategic plan.
Attend Board of Education meetings and present as needed; serve as a resource to the Board and Superintendent.
Serve as an ad hoc member of the Board Policy Committee.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement across staff, administration, and students.
Serve as the District Assessment Coordinator.
Ensure effective implementation of assessment systems and practices.
Support and collaborate with the Technology Director to advance the district’s instructional technology vision.
Promote effective integration of technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Partner with the Associate Superintendent to facilitate the School Improvement Advisory Committee.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support instructional priorities and student success.
Engages in professional development related to responsibilities and duties.
Completes all required training.
Performs other job-related duties, as assigned.