Senior Executive Director of Schools

Houston Independent School District•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Senior Executive Director of Schools directly reports to the Deputy Chief of Schools to ensure that instructional and operational systems across schools are tightly aligned to the district’s vision, mission, and action plan. This role is responsible for driving coherence between central office strategy and campus execution, ensuring that Executive Directors and schools receive seamless, high-quality support that accelerates student outcomes. The Senior Executive Director of Schools supports and develops Executive Directors, Principals, and Assistant Principals to strengthen instructional leadership, operational effectiveness, and leadership capacity. This position requires exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills along with instructional and operational acumen, as well as the ability to translate district priorities into consistent, high-impact practices at the school level. The Senior Executive Director of Schools will continually collaborate with stakeholders, including district leadership, principals, teachers, and support staff, to promote positive student outcomes and organizational effectiveness.

Requirements

Master's degree in education administration, business administration, organizational leadership, strategic leadership, or a related field.
4+ years
Experience in executive leadership positions overseeing and leading principals in an educational organization on both instructional content and operational effectiveness.
Strong knowledge of administrative functions, policies, and regulations related to K-12 education.
Proven track record of strategic planning, organizational development, and change management.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
Knowledge of financial management principles and budgeting processes.
Familiarity with educational technologies and their integration into administrative functions.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:
Supports the Chief of Schools office and divisions, including, but not limited to, campus academic outcomes, instructional support, professional development, operational effectiveness, and collaborative efforts across all HISD departments as it relates to schools.
Support the effectiveness of the instructional model selected and approved for each campus, such as the NES model.
Support the effective implementation of high-quality instructional materials at campuses within the division assigned, such as HISD curriculum.
Insists, with support (including but not limited to, coaching and feedback with EDI’s, professional development of EDI’s and campus PLC protocols) on high quality instruction across HISD.
Expand staff capacity (EDI’s) with on the job coaching and feedback, professional learning community support, and professional development.
Expand leadership density within the division ED’s, principals, and Tier II leaders through opportunity to lead in new ways, think outside the box, develop innovative ideas and challenge growth in new ways with new experiences (experience based on readiness).
Develop, support, and sustain a high-performing culture that is consistently improving in academic progress, campus level and division level systems, and improves the overall effectiveness of the district.
Provide proactive and timely instructional and operational support to Division Chief before, during, and after needs arise.
Foster a collaborative and supportive work culture that promotes innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Operations Management:
Collaborates with central office department Chiefs to lead and support the operations of central office vertical teams housed in the division offices, including human resources, finance, facilities, technology, transportation, and student services.
In collaboration with the Chief of Schools Office, will develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness across HISD schools.
Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and procedures.
Budgeting and Financial Management:
Provide guidance and support to Principals in budget planning and expenditure control.
Support EDS and EDI’s in the spring Crosswalk of staff, based on budget and allocations.
Analyze financial data and identify opportunities for cost savings within the division or Schools Office and resource optimization.
Personnel Management:
Conduct non-biased, professional, and timely performance and culture evaluations, provide feedback, and implement corrective actions among EDI’s and vertical alignment teams (in collaboration with department Chiefs) as requested.
Stakeholder Collaboration:
Collaborate with district leadership, principals, and other stakeholders to identify and address instructional and operational needs and challenges.
Facilitate effective communication and coordination between central office departments, community, and school sites.
Serve as a liaison between the Division Units, COS Office, and external entities, such as government agencies, community organizations, and vendors.