EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

JOB TITLE: Executive Director of Student Support Services
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent of Leadership and Learning
PAY GRADE: Administrative/Professional 09
DUTY DAYS: 230 Days
DATE REVISED: August 2026

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for districtwide student support services that promote student well-being, engagement, access, safety, attendance, and success. Lead and supervise departments responsible for Campus Operations, At-Risk Services, Health Services, School Choice and Innovative Programs, and Guidance and Counseling. Ensures all student support systems work together to remove barriers to learning, improve student outcomes, increase access to opportunities, and support the district's mission of excellence for all learners.

The Executive Director serves as a key member of the Leadership and Learning team and collaborates across departments to design, implement, monitor, and continuously improve systems that support the whole child.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Education/Certification

• Master's degree from an accredited university required
• Valid Texas teaching certificate
• Valid Texas Mid-Management, Principal, or Superintendent Certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of student support systems, school operations, counseling programs, attendance, dropout prevention, school health services, and student engagement initiatives
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to student services and support programs
• Knowledge of MTSS, student behavior systems, attendance improvement strategies, school climate initiatives, and student wellness programs
• Knowledge of school choice, innovation programs, and specialized learning opportunities
• Ability to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate districtwide programs
• Strong strategic planning, organizational, and project management skills
• Ability to analyze complex data and use findings to improve outcomes
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to lead large teams and develop leadership capacity in subordinate administrators
• Proficiency in technology, data systems, and Microsoft 365 applications

Minimum Experience

• Five (5) years of successful campus administrative experience
• Three (3) years of successful principal experience preferred
• Demonstrated experience supervising administrators and leading large-scale initiatives

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Leadership and Strategic Planning

1. Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all departments within Student Support Services.
2. Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for student support systems aligned with district goals and strategic priorities.
3. Establish measurable goals and key performance indicators for all supervised departments.
4. Lead continuous improvement efforts that increase student engagement, attendance, wellness, access, and success.
5. Collaborate with executive leadership to align student support initiatives with instructional priorities and school improvement efforts.
6. Serve as an advisor to district leadership regarding student support needs, trends, and emerging issues.
7. Lead districtwide initiatives designed to improve belonging, engagement, persistence, and postsecondary readiness.

Supervision and Department Management

1. Supervise and evaluate directors responsible for:
   1. Campus Operations
   2. At-Risk Services
   3. Health Services
   4. School Choice and Innovative Programs
2. Provide coaching, support, accountability, and professional development for direct reports.
3. Ensure consistency, alignment, and collaboration among departments.
4. Monitor departmental effectiveness and implement improvements as needed.
5. Establish systems and structures that improve service delivery and responsiveness to campuses.

Student Support Systems

1. Lead the development and implementation of districtwide student support frameworks designed to remove barriers to achievement.
2. Monitor attendance, discipline, persistence, student participation, and school climate indicators.
3. Ensure campuses have effective systems to identify and support students experiencing academic, behavioral, attendance, health, or social-emotional challenges.
4. Promote equitable access to programs, services, and opportunities for all students.
5. Collaborate with campus leaders to address emerging student needs and trends.

Campus Operations

1. Oversee districtwide campus operations systems to ensure compliance, efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness.
2. Monitor district implementation of attendance laws, student discipline procedures, enrollment processes, and student records management.
3. Support principals with operational problem-solving and implementation of district expectations.
4. Ensure compliance with Board policy, Texas Education Code, and district procedures.

At-Risk Services

1. Provide leadership for programs supporting students identified as at-risk of academic failure or dropping out.
2. Monitor effectiveness of intervention programs and recommend improvements based on student outcome data.
3. Ensure compliance with state and federal requirements related to at-risk student services.
4. Coordinate cross-departmental supports for students with complex needs.

Health Services

1. Oversee district health services programs and ensure compliance with all state and federal requirements.
2. Support initiatives promoting student wellness, safety, and healthy learning environments.
3. Coordinate responses to student health concerns, public health issues, and emergency situations when appropriate.
4. Collaborate with community agencies and healthcare partners to expand student support resources.

School Choice and Innovative Programs

1. Provide strategic oversight for schools of choice, specialized programs, and innovative learning opportunities.
2. Develop systems that expand student access to high-quality educational options.
3. Monitor enrollment, participation, effectiveness, and sustainability of school choice programs.
4. Collaborate with curriculum, instruction, and campus leadership teams to ensure innovative programs align with district goals.

Data, Accountability, and Compliance

1. Establish systems for monitoring effectiveness of student support programs through data analysis.
2. Prepare reports for district leadership, superintendent, Board of Trustees, and state agencies.
3. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing supervised departments.
4. Lead district audits, program reviews, and compliance monitoring activities when applicable.

School and Community Relations

1. Build partnerships with families, community organizations, governmental agencies, and external stakeholders.
2. Participate in district committees, advisory groups, and leadership teams.
3. Represent the district at community events, professional organizations, and meetings.
4. Communicate district priorities and student support initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.

Budget and Resource Management

1. Oversee departmental budgets and ensure effective stewardship of district resources.
2. Monitor staffing allocations and recommend adjustments aligned with student and organizational needs.
3. Pursue grant opportunities and external funding sources that support student success initiatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Handle multiple priorities and frequent interruptions
• Manage complex and sensitive situations
• Interpret laws, regulations, and policies

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• Frequent districtwide travel
• Occasional state and national travel
• Occasional prolonged and irregular work hours
• Prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer use
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds

This is an in-person position. Work from home is not allowed unless approved by the Superintendent.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.