Start date - January 4, 2027 or sooner if possibleDescription: The Sr. Director of Alternative Programs works in collaboration with the Assistant Executive Director to grow and sustain Alternative Options for students in grades 6-12 who are unsuccessful in the traditional school settings across the region. The primary goal is to work towards the Strategic Plan's goal of offering the premier services for high needs, at-risk students in our region. The Sr. Director will 1) supervise the NCYAA Principal and oversee program initiatives and design (including the CTE program) and 2) oversee the Truant Alternative Optional Educational Program (TAEOP) and development of Rebound and other short term school removal programs. All initiatives should align with regional needs and ISBE guidelines.
Supervisor: Assistant Executive Director
Work Schedule: 260 days
FLSA status: Exempt
Retirement: TRS
Essential Duties- Provide leadership and oversight for all regional alternative education programs (RSSP, On-Site High Needs ALOP (NCYAA), Develop High Needs Virtual ALOP and Develop TAEOP Onsite).
- Communicate with district leadership regarding program and student placement needs and progress;
- Continually assess and respond to district need including developing of new alternative programming, including partnerships with Community Colleges, dual degree programs and industry based certifications
- Develop and implement a comprehensive vision aligned with ISBE priorities and the NCISC strategic plan
- Ensure programs maintain high standards for academic instruction, behavioral interventions, attendance improvement, and student engagement
- Evaluate program/s effectiveness using data-driven decision-making.
- Develop annual improvement plans and measurable student outcome goals
- Supervise expansion of innovative programming that supports diverse student needs, including those qualifying for English Language Learner and Diverse Learner Services
- Foster a collaborative professional culture and develop annual professional learning plans for adults
- Maintain accurate program documentation and data; prepare annual reports demonstrating impact
- Prepare required ISBE reports, including ongoing grant applications and periodic grant reporting
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives
- Oversee budgets and purchasing of supplies and materials for the programs
- Oversee and evaluate personnel including NCYAA Principal and other Program Managers
- Fulfill other responsibilities as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:- ISBE PEL with Administrative or Principal endorsement required
- Experience working as a school or district administrator preferred
- Supervisory experience required
- Current ISBE approved principal and teacher evaluator training required
- Experience in curriculum design and development (9-12)
- Experience in instructional coaching (9-12)
- Strong background in social-emotional learning competencies and school culture required
- Experience developing and working in Alternative Learning spaces
- Proficiency in use of technology and common school applications and systems
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- Friendly and patient demeanor including conflict resolution skills
- Able to travel by vehicle to North Cook ISC area schools
