EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Oversees the operation of the school district including finance, community service, instruction and personnel divisions. Provides leadership in developing, directing, and maintaining the best possible educational programs for students of the District. Must remain current on federal and state legislative issues and guidelines facing the district and recommend a course of action relative to such legislative issues.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Coordinates the overall educational program and provides leadership in development and improvement.
Assists the Board in the formulation of school system goals, policies and interprets same to employees and the community.
Informs and advises the Board about programs, practices and challenges of the schools and updates the Board about activities conducted under the Board's authority.
Recommends and nominates current employees for promotion in accordance with applicable policy and law.
Maintains an ongoing curriculum and program evaluation process and directs that all curriculum guides and courses of studies be maintained and revised on a continuous basis.
Directs the process of fiscal planning and budget development and administers the budget as approved by the Board in accordance with applicable law.
Keeps informed of modern educational thought and practices by advanced study and research and keeps the Board informed of current trends in education.
Oversees the implementation and compliance of all constitutional and statutory laws and policies of the Board of Education.
Recommends policy to the Board as required to meet current or future needs of the district.
Keeps the public informed about policies and practices in the schools.
Acts in collaboration with the Board on the development of policies for Board consideration and develops such administrative rules and procedures as may be necessary to implement Board policy.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skills, education and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree or equivalent: doctorate in education preferred. Valid superintendent certification in Iowa or the ability to obtain Iowa certification prior to beginning employment and a valid administrator's license required with Superintendent endorsement. A minimum of three years of successful experience as an Administrator is required, Superintendent experience is preferred. Demonstrated success in district-wide leadership and strategic initiatives. The employee is expected to also demonstrate continued professional growth throughout their tenure and remain current on emerging educational strategies and best practices.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong facilitation skills are all critical to the success of this position. Must possess the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds. Communication will include individual and large group presentations as well as presentations to a variety of media. Must be an effective facilitator in a variety of situations and have the ability to resolve conflict through well-articulated communication and facilitation strategies. Excellent listening skills are critical. Dual language skills are not required but are preferred.
COLLABORATIVE SKILLS
Individual must have careful listening skills and possess influencing/persuasion skills when working with the Board, staff, and parents to create new opportunities to embrace and implement change intended to positively impact student achievement. Influencing skills are also important when working through conflict toward problem resolution.
ANALYTICAL and REASONING SKILLS
Individual must have an applied background in data driven leadership and the ability to interpret data, measure program success and determine appropriate changes necessary. Individual must be able to apply principles of complex thinking to a wide range of problems and issues that may not have any historical precedent, and determine solutions where none are apparent. The ability to identify resources and seek input is critical to the success of this position.
ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Individual must maintain records and data relating to a wide variety of district and state requirements. Maintaining this information and meeting all reporting deadlines requires very strong organizational skills.
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Individual must be competent in research and information-gathering through technology. The ability to present and communicate through technology is required.
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Individual must demonstrate a broad knowledge of curriculum, assessment, professional development, school improvement, and student achievement strategies. Must have the depth of understanding to ask appropriate questions and determine best practices both within and outside the district. Must have proven leadership skills to effectively implement change initiatives that positively impact district goals and/or student achievement.
DECISION MAKING SKILLS
Makes difficult decisions with long-term impact on the District with little time for thought or analysis. The ability to quickly sort through input and reach a conclusion is critical to the success of this position.
OTHER IMPORTANT SKILLS
Monitors budget/program revenue and expenses in an oversight role. Must possess an understanding of governmental funding programs and requirements, as well as District budgetary processes and reporting.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Position requires general office physical demands. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Generally employee works inside.
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
Will perform other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Education, necessary and appropriate to achievement of the program and/or District goals and objectives.
