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Job Title: Executive Director, Academic Programs  and Requisition ID number: 103364

Close Date: 11:59 PM on  

Organizational Unit:  Academic Programs (10001300) 

Site:  Davis Center (0001) 

FTE:  1.0 FTE; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union:  Non-Represented(44) 

Functional Area:  Administrative 

Salary Range:  $164,221  - $205,276  

Benefits:  Dental insurance | Health insurance | Vision insurance | Paid time off | HSA & FSA | Retirement plan

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

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Executive Director, Academic Programs

SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Academic Programs provides strategic, instructional, and operational leadership for key student support and college and career readiness initiatives. This role includes overseeing programs such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID), Concurrent Enrollment, Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), Check & Connect, counseling services, and GEAR UP. The Executive Director is responsible for managing budgets, coordinating professional development, and ensuring all initiatives within assigned align with the District’s Vision and Mission. The position fosters collaboration across departments, with external partners, and among schools, while ensuring effective resource allocation and leading data-informed decision-making. As a champion for equitable student success, the Executive Director leads with a results-driven focus to prepare all students, especially at the secondary level, for post-secondary education and career readiness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include representative duties, knowledge, and skills outlined below. This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential but may not be explicitly listed. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides educational and administrative leadership that inspires, integrates, and aligns the District’s academic programming, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID), Concurrent Enrollment, Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), College and Career Readiness, Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Pathways, Check & Connect, counseling services, and GEAR UP programs.
• Develops and maintains clear, inclusive decision-making processes to ensure coordination and integration of academic supports and services.
• Designs and implements an academic service delivery model for these programs in partnership with other stakeholders
• Collaborates with Core Academics to ensure a culturally responsive curriculum framework aligned with local, state, and national standards; monitors alignment of curriculum, standards, assessments, and accountability to promote coherent student learning.
• Oversees academic professional development for teachers and principals aligned with department programs; fosters a culture that motivates excellence and narrows achievement gaps across racial, ethnic, and economic groups by engaging diverse communities.
• Enhances and promotes the social-emotional environment in schools through supportive programs and initiatives, including counseling services.
• Develops and manages college and career readiness plans, programs, and practices to increase graduation rates, create certification pathways, and improve college acceptance and persistence.
• Serves as a member of the Academic Leadership Team under the Senior Academic Officer, contributing to districtwide planning, development, and evaluation efforts.
• Promotes articulation and continuity of programs and services across elementary, middle, and high schools, and with higher education institutions.
• Leads the development of partnerships with educational and community organizations at local and national levels to support and enhance District programs; cultivates strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinates with Academics, Communications, and the Office of the Deputy Superintendent to align central office programs for efficient delivery of educational services.
• Engages with government agencies, business, civic organizations, and the community to share information and promote the District’s initiatives.
• Collaborates with the Department of Strategic Initiatives to research and implement effective assessment tools for evaluating district priorities; ensures best practices are used across programs.
• Approves budgets and allocates resources for staff, supplies, and equipment; oversees monitoring of general and categorical programs for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Supervises, evaluates, develops, and holds accountable assigned staff.
• Fosters an environment committed to excellence and equity through leadership guided by the district’s equity framework.
• Communicates and collaborates with administrators, personnel, and external organizations to develop and coordinate programs, resolve issues, and share information; develops policies to encourage effective management and models district ethics and professionalism.
• Provides technical expertise and guidance to supervisors on assigned functions, trends, and challenges; recommends corrective actions as needed.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of state and federal legislation, regulations, and education trends through professional development.

• Builds and maintains positive relationships with stakeholders to foster trust and engagement.
• Represents the district at school and community events; communicates policies, goals, and initiatives clearly and effectively.
• Promotes the Superintendent’s vision and ensures alignment of department practices with district strategic goals.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to meet the needs of the district and support school and student success.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To successfully perform job, incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Requirements listed are representative of the knowledge and skills.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Education or a related field.
• Five (5) years of leadership experience in K–12 educational administration or school-level administration.
• Experience in secondary teaching and/or school counseling (preferred).
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

License and Certification

• Minnesota Driver’s License.
• Minnesota Teaching License.
• Minnesota Principals License.

Note: Must maintain all required licenses and certifications in active status without suspension or revocation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Curriculum, instruction, assessment, and leadership best practices across College and Career Readiness, CTE pathways, AP, IB, AVID, Concurrent Enrollment, PSEO, Check & Connect, counseling, GEAR UP, and related student support programs.
• Educational strategies and intervention models relevant to college and career readiness, academic programming, and social-emotional supports.
• Culturally responsive practices and equity-focused leadership to serve diverse student populations across academic and support services.
• Public school operations including governance, policies, budgeting, and compliance related to academic programs and student support services.
• Federal, state, and district laws, regulations, and compliance standards affecting program implementation, funding, and reporting.
• Use of data and technology to drive instructional decisions, monitor program effectiveness, and enhance student outcomes.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement strategies with students, families, educators, and community partners to promote educational success and wellbeing.
  
  

Skill in:

• Leading instructional and organizational change across complex, diverse academic and student support environments.
• Managing staff, budgets, and programs in academic and support services to meet district strategic goals.
• Building collaborative teams of educators, counselors, community partners, and families to advance student success.
• Analyzing data to inform instruction, program delivery, and strategic planning across academic and student support initiatives.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Resolving conflicts, making sound decisions, and exercising judgment in sensitive educational and student support matters.
  
  

Ability to:

• Coach and support leaders and staff across academic programs and student services to strengthen instructional and operational practices.
• Align program improvement efforts and service delivery models with district-wide goals and compliance requirements.
• Build trusting, collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, including students, families, educators, and community organizations.
• Prioritize multiple competing demands while ensuring timely and effective program implementation and service delivery.
• Promote equity and excellence through leadership, with a focus on college and career readiness, student support, and social-emotional wellbeing.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all aspects of leadership and program oversight.
  
  

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands listed represent those required to perform the job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

This position requires mobility to work in an office environment and the ability to travel to school sites and various district locations. The employee must have the stamina to sit, stand, and move for extended periods. Strength is required to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds. The role also requires sufficient vision to read printed materials and computer screens, as well as hearing and speech abilities to communicate effectively in person and over the phone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with regular travel to school buildings and other district or community locations. The role may occasionally require attendance at events or meetings outside of regular business hours.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

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Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready.  Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Posting Notes: | 12:01 AM On | Academic Programs (10001300) | Davis Center (0001) | Administrative