Executive Director of Schools

240 days, Probationary Contract Compensation: Based on 20 26-2027 Admin Salary Schedule, $158,332 – $173,000 plus benefit package Start Date: 7/1/2026 Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the desired qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our desired qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the desired qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application. Preference will be given to those applicants with work or lived experience with culturally, linguistically, and racially diverse communities. Position Summary Under the general direction of the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, the Executive Director of K-12 Schools provides strategic vision, systemic leadership, and operational oversight for elementary, middle, and high schools. Serving as a key member of the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet, this position drives continuous systemic improvement, supports the implementation of the district strategic plan, and provides high-level organizational leadership for building administrators, school leaders, students, staff, and community stakeholders. Minimum Qualifications Master's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in an education discipline, with a strong preference for school administration or executive leadership. Active Oregon Administrative License (or immediate eligibility to receive one). Valid Driver's License and evidence of insurability. Proven track record of successful administrative leadership, with demonstrated experience in multi-level school oversight or district-wide programmatic management. Preferred Qualifications 5–7+ years of highly successful experience as a building principal, ideally spanning both elementary and secondary levels, or equivalent district-level administrative supervision. Special Knowledge/Skills The Executive Director of K-12 Schools is a visionary leader with high ethical standards who focuses on developing extraordinary school leaders, scaling equitable programs, and modeling deep cultural competence. The successful candidate is a highly skilled communicator who creates intentional, authentic connections with staff, students, families, labor partners, and regional community stakeholders. Major Responsibilities and Duties Systemic & Strategic Leadership Provides district-wide executive leadership using articulated, measurable standards to advance the district's vision for the supervision, growth, and accountability of professional site administrators. Promotes a positive climate for staff that values shared decision making, and fosters innovation, collegiality, and ethical leadership. Supports and implements the District's Equity Policy. Instructional and Operational Systems Collaborates directly with the Directors of Teaching and Learning to strengthen instructional practices and build leadership capacity across all professional educators. Oversees district level systems that guide student discipline and intervention to reduce exclusion and enhance school culture. Collaborates on the improvement of systems that are grounded in district policy and state law. Monitors site-based implementation of the operational and instructional vision; tracks metrics to improve student achievement while systemically narrowing the performance and opportunity gaps between the highest and lowest performing students. Executive Coaching & Leadership Management Facilitates professional development and provides one-to-one consultation with administrators to effectively support them with the use of the evaluation system, timelines, and essential evaluation-related forms, as well as district-wide systems and the regular challenges of leading a building. Oversees the structural execution of the administrator evaluation system, ensuring rigorous alignment with timelines, state evaluation-related frameworks, district-wide systems, and the strategic challenges of building management. Investigations, Safety, & Risk Mitigation Partners closely with the Human Resources Department to oversee high-stakes complaint processes, complex personnel matters, and formal staff investigations at the building level. Oversees the public complaint process and supports building administrators in investigations. Manages the appeal process when designated by the superintendent. Implements systemic risk-management strategies across all District properties, collaborating directly with PACE Insurance providers, legal counsel, and building-level leaders to protect district assets. Works closely with building and district administrators to analyze contractual language and provide expert guidance on organizing, structuring, and finalizing formal documentation related to labor relations processes. Partners with the district team and local stakeholders to implement proactive strategies that improve the safety of our schools. Also responds to building and district level emergencies, acting as a part of a coordinated effort to provide guidance, work with crisis teams, and regularly collaborate with the Safety and Security Coordinator under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent. Physical Requirements Ability to: Sit, stand, or walk for prolonged periods of time Talk and hear conversations Interact with others Use precise control of fingers and hand movement, often in a repetitive movement such as keyboarding Reach for and handle objects Use close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus Regularly focus on a computer screen Bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 15-45 pounds may also be required on occasion Workplace Expectations Maintaining regular, punctual, and highly visible attendance; modeling district protocols for operational continuity. Exercising absolute confidentiality regarding sensitive information relating to students, staff, legal matters, and executive district operations. Dressing in a highly professional and appropriate manner reflective of an executive-level representative of the School District. Exercising exceptional, prudent judgment in decision-making and crisis management. Working with a high degree of independence, initiative, and visionary execution in the performance of district-wide duties. Following and enforcing all District policies, legal statutes, and work procedures. Utilizing the District's electronic systems and applications only for authorized, position-related purposes. Representing the executive cabinet and leading required meetings, board presentations, and professional training. Cultivating, scaling, and modeling a respectful, inclusive working and learning environment across the entire educational community. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gresham Barlow School District