Director of Professional Development

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT:

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K-12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.


JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Professional Development facilitates the planning, implementation, and monitoring of professional learning opportunities for teachers, administrators, and selected district staff and partners. In addition to understanding effective, research-based professional development standards and delivery models, the Director of Professional Development will demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to meet the needs of diverse learners. The goal of this position is to make significant contributions to improving student achievement by supervising the design, delivery, and promotion of high-quality professional learning and by communicating the district's high expectations for each student, teacher, and administrator.

WHO WE WANT:

Successful SCSD employees are passionately committed to urban education and all in for Syracuse students. They:

• Believe strongly that all students can learn at high levels;
• Demonstrate commitment to serving urban students, schools or communities, and to closing the achievement gap;
• Demonstrate willingness to put the interests of students above all others;
• Actively contribute to a culture of high expectations in schools and the district;
• Adapt seamlessly to the complexities of the urban school environment; and
• Follow current trends in education policy and research.

REPORTS TO: Deputy Chief of Professional Learning and Coaching

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Professional Development will be responsible for accomplishing the following:

• Ensures compliance with Standards for Professional Learning as established by learning forward and NYSED Framework for Professional Development.
• Analyzes and uses data to identify professional development needs and to evaluate, improve and report on program effectiveness.
• Develops, coordinates and oversees district-wide professional learning programs in alignment with district goals and initiatives.
• Communicates the goals, plans and progress of the district professional learning program.
• Participates in the development of the district school calendar to ensure adequate professional learning time.
• Establishes strong working relationships with school and district staff.
• Communicates available professional learning activates to school and district staff.
• Collaborates on the design and implementation of a comprehensive Professional Development Plan of all staff.
• Implements professional learning opportunities through multiple delivery models including, formal structured workshops and digital platforms.
• Organizes, maintains and supports professional learning communities.
• Keeps abreast of innovative professional development techniques to provide the district with the highest quality of professional development activities.
• Collaborates and maintains the recording and reporting of Professional Development hours and participation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of staff development as it applies to both teaching and learning, and leading professional learning communities.
• Knowledge of current trends in curriculum, teaching methods and strategies; best practices in school improvement, leadership development; adult learning theory and professional development; planning and project management; and, collaboration, coordination, and facilitation of work groups.
• Ability to analyze data and skills to format data into effective programs.
• Ability to read and interpret journals, articles, and research studies.
• Knowledge of group dynamics.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences orally and in writing, including electronic media.
• Ability to travel to a variety of district locations and city locations.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, time-sensitive work environment.
• This is a twelve (12) month position that requires some evening and Saturday sessions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in education, administration or related field and course work should include English as a New Language, Bilingual Education, Linguistics, and Cross-Cultural Studies.
• New York State certification as a School District Leader (SDL) or School District Administrator (SDA)
• Requires accessibility to attend meetings, activities and events outside normal working hours.
• Superior interpersonal, oral communication and written skills.
• Excellent organizational, and facilitation skills.
• Training and/or 3-5 years of experience in staff development, leadership development, instructional design, and school improvement.
• Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school boards policies and the professional standards.
• Prior demonstration of exemplary attendance is expected of any candidate for hire.
• Training and/or experience with Culturally Relevant Education (preferred)
• City Residents are encouraged to apply!

SALARY/SALARY RANGE:


Salary and benefits per the Unit 2 Contractual Agreement.
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