Job Description:

Position Title: Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services
Department: Educational Services
Supervisor: Superintendent
Term of Employment: 12 Months (248 Day Calendar)
Salary Classification: Administrative Salary Schedule

Job Summary
The Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services is a senior executive leader reporting directly to the Superintendent. This role champions the district’s vision for transformative teaching and learning, providing strategic leadership for academic programs, exceptional student support services, and school leadership.
The Deputy Superintendent ensures that all educational services align with best practices in curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, and leadership development, driving innovation and continuous improvement. As a key advisor to the Superintendent and Governing Board, this position provides strategic insights and policy recommendations, ensuring alignment with the district’s mission and commitment to excellence.

Supervision Responsibilities

• Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services
• Chief Academic Support Officer
• Executive Directors of School Performance
• Other Certificated and Classified employees as assigned

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Lead district-wide efforts to improve student achievement and assess effectiveness in collaboration with the Superintendent.
2. Oversee curriculum, instruction, professional learning, assessments, and school leadership development and principal performance.
3. Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations related to curriculum, assessment, and categorical programs.
4. Ensure effective supervision and coordination of special education programs, support staff, and services for students with special needs.
5. Collaborate with school administrators and educational services departments to implement effective instructional programs and training.
6. Develop and manage budgets for assigned areas, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with district goals.
7. Monitor the impact of educational initiatives through school visits and provide progress updates to the Superintendent.
8. Advise on academic policies, curriculum, and assessments to drive district-wide improvement.
9. Assist in policy development regarding instructional programs, curriculum, and school support initiatives.
10. Provide expert consultation to district personnel on academic services and instructional best practices.
11. Lead implementation of the District Strategic Plan.
12. Coordinate activities with district leaders, resolving issues and ensuring alignment across departments.
13. Serve as a Cabinet member and attend all Board of Education meetings.
14. Act as a liaison to legislators, government officials, and community groups on educational matters.
15. Build partnerships with the Board, labor organizations, businesses, and community stakeholders.
16. Supervise and evaluate assigned personnel, handling performance assessments and personnel actions.
17. Prepare Board agenda items, reports, and correspondence.
18. Engage parents in curriculum, conflict resolution, and site-specific concerns.
19. Perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent.

Essential Functions

Strategic Academic Leadership

• Champion a vision for academic excellence and individualized student learning.
• Collaborate with and support the Chief Academic Support Officer to align all academic services, including curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, and instructional technology.
• Lead strategic planning to improve student achievement, instructional effectiveness, and school leadership.
• Develop initiatives that focus on the whole child, incorporating career pathways and holistic success measures.
• Establish accountability systems to assess the impact of academic programs.
• Advise the Superintendent on instructional priorities, policies, and educational trends.

School Leadership Development

• Foster collaborative leadership, equipping principals and instructional leaders for success.
• Supervise and support Executive Directors of School Performance in providing excellent support and accountability for school leaders.
• Develop leadership pipelines for emerging school leaders.

Exceptional Student Supports

• Strengthen support for diverse learners, including multilingual, gifted, and special education students.
• Integrate mental health and behavioral support into the academic framework.
• Advocate for inclusive curriculum practices that prepare students for post-secondary success.

Innovative Teaching & Learning

• Lead instructional innovation, digital learning, and competency-based education strategies.
• Enhance student engagement through technology integration.
• Partner with higher education and industry leaders to introduce cutting-edge learning models.
• Promote data-driven decision-making and continuous instructional improvement.

Policy, Governance, and Community Engagement

• Serve as a key liaison to the Governing Board, providing data-driven insights on student achievement and curriculum.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local education policies.
• Build community partnerships to enhance student learning and career pathways.
• Engage families, educators, and stakeholders in shaping academic priorities.

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge of:

• State and federal education regulations, instructional best practices, and school improvement strategies.
• PreK-12 curriculum design, assessment, and instructional models.
• Special education law and multilingual learner practices.
• Emerging trends in instructional technology and digital learning.
• Change management and leadership within complex educational systems.

Skills in:

• Leading high-performing teams and inspiring school leadership.
• Implementing strategic initiatives that drive measurable impact.
• Analyzing data to inform decision-making and improve student outcomes.
• Communicating with diverse stakeholders, including educators, parents, and policymakers.
• Managing academic budgets and aligning resources with instructional goals.
• Building partnerships across district departments and external organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in educational leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field (Doctorate preferred).
• At least five years of experience as a principal and/or central office leader in a PreK-12 district.
• Proven success in leading instructional transformation and improving student achievement.
• Experience working in diverse school communities and implementing effective instructional practices.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to obtain an Arizona Superintendent Certificate upon hire.
• Ability to pass a fingerprint and background check.
• Valid Arizona driver’s license.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours for district and community engagement.
• Commitment to the district’s mission, vision, and values, serving as a model of excellence.