Deputy Chief of Schools, Continuous School Improvement - Office of Chief Academic Officer (2026-27)

Ref. 6372

TITLE:

Deputy Chief of Schools, Continuous School Improvement

REPORTS TO:

Chief Academic Officer

DEPARTMENT:

Office of Chief Academic Officer

CLASSIFICATION:

Certificated Management

Confidential

FLSA:

Exempt

WORK YEAR/HOURS:

227 days / 7.5 hours or duty days and hours as assigned

ISSUED:

Created: August 2014

Revised: November 2014

Revised: April 2021

SALARY GRADE:

Executive Unrepresented 9

BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Chief of Academic Officer, the Deputy Chief of Schools is responsible for the continuous school improvement process creating the vision, gathering data related to the vision, analyzing data, planning the work of schools to align with the vision and strategic plan, implementing the strategies and action steps outlined in the plan and gathering data to measure the impact. The Deputy Chief leads the work of school portfolio management which includes the development of quality options for all district students such as; new school development, school transformation and charter options. Maintain confidentiality of all personnel matters; some duties will involve access to confidential information concerning employer-employee relations.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Incumbent may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but are intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Direct and oversee the roles and functions of the District''s school quality review, school portfolio management, charter school authorizing, and quality diverse provider programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Implement and design District-wide systems for the understanding and use of a variety of assessments, including screening tools, formative measures and summative measures to drive instructional planning and intervention.
• Provide management and supervision of the Director of Continuous School Improvement; the Director of Quality Diverse Providers, as well as all key managers, staff and contract service providers associated with these departmental functions.
• Ensure the continuous improvement of school and central office performance through established metrics of accountability to include, but not be limited to, the District''s Balanced Scorecard, and quarterly reporting required of each of these instruments, aligned to the District''s adopted Strategic Plan.
• Ensure the continuous improvement of schools and central office performance through the generation, dissemination, and utilization of the annual School Scorecard, School Quality Review Process, and the effective use of data platforms designed to monitor the primary indicators for school and central office success, aligned to the District''s adopted Strategic Plan.
• Direct and oversee the coordinated, cross-departmental supports and services associated with the development and implementation of each school''s Single Plan for Student Achievement (Community School Strategic Site Plan).
• Direct and oversee the cross-departmental participation in the Continuous School Improvement process and the cross-departmental analysis and utilization of the results of the Continuous School Improvement process to incorporate promising practices, to address gaps in school and central office performance.
• Manage and coordinate the development of central office Performance Management metrics and instruments for monitoring, reporting, and continuously improving central office supports and services aligned to Board adopted Quality Standards for Central Office performance.
• Ensure alignment and coherence of District policies and practices to successfully implement quality review efforts District-wide; as well as the effective implementation of the District''s Quality Schools Development policy, to include but not be limited to the alignment and coherence of this policy as it pertains to the District''s charter school authorizing practices.
• Provide coordination and support on behalf of requisite presentations and reporting to the Board of Education, Leadership Team, staff, community and partner organizations on the progress of the District against the standards and goals set forth in the District''s Strategic Plan.
• Ensure the development and implementation of a District-wide training program designed to increase the access of schools and communities to relevant data and information associated with student, school and central office progress toward meeting established goals and metrics; including the effective use of tools developed internally and/or contracted externally to support this effort.
• Manage data through coordination of new technology to help facilitate the reporting and decision-making process; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Develop and prepare budgets; analyze and review budgetary and financial data to ensure data accuracy; monitor and authorize expenditures in accordance with established guidelines to ensure the financial stability of the District.
• Oversee the development and implementation of departmental operational policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, and files; provide for appropriate research and compile accurate reports to ensure the integrity and credibility of the District.
• Develop and conduct ongoing training sessions for assigned staff regarding changes in office policies and legal procedures; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in support of District goals.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; interview and select employees, and recommend transfer, reassignment, termination, and/or disciplinary action.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The District determines whether a candidate is qualified based on fulfillment of prerequisites, relevant work experience, ability to perform the essential functions, reference checks, effective interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by interview performance and/or writing samples, and achievement on performance-based assessments (if applicable) that demonstrate the candidate possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. Meeting prerequisites only satisfies the initial screening process and does not indicate the candidate is qualified to perform the essential functions of the position.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Applicable federal, state, and District codes, regulations, policies and procedures governing workscope
• Planning, organization and coordination needed for assigned program
• Principles and practices of effective management
• School design and evaluation of design
• School management and operations
• Quality instructional practices and professional development in these practices
• Assessment design and analysis
• District organization, operations, policies, objectives and goals
• Planning, organization and coordination needed for assigned program
• Principles and practices of effective leadership
• Technical aspect in field of specialty
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Principles and practices of supervision and evaluation
• Diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of District students
• Excellent English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Oral and written communication skills
• Management information systems
• Computer hardware systems, mainframes, software applications, and languages utilized by the District

ABILITIES TO:

• Interpret, implement, and maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, codes, policies, procedures, and District regulations governing work scope
• Provide leadership, train and evaluate the performance of assigned staff
• Negotiate skillfully in difficult situations and strongly promote compromise to satisfy all parties
• Dispense corrective feedback in a matter that inspires accountability among colleagues and direct reports
• Communicate effectively in English, oral and written directions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of diverse backgrounds, experience, and personalities
• Demonstrate cultural competence with diverse groups across race, ethnicity, religion, gender, class, and sexuality
• Communicate patience and courtesy in a manner that reflects positively on the organization
• Demonstrate loyalty and high ethical standards
• Analyze and resolve critical issues with significant organizational impact
• Focus and appropriately allocate resources toward identified goals
• Think outside the box and develop new methods or solutions inspiring others to reach a common goal
• Apply integrity and trust in all situations
• Plan, prioritize, and organize work to meet schedules and timelines
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Work independently and effectively with minimum direction
• Manage, change and design an effective system of reporting progress and monitoring results
• Prepare and maintain statistical reports
• Prepare and monitor department budget to ensure fiscal responsibility
• Actively participate in meeting District goals and outcomes
• Provide technical guidance and recommendations concerning existing computer programs and systems
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate assigned staff
• Operate personal computer, related software, and other office equipment

PREREQUISITES:

• A Master's Degree in education and five (5) or more years of school or school district leadership experience; demonstrated success leading strategic innovative educational initiative.
• A Doctorate degree preferred but not required
• Valid California Teaching Credential
• Valid California Administrative Services Credential
• Knowledge of and experience in staff leadership, curriculum development, staff evaluation, successful instructional practices, school improvement strategies, academic and accountability testing, policy and procedures, and community relations
• Demonstrated success in improving student achievement results
• Demonstrated success in executing significant budgetary and operational responsibilities at an executive level
• Successful experience in working well in diverse economic, multicultural and multi-lingual communities and environment
• Valid California Driver's License, if applicable

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS:

Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT:

Office and diverse school site environments; driving a vehicle to conduct work; fast-paced work; constant interruptions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 30 pounds, occasionally 30+ pounds; bending and twisting at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; dexterity of both hands and fingers while performing duties; seeing to read, write and use the computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information, in person or on the telephone, and make presentations.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.