Deputy Chief of Strategic Initiatives & School Performance

Job Title: Deputy Chief of Strategic Initiatives & School Performance Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Chief of Academics & School Leadership

Dept./School: Academics and School Leadership Initiated Date: June 2026

WHO WE ARE

La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district's vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students.

Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community.

• Customer Service
• Trust & Transparency
• High-Quality Instruction
• Excellence in Leadership
• Integrity & Accountability

We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking an executive leader who can create, nurture, and lead systems that accelerate student outcomes, strengthen organizational performance, and position La Joya ISD as a district of choice for students and families.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success leading large-scale strategic initiatives, driving organizational improvement through data and accountability systems, developing innovative educational opportunities, and managing complex cross-functional workstreams. This leader must possess a deep understanding of performance management, school improvement, strategic planning, assessment and accountability systems, and college and career readiness pathways.

You will support the Chief in ensuring the district''s strategic priorities are translated into measurable actions and outcomes. You will oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of key initiatives that improve both student outcomes and organizational effectiveness, while ensuring the district remains innovative, responsive, and future-focused.

You will lead the district''s work related to performance management, assessment and accountability, college and career readiness, school choice, innovation, and new school development. This role requires an executive who can simultaneously think strategically, manage execution, build strong partnerships, and create systems that sustain excellence over time. This leader will serve as the district''s chief architect of performance management and strategic improvement systems. The successful candidate will ensure organizational decisions are grounded in high-quality data, measurable outcomes, and rigorous analysis of academic return on investment (AROI). They will help create a culture where initiatives, programs, and investments are continuously evaluated for effectiveness and impact on student outcomes.

You must possess the commitment, urgency, and systems leadership skills needed to establish excellence and build structures that accelerate continuous improvement across the district.

WHY LA JOYA ISD

You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• Master's degree required; preferred in Education, Educational Leadership or related field
• Doctorate degree preferred in Education, Educational Leadership or related field
• Valid or eligible to receive Texas Principal Certification, MId-Management Certification or Superintendent's Certificate preferred
• Currently or eligible to become T-TESS certified preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of three year's teaching experience
• Experience as a Principal preferred
• Experience as a district-level leader strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives, organizational improvement efforts, accountability systems, innovation initiatives, or portfolio management efforts preferred

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Proven success in leading a school or district community toward continuous improvement in academic goals with a relentless pursuit of academic excellence for all students
• Proven experience in educational leadership with a focus on school administration and instructional leadership development
• Proven success leading large-scale organizational improvement efforts
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, performance management, and continuous improvement
• Strong knowledge of Texas accountability systems and educational performance measures
• Demonstrated expertise in performance management systems and organizational improvement
• Strong understanding of data governance, data quality assurance, and organizational reporting systems
• Experience evaluating program effectiveness and measuring academic return on investment (AROI)
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations for executive leaders and governing boards
• Experience developing and monitoring organizational dashboards and performance metrics
• Knowledge of College, Career, and Military Readiness systems and postsecondary success pathways
• Experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives involving multiple departments and stakeholders
• Strong understanding of change management, project management, and strategic execution
• Knowledge of school choice systems, portfolio management, and innovative school models preferred
• Proven experience to use and interpret data to inform decision-making processes that allow for intentional actions and lead to improved student/campus achievement
• Expertise in performance evaluation and goal setting for school leaders
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral)
• Leadership, management, and organizational skills
• Experience with diverse populations
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

KEY MEASURES OF SUCCESS

The Deputy Chief of Strategic Initiatives & School Performance will be responsible for and held accountable to the following outcomes:

• District Performance: Improve district accountability outcomes, student outcome goals, and increase the percentage of students attending A- and B-rated schools.
• College, Career & Military Readiness: Increase CCMR outcomes, advanced academic participation, industry certifications, dual credit attainment, and postsecondary readiness indicators.
• Strategic Plan Execution: Achieve annual Strategic Plan milestones, initiative implementation benchmarks, and PMOC performance targets.
• Data Quality: Maintain high levels of accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and reliability in district assessment, accountability, and performance reporting systems.
• Performance Management: Ensure all major district initiatives have defined success metrics, regular performance reviews, and measurable progress toward intended outcomes.
• Academic Return on Investment (AROI): Evaluate major programs and investments annually and increase the percentage of district investments demonstrating measurable impact on student outcomes.
• Innovation & School Improvement: Successfully launch and monitor new school models, strategic initiatives, and innovation efforts that expand high-quality opportunities for students.
• Organizational Effectiveness: Develop high-performing teams, strengthen cross-functional execution, and improve organizational capacity to achieve district priorities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Executive Leadership

• Serve as a transformational leader working to create a best-in-class learning environment and school system.
• Engage with Board members, Cabinet members, and community members and partners to advance the interests of La Joya ISD and ensure educational excellence for every student.
• Serve as a key communicator for district strategies, workstreams and projects, representing the Chief and Superintendent as assigned.
• Participate in professional development and training to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Foster collegiality and team building among all staff members, centrally and at campuses.
• Provide for two-way communication with staff, students, parents, and community.
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior. Serve as a role model for all campus staff.
• Develop and set annual performance objectives.
• Lead the development of the district improvement plan with staff, parents and community members.
• Delegate leadership responsibilities as appropriate, ensuring strong systems of monitoring, support, and feedback for campus staff.

Strategic Initiatives & School Performance

• Promote the expectation for high-level performance from staff and students and recognize excellence and achievement.
• Support the Chief to determine the goals, objectives, and priorities of Academics & School Leadership (A&SL) programs.
• Lead, support, and oversee all assigned strategic initiatives, workstreams, and innovation efforts.
• Develop and maintain systems that monitor progress toward district goals and student outcome measures.
• Oversee district performance management systems, including goal setting, progress monitoring, initiative tracking, and organizational reporting.
• Support district PMOC (Project Management and Organizational Change) efforts to ensure strategic initiatives are implemented with fidelity and achieve intended outcomes.
• Support and lead district efforts related to the System of Great Schools (SGS) strategy, including portfolio development, school quality analysis, replication opportunities, school redesign, and choice expansion initiatives.
• Lead planning and implementation of new school models, redesign efforts, innovative educational programs, and emerging district priorities.
• Develop systems to evaluate program effectiveness, implementation quality, and return on investment for major district initiatives.
• Ensure performance data is translated into meaningful action plans for district and campus leaders.
• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives designed to accelerate district performance and student outcomes.
• Support development and monitoring of district scorecards, dashboards, and performance reports.
• Identify emerging educational trends, innovative practices, and strategic opportunities that could benefit the district.
• Support long-range planning efforts related to enrollment, school quality, student opportunity, and organizational performance.
• Evaluate and adjust educational programs and approaches to ensure rapid student acceleration.
• Disaggregate and interpret data in order to assist in developing appropriate next steps for campus and district improvement.
• Support campus leaders in analyzing data and developing action plans to improve teaching and learning.
• Provide professional learning to support campus leaders, teachers, and staff in accomplishing the district's student outcomes goals.

Performance Management, Data Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of districtwide performance management systems that drive accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain clear performance measures, implementation benchmarks, and monitoring systems aligned to district strategic priorities, student outcome goals, and Board priorities.
• Ensure organizational focus remains on results by developing systems that regularly monitor progress, identify barriers, and drive corrective action when performance falls short of expectations.
• Support districtwide data governance and data quality systems to ensure the accuracy, reliability, accessibility, and integrity of organizational data.
• Develop and maintain processes that improve data collection, validation, reporting, and utilization across departments and campuses.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability structures for data ownership, stewardship, and quality assurance throughout the organization.
• Lead the development of executive dashboards, scorecards, and performance reports that provide timely and actionable information to district leaders, the Superintendent, and the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure district leaders have access to meaningful data and analyses that support strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
• Develop and implement a framework for measuring Academic Return on Investment (AROI) and organizational effectiveness across district programs, initiatives, and investments.
• Evaluate the effectiveness, implementation quality, and return on investment of major district initiatives and recommend continuation, expansion, redesign, or discontinuation based on evidence and outcomes.
• Partner with department leaders to establish measurable success criteria and performance indicators for strategic initiatives and major investments.
• Lead periodic performance reviews of district initiatives and programs to ensure alignment with district priorities and maximize impact on student outcomes.
• Promote a culture of evidence-based decision-making, continuous improvement, and organizational learning across all departments and campuses.

College & Career Success

• Provide strategic oversight for districtwide College & Career Success initiatives.
• Ensure systems exist to increase postsecondary readiness, enrollment, persistence, and completion.
• Support expansion of advanced academic opportunities, dual credit pathways, Early College High Schools, P-TECH programs, and career pathways.
• Develop strategic partnerships with higher education institutions, workforce organizations, and community partners.
• Monitor progress toward CCMR goals and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Ensure district programs are aligned to evolving workforce, higher education, and student opportunity needs.

Research, Assessment, Accountability & Data Strategy

• Oversee district assessment and accountability systems.
• Ensure accurate reporting, analysis, and communication of student performance data.
• Support development of predictive analytics, performance forecasting, and early warning systems.
• Develop systems that improve data literacy among district and campus leaders.
• Provide executive-level analysis and recommendations regarding district performance trends.
• Support continuous refinement of district accountability, assessment, and performance-monitoring systems.
• Ensure district leaders have timely access to actionable information that drives decision-making.
• Support district and campus leadership teams in utilizing performance data to improve outcomes.
• Build organizational capacity around continuous improvement, strategic planning, and performance management.
• Facilitate collaboration among leaders to share best practices, resources, and improvement strategies.

Effective Feedback

• Provide coaching and meaningful feedback to campus leaders and A&SL staff with the intent of improving employee performance and impact.
• Provide instructional and programmatic feedback to administrators and staff based on observations, walk-throughs, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback.
• Conduct thorough evaluations and goal-setting sessions with school administrators and staff, ensuring alignment with district objectives and educational standards.
• Coach and develop the assigned direct reports in A&SL.

Culture & Climate

• Create, cultivate and lead a culture of excellence, support, and community for all stakeholders.
• Facilitate effective and timely resolution of conflicts.
• Identify, analyze, and apply research findings (e.g., effective school correlates) to promote school improvement.
• Ensure systems and programs exist that enhance students'' social, emotional, behavioral, and academic achievement.
• Oversee the integration of wellness and inclusion initiatives into school leadership practices and policies.
• Support and oversee improvement in campus social-emotional and behavioral support programs, leading to improved attendance, reduced chronic absenteeism, and improved discipline.
• Follow all policies, practices, and procedures that create optimal learning conditions for students with special needs in alignment with IDEA.

Personnel Management

• Select, train, supervise and evaluate all assigned staff fairly and in alignment with proper policies and procedures.
• Ensure accurate documentation on any and all recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline and dismissal.
• Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff with the lens of both support and accountability for all employees.
• Coach staff and help them identify and develop appropriate professional growth opportunities as well as accomplish improvement goals.

School or Community Relations

• Articulate the mission and purpose of A&SL to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Communicate with parents, families, and communities on a regular and consistent basis to ensure clear and consistent messaging to parents.
• Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs using appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions

• Ensure all employees follow proper protocols to maintain accurate records as required.
• Ensure campus structures, and master schedules, facilitate the strategic needs of the district and students.
• Support campuses in completing all associated administrative duties and tasks in a timely manner
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports.
• Develop budgets based upon documented Needs Assessments, estimated enrollment, personnel, and other entitlement funding streams; implement programs within budget limits; maintain fiscal control; accurately report fiscal information.
• Comply with district policies, state and federal laws and regulations affecting schools.

Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned, including Executive Directors in Academics and School Leadership.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands

Typical demands of an office environment, including extensive computer use and district-wide travel for meetings and events. Lifting and carrying of books, boxes, and audiovisual equipment, light (15-20 pounds), climbing, stretching, visual acuity, walking, pulling, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, sitting, kneeling, standing, and twisting, may be required to control behavior through physical restraint.

Work Environment

Primarily office-based with regular interaction with district staff, educators, students, families, and community members. Campus visits will be required as needed and as a part of ensuring program implementation with fidelity and monitoring of service delivery models. Attendance at evening or weekend events may be required. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Reading, supporting instruction, demonstrating computer skills appropriate for assignment, effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work well with students, concentration (detailed work), interpretive skills (policy, procedure, dates), reasoning skills, understanding verbal instructions, analyzing, differentiating, memorizing, coordinating, compiling, and computing.

Mental Demands:

Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress.

POSITION WORKING DAYS

226 days

COMPENSATION

Based on the district's approved compensation plan.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.

Employee's Signature: _____ Supervisor's Name: __ __

Employee's ID: Supervisor's Signature: _____

Date: Date: ___