Director of Assessment Research and Accountability

An opportunity to Inspire, Challenge, and Empower!

Posting Information: This position will be open until filled. For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply by July 3rd, 2026.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: Central Office

Schedule: 260 days per year; 8 hours a day; M-F; Hybrid work schedule available

Salary: $133,564 - $151,983 annually, depending on experience

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefits: 12 sick leave days; 2 personal leave days; 5 bereavement leave days (per occurence); 25 vacation days; 13 paid holidays; ability to cash out up to 5 vacation days per year; health insurance benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS); other fringe benefits as allowed under School Board Policies and Procedures.

Job Summary:

The Director of Assessment, Data, and Accountability provides strategic leadership for the district's comprehensive assessment and student data systems in support of Shelton School District's Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plans. This position is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of district assessment programs, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and effective use of student achievement data to improve instructional practices and student outcomes.

The Director oversees the administration of state and local assessments, including NWEA MAP, SBA, WIDA, WA-AIM, WaKIDS, DIBELS, dyslexia screening (RAN/RAS), CogAT, and Fountas & Pinnell running records, while ensuring timely and accurate state and federal reporting. The Director leads the development of the district assessment calendar, monitors assessment systems and academic progress, and partners with district and building leaders to leverage data for continuous improvement and informed decision-making.

In addition, the Director provides leadership for the district's Student Information System (SIS), ensuring the accuracy, integrity, security, and effective management of student records. Working collaboratively across departments, the Director ensures alignment between assessment, instructional, attendance, discipline, and compliance data while maintaining compliance with state and federal reporting requirements. This position requires exceptional leadership, analytical expertise, and collaboration to build effective systems that support student achievement and organizational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher with specialization related to data, assessment, measurement, research, and/or education
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in managing, analyzing, and presenting data
• Ability to collaborate with district staff in multiple departments, including Technology, Teaching & Learning, Financial Services, Human Resources, and the Superintendent's office
• Ability to design custom digital platforms for data management and analysis based on district data and assessment suite (Preferred)
• Ability to utilize AI systems to perform complex data analysis, summarize findings, and develop effective communication about potential implications to share with district administrators (Preferred)
• Ability to pass a Federal Criminal Background Check
• Ability to effectively and efficiently perform work in a fast-paced environment with competing demands through organization, attention to detail, and prioritization
• Ability to remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations
• Exceptional skills in technology including the use of Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, and Excel and the ability to learn new technology
• Possession of excellent communication skills including active listening, two-way communication, and the use of the appropriate communication channels
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and develop staff, including setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth
• Ability to build trust and credibility with administrators, principals, and department leaders through responsive, solutions-oriented support
• Successful experience facilitating cross-functional leadership to develop, implement, and align assessment, data, and information systems to support organizational goals and priorities
• Skill in leading through change, including implementing new processes, systems, or compliance requirements with clarity and consistency
• Ability to analyze complex assessment, data, and organizational issues and guide teams toward effective, data-informed decisions that improve student outcomes
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion
• Demonstrated ability to promote accountability while maintaining a positive and collaborative team culture
• Experience delegating work effectively, monitoring progress, and ensuring high-quality outcomes
• Ability to communicate assessment and data information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including school and district leadership
• Commitment to continuous improvement, including identifying inefficiencies and leading efforts to streamline systems and processes
• Ability to identify and analyze data to make decisions
• Ability to maintain an upbeat, positive, and collaborative demeanor
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and tact in all aspects of employment
• Ability to incorporate lightheartedness and humor into the workplace
• Ability to grow in interpersonal and technical skills with the held belief of being a lifelong learner
• Ability to admit faults, learn from mistakes, and take calculated risks
• Ability to serve as a think-partner and use critical thinking skills to perform tasks and make decisions
• Ability to apply policies, procedures, statutes, and regulations accurately
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations

Essential Functions:

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive K - 12 assessment system to gather ongoing formative data that supports standards-aligned curriculum development.
• Ensure the accuracy, accessibility, and timely availability of data derived from district-wide assessments for educators, administrators, and external reporting entities.
• Ensure the timely, accurate, and compliant collection, validation, analysis, and submission of all required state and federal data and reports, including grant applications, accountability measures, and other mandated reporting requirements. Monitor changes in reporting requirements and implement processes to maintain compliance and data integrity.
• Direct the planning, coordination, and administration of all district-wide assessments, including, but not limited to: MAP, SBA, WIDA, WaAIM, WaKIDS, DIBELS, COGAT, and Fountas and Pinnell running records.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, reporting, accessibility, and security of district assessment data to support instructional decision-making, state and federal reporting, and organizational accountability.
• Utilizes data-driven insights to facilitate continuous improvement efforts to ensure the efficient execution of the district's operational functions.
• Ensures the accuracy and availability of data from district-wide assessments for all stakeholders who need the data for decision-making, while ensuring that data confidentiality regulations are followed.
• Monitors and stays up to date with emerging statewide and national assessment and data analysis trends, research, and best practices in educational assessment, accountability, data governance, and data analysis to inform district practices.
• Collaborate with the Teaching and Learning Department to develop and deliver professional learning on assessment administration, data literacy, and the interpretation and application of assessment results.
• Develop and maintain systems to monitor, analyze, and report progress toward district strategic goals and accountability benchmarks.
• Partners with the Teaching and Learning department to create the district assessment calendar.
• Oversees integration and management of student data within the district's Student Information System (SIS), ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of student records.
• Partners with schools and district administrators to analyze multiple measures to inform instructional decisions and improvements to educational services that support growth on the district's strategic plan and school improvement plans.
• Provide leadership for district data governance, including data quality, security, privacy, and compliance with FERPA and state reporting requirements.
• Prepare and present assessment and accountability reports to the Superintendent, Cabinet, School Board, and other stakeholder groups.
• Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Directors of Teaching and Learning or the Superintendent.
• Continues to develop interpersonal and technical skills through professional development and reflection
• Attends meetings and trainings as appropriate or directed
• Other duties as assigned.