Executive Director of Academic Services and Innovation

The Executive Director of Academic Services and Innovation provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all aspects of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and academic programming within the school district. The position is responsible for advancing teaching and learning practices that improve student achievement and ensure alignment with the standards and requirements established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina State Board of Education.

The Executive Director of Academic Services and Innovation supervises multiple academic departments and instructional programs while supporting principals, instructional leaders, and teachers in implementing high-quality instructional practices, data-driven decision-making, and continuous school improvement initiatives.

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Provides leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the district's instructional vision and academic strategic plan.
• Leads district efforts to improve student achievement, instructional effectiveness, and educational outcomes for all student groups.
• Coordinates long-range planning related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, intervention services, and instructional innovation.
• Ensures district compliance with federal, state, and local instructional requirements and accountability measures.
• Supports continuous improvement planning at both the district and school levels.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Leads the development, revision, implementation, and evaluation of district curriculum aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
• Ensures instructional programs are rigorous, research-based, equitable, and aligned with state and federal requirements.
• Monitors curriculum implementation and instructional fidelity across schools.
• Facilitates the adoption of instructional resources, curriculum mapping, pacing guides, and instructional frameworks.
• Supports the integration of technology and digital learning into instructional practices.
• Leads and analyzes student performance data to identify trends, instructional needs, and opportunities for improvement.
• Supports schools in using academic data to drive instructional decision-making and intervention planning.
• Monitors progress toward district academic goals and accountability indicators.
• Prepares reports and presentations related to academic performance and instructional initiatives.
• Leads instructional improvement efforts in all content areas including:
• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Exceptional Children Services
• English Learner Programs
• Digital Teaching and Learning
• Arts Education
• Health and Physical Education
• Advanced Coursework and Academic Enrichment

Teaching and Learning

• Promotes high-quality teaching and evidence-based instructional practices district-wide.
• Supports principals and instructional leaders in evaluating and improving classroom instruction.
• Oversees instructional coaching and professional learning systems designed to improve teacher effectiveness.
• Coordinates district-wide professional development aligned to instructional goals and educator needs.
• Leads initiatives related to:
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
• Differentiated instruction
• Student engagement
• Personalized learning
• Academic interventions
• Literacy improvement
• Data-informed instruction
• College and career readiness
• Facilitates collaboration among schools, departments, and instructional teams to improve student outcomes.

Departmental Oversight and Supervision

• Supervises directors, coordinators, instructional coaches, and other academic personnel assigned to curriculum and instructional departments, including special education.
• Ensure alignment of instructional goals and district priorities
• Develops and monitors departmental budgets and instructional expenditures.

School and Community Collaboration

• Collaborates with principals to support effective instructional leadership and school improvement efforts.
• Maintains productive relationships with teachers, staff, parents, higher education institutions, and community partners.
• Represents the district in meetings, conferences, and professional organizations related to curriculum and instruction.
• Communicates instructional initiatives and academic expectations to stakeholders.

Policy and Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal laws, state laws, State Board policies, and local board policies related to curriculum and instruction.
• Assists in the development and implementation of board policies and administrative procedures related to academics and instruction.
• Maintains current knowledge of educational trends, legislation, and best practices affecting public education.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of curriculum development, instructional design, assessment systems, and educational best practices.
• Strong understanding of North Carolina public school laws, accountability systems, and instructional standards.
• Knowledge of school improvement planning and instructional leadership practices.
• Ability to analyze and interpret student achievement and assessment data.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead large-scale instructional initiatives and manage multiple departments effectively.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with administrators, teachers, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement and organizational change.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, or related field required.
• North Carolina Administrator License required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful school administration or district-level leadership experience.
• Experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, professional development, and school improvement required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership or related field preferred.
• Central office leadership experience preferred.
• Experience supervising multiple academic programs or departments preferred.
• Experience with strategic planning, assessment systems, and instructional coaching preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Requires the ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Requires the ability to travel between school sites and district locations.
• Requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer use.
• Must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Terms of Employment and Compensation

• 12-month Exempt Position
• Salary in accordance with the NC State Salary Schedule aligned with School Administrators III up to School Administrators VII classification depending on experience and education level.