Assistant Superintendent of Operations

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

SUMMARY: The Assistant Superintendent for Operations is primarily responsible for coordinating the activities of the NWESD divisions: Teaching and Learning; Leadership; and, Finance and Compliance in the delivery of NWESD services, cooperative development, and operations. The position provides essential liaison between NWESD programs/departments, with local districts, state agencies, governance committees, and OSPI.  In addition, as Personnel Director, he/she advocates for the welfare of the NWESD and its employees to the extent practical and as is fiscally responsible. This position has direct supervisory responsibilities over all general operation functions and activities.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists the Superintendent and provides leadership for NWESD departments, programs, and cooperatives in the following areas; new cooperative formation, divisions, needs assessments, feasibility study/budget development, technical assistance, planning, implementation, and evaluation activities ensuring compliance with state policies and regulations. Assumes responsibility in ensuring that the goals and objectives are met and budget, legal, and policy requirements are satisfied.
• Directly supervises staff including scheduling, planning and initiating strategies for performance, assigning and directing the work, training, administering disciplinary measures, recommending salary adjustments to the Superintendent, formally reviewing performance, resolving complaints, and recommending the hiring and termination of staff.
• Assists the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning establish and maintain the Teaching and Learning Division school assistance program which will, upon the invitation of the LEA superintendent, provide school analysis and data-driven improvement planning.
• Directs and provides leadership for the activities of the Payroll/Personnel Office. Plans and administers an effective and efficient system of recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating personnel in NWESD.
• Develops and implements strategies for improving and maintaining positive communication and public relations with districts, OSPI, colleges/universities, ESDs, agencies, and professional organizations.
• Provides and/or facilitates administrative support, self-study, evaluation, and technical assistance to districts, staff and parents. Maintains a work schedule, which increases visibility in local districts.
• Anticipates significant changes in district needs, service opportunities, trends, regulations, and funding to allow the NWESD to be proactive and responsive to educational issues and local needs.
• Oversees the management of the clock hours program, including proposal approval, evaluation review, transcript preparation and storage.
• Oversees the functions of the Professional Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC), including needs assessment, grant process, evaluation, disbursement of monies, selection of grant recipients, and selection of Teacher of the Year.
• Oversees the NWESD record retention program.
• Uses computer technology to guide in-house uses and insights for school reform/improvement applications.
• Serves as the Title IX and EEOC Compliance officer.
• Coordinates and oversees NWESD risk management program.
• In partnership with the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Compliance and the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, provides liaison with state agencies, professional organizations and task forces. Represents the NWESD at professional meetings and conferences as appropriate. Assists with press relations/contacts, as requested by the Superintendent.
• Provides support and technical assistance to member districts in implementing state mandated programs.
• Keeps informed and interprets laws, regulations, rules, audit requirements and policies affecting the NWESD. Serves as a resource to facilitate planning, negotiation and compliance with contract and fiscal requirements for internal and external staff which requires close collaboration with the fiscal operation and monitoring by the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Compliance.
• In partnership with the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents for Finance & Compliance and Teaching & Learning, reviews, updates, and facilitates the mission and goals of the NWESD.
• Identifies and secures professional development opportunities for the NWESD. Coordinates a staff recognition program.
• Attends Board meetings and coordinates reports for the Board as requested by the Superintendent.
• May serve in the absence of the Superintendent and at his/her request, as the chief administrative officer of the NWESD.
• Proactively identifies and accesses resource opportunities through grant acquisition, cooperative agreements, and other methods to permit realization of the NWESD mission and purpose.

Supervisory:  This position has direct supervisory responsibilities over the Special Programs & Services Director, Technology Services Director, Behavioral Health and Prevention Services Director, Payroll/Personnel Administrator, Clock Hours Program, Resource Development Specialist, Administrative Assistant, and other positions as assigned by the Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree in Educational Administration or related field required. Doctorate is desirable. 3 – 5 years of successful teaching experience, 3 – 5 years of successful administrative experience as a school principal and/or experience as an assistant superintendent, superintendent, or similar central office position required. Successful experience implementing school reform efforts, strategic planning, and instructional assessment highly desired.  Human Resource/Personnel experience desirable. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.

 Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

•  The field of assignment sufficient to perform completely and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by example in this position description.
• Knowledge of implementation of Washington State Common Core Standards, Academic Learning Requirements and Assessment processes, and school reform planning.
• Knowledge of local district educational issues and challenges and demonstrated experience with such.
• Knowledge of various system models, research in the areas of organizational development, staff development, leadership, conflict resolution, facilitation/problem solving, supervision/evaluation, funding, needs assessments, and feasibility studies.
• Knowledge of school personnel and employment law and finance.
• Knowledge of NWESD budgeting processes and budget oversight. Skill in managing budgets, and reviewing and negotiating agreements and contracts.
• Knowledge of NWESD goals and objectives and an understanding of the various departments/components of an ESD.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local policies and procedures related to NWESD and district functions, as well as federal and state grant requirements.
• Ability to apply effective leadership and supervisory techniques. Knowledge of various models and research findings.
• Knowledge of effective teaching and training techniques and demonstrated use of such.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs and applications specific to the educational environment as well as skill in word processing, databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, interactive video equipment, audio-visual equipment, and web design and development.
• Knowledge of organizational development, task management, planning and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with the Superintendent, Directors’ Team, and the Board to address needs and NWESD direction.
• Ability to work effectively with OSPI, ESDs, LEAs, and other governing bodies for the benefit of education and local school districts.
• Ability to provide proactive visionary leadership to internal and field staff.
• Ability to create and promote a quality environment which fosters preplanning, creativity, professional growth, and self-esteem among employees.
• Ability to use computer technology to guide in-house users and insights for school reform applications.
• Skill in technical writing with effective outcomes.
• Ability to organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan ahead to meet future needs and goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Washington State teaching certificate preferred. Administrative credential preferred. Superintendent credential preferred. Valid Washington State driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed approximately 75% in an office environment and approximately 25% traveling to districts and affiliate agencies, as well as for workshops, committee representation, and conferences. Overnight stays are required. Lifts and carries a maximum of forty (40) pounds.  Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Potential hazards are present bases on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount. Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, and varied road conditions.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.