Job Description

Department: Catholic Schools

Status: Exempt, Full-Time

Under the leadership of the Managing director of Academic Excellence, the Academic Excellence Specialist contributes to the work of the Academic Excellence Team within Academic Affairs in the Department of Catholic Schools. With the direction of the designated director of Academic Excellence, the Academic Excellence Specialist implements educational initiatives in identified schools, supporting the rigorous selection of high-quality instructional programs, professional development opportunities, and other academic resources, and building sustainability and site ownership of the initiatives at the school level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Because all Archdiocesan employees represent the Roman Catholic Church, they are expected to conduct themselves according to the goals and mission of the Church in performing their work.

Specifically, the Academic Excellence Specialist is responsible for the implementation and direct work with school site personnel.

Teamwork

• Under the leadership of the Managing director of Academic Excellence, contributing to the development of a comprehensive transitional kindergarten through 12th grade (TK – 12) approach in Academic Excellence, including educational initiatives, school improvement programs, new teacher development, and new academic leader development.
• Participating in internal professional development to support ongoing learning and strong team culture to build capacity in Academic Excellence TK-12.
• Fostering a culture and practice of innovation and collaboration among the Academic Excellence Team TK – 12.
• Collaborating within Academic Excellence TK – 12 to deliver supports and develop resources.
• Engaging in a culture of collaboration between Academic Excellence, the broader Academic Affairs team, and other partners in the Department of Catholic Schools.
• Engaging in cycles of strategic planning, implementation, analysis, and evaluation of results to monitor and continually improve the academic program and its impact.

Program Development and Implementation

• Implementing the vision and goals of Academic Excellence with school sites, including defining what success looks like, establishing outcome-based goals, and planning and managing execution to meet those goals.
• Maintaining a strong collaboration with school site personnel to ensure improved student academic performance is a key outcome.
• Building the capacity of school site personnel to achieve program goals.
• Managing resources and ensuring delivery of program goals.
• Contributing to the development of a sustainability plan for educational initiatives and school improvement programs.
• Contributing to the research, content design, development, and delivery of best-in-class, relevant and engaging curriculum and session modules.
• Contributing to the strong execution of professional development sessions, measuring learning, and collecting and leveraging data to monitor effectiveness and continually improve programs.
• Contributing to the development and maintenance of relevant websites, social media platforms, and resource repositories.
• In collaboration with the director of Academic Excellence, contributing content and data for grant proposals and reports.
• Facilitating, leading, and attending training sessions.

Leadership

• Contributing to a strong team culture within Academic Excellence TK-12.
• Serving as an exemplar of professional values and servant leadership.
• Leading and serving with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Working with other team members as appropriate (across academics, leadership and faith formation, operations, and regionals) to ensure school success.
• Proactively seeking out, providing, and acting on feedback.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, typically:

• A graduate degree with an emphasis in education and/or administration.
• California Teaching Credential/California Administrative Credential.
• Active member of a Roman Catholic faith community.
• Experience facilitating around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
• Professional experience which includes at least five years of teaching experience in a TK-12 school operating organization.
• Experience in teamwork, collaboration, and adult learning preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Research and best practices in TK – 12 educations as related to student learning, adult learning, and leadership.

Skills in:

• Demonstrates curiosity, vulnerability, and humility.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with others internally and externally; intrinsic drive to create new systems and continuously improve existing processes.
• Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in using Microsoft products, Google products, and virtual communication platforms.

Ability to:

• Work both collaboratively and independently.
• Establish and maintain project deadlines.
• Travel to multiple campuses daily and work remotely where necessary.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Sit for sustained periods on a daily basis.
• Perform tasks requiring intermittent bending, stooping, and walking.
• Sustain frequent movement of the fingers, wrists, hands, and arms.