Job Description

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT:

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 22% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

The Deputy Chief of Student Support Services answers directly to the Syracuse City School District Chief of Student Support Services. The Deputy Chief helps oversee the work of the Student Support Services department, and together they are responsible for the planning, development, organization, management implementation and supervision of all aspects of student support programs, Special Education, Multilingual and Cultural Education, Adult Education, Mental Health, Restorative Discipline, Diversity, Equity and Belonging, and Special Programs, and initiatives of the district in accordance with Board of Education policies and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

WHO WE WANT:

Successful SCSD employees are passionately committed to urban education and all in for Syracuse students. They:

• Believe strongly that all students can learn at high levels;

• Demonstrate commitment to serving urban students, schools or communities, and to closing the achievement gap;

• Demonstrate willingness to put the interests of students above all others;

• Actively contribute to a culture of high expectations in schools and the district;

• Adapt seamlessly to the complexities of the urban school environment; and

• Follow current trends in education policy and research.
  

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Reporting to the Chief of Student Support Services, the Deputy Chief will:

• Assist the Chief with ensuring the supervision and evaluation of student support services staff, including the Directors within Student Support Services, Directors within Student Support Services, Coordinators within Student Support Services, counselors, social workers, school psychologists and related services.

• Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding student support services.

• Ensure coordination and facilitation of cooperative efforts between the school district and various community agencies.

• Helps oversee the administration of the student office of restorative discipline office and coordinate academic and behavioral supports for all students out of school due to disciplinary outcomes.

• Oversee and support initiatives related to diversity, equity and belonging in collaboration with the DEB department.

• Oversee the recruitment and training of student support personnel in collaboration with the Chief and Directors of Student Support Services.

• Plan, administer and control budgets, maintain financial records and produce financial reports with the Chief of Student Support Services.

• Helps set a vision for the Student Support Services team and ensure that the vision is carried out.

• Support Special Education, Multilingual and Cultural Education, and Adult Education Programming in SCSD.

• Collaborate with Special Programs to support grant-funded projects and initiatives that advance opportunities for students and staff in SCSD.

• Support Ombuds and DASA investigations and work to improve climate and culture for students.

POSITION HOURS:

• This is a 12-month administrative position.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• NYS School District Leader (SDL) or School District Administrator (SDA) Certification.

• Master's degree in mathematics education or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in school and district leadership.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in education.
  

SALARY/SALARY RANGE:

• Competitive salary and benefits within the range of $178,448-$188,181 (2025-2026). Refer to the District’s Unit 3 Benefits Handbook for Unrepresented Administrators for additional information.

This position is a supervisory Superintendent’s appointment. As such, it is not a probationary appointment and may be terminated at any time. The selected candidate will knowingly waive rights under New York Education Law or Civil Service Law to a permanent appointment or to Section 75 rights under Civil Service Law. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the district’s hiring requirements, including fingerprinting clearances.