2023-2024 School Year

Anticipated/Pending Budget Approval

General Description:

The objective of the Chief of Staff is to manage the translation of the District’s educational philosophy, goals, and objectives into actions that directly benefit SPS students. The Chief of Staff assists the Superintendent of Schools substantially and effectively by providing leadership in developing, supporting, communicating, aligning, and maintaining the highest quality educational programs and services. The Chief of Staff reports to the Superintendent of Schools and develops a culture of collaboration between School Committee, municipal officials, District leadership, and community members in a manner that results in a shared vision and contributes to District success. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s degree in education;  Doctoral degree in education, management, or a related field, preferred;
• Minimum of five (5) years leadership experience in upper management, experience working directly with elected officials, superintendents, senior cabinet leaders, school board members, municipal management, non-profits and community representatives, strongly preferred. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience with system-wide improvement initiatives and education policy;
• Demonstrated facilitative leadership and problem solving;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to successfully create and manage stakeholder relationships;
• Excellent analytical skills; ability to utilize disaggregated data for monitoring student progress;
• Ability to effectively manage diversity;
• Experience with organizational leadership and direction in the administrative and educational functions of the District;  
• Current knowledge of, and adherence to, applicable provisions of federal, state, and district education laws, regulations and policy;
• Ability to contribute to the creation and support of District strategic planning and the development and management of District objectives;
• Knowledge, experience and ability to utilize administrative and instructional technology tools to enhance core functions and communications.

Responsibilities include:

• Advances and leads District-level strategic planning activities; builds and implements systems and structures for monitoring progress toward District goals;
• Advises and supports the Superintendent of Schools in creating and facilitating management structures for the purpose of supporting effective and efficient decision-making;
• Advises and supports the Superintendent for the purpose of organizing a timely response to emerging issues and strategic priorities;
• Serves as a key member of the Superintendent’s executive cabinet; coordinates agendas, facilitates meetings, and ensures follow-up as needed;
• Serves on critical response teams, including, but not limited to issues that relate to student safety, weather preparedness, etc.;
• Represents the Superintendent on committees and with District-related functions as needed;
• Serves as aide and liaison to the School Committee; Directs the flow of School Committee communications and dissemination of materials for School Committee meetings, events and retreats;
• Develops School Committee agendas with Superintendent and School Committee Chair;
• Attends Regular School Committee meetings as well as special meetings for Executive Session; Produces minutes for Executive meetings;
• Directs the responses to all formal School Committee member requests;
• Translates School Committee minutes into action items, assigns actions and communications as appropriate and necessary, and ensures follow-through to member motions;
• Organizes School Committee Schedule of Meetings in January of each year and updates new member information as needed;
• Supports the Subcommittees of the Somerville School Committee as needed;
• Acts as an advocate for the District and ensures that quality supports and services are provided;
• Serves as the “point person” for senior staff inquiries and concerns;
• Presents District information at meetings and conferences as directed by the Superintendent;
• Manages and coordinates the Superintendent’s annual evaluation;
• Leads the “By All Means” community cabinet and cross-functional work with municipal community partners;
• Manages special assignments on a short-term basis and provides effective intervention in complex situations; 
• Assists with matters related to legislation and intergovernmental relations, including communication with state and federal delegations;
• Convenes cross-department working groups as needed to effectively support large-scale projects;  
• Other appropriate duties as directed by the Superintendent of Schools and / or the Somerville School Committee.

Work Year:   Full Year - 260 DAYS (July-June)

Position Reports to:  Superintendent OF Somerville Public Schools

Somerville Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Somerville Public Schools actively seeks applicants with diverse backgrounds. Grade level and content licensure is required when applicable. Dual licensure including SPED, ESL, ELL, or bilingual licensure and/or proficiency in a language or languages other than English is preferred.