Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for PPS job applicants and this proof will be requested during the hiring process.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice. To learn more about Portland Public Schools, please visit the District website: here.

The Chief of Student Support Services reports to the Deputy Superintendent of Instruction & School Communities and is responsible for developing and implementing student, family, and community supports that will enable all of our students to be fully engaged and successful. This position provides leadership, supervision, and guidance to departments within the Student Support Services Division, including full spectrum of Special Education, Student Services and Wellness, School Climate and Discipline, Family and Community Partnerships, Translation and Interpretation Services, Athletics, and others. The successful leader will support youth and families by creating a foundational capacity of services to address student needs. The individual also will work closely with other district leaders to engage and communicate with all major stakeholders, including students, teachers, families, community members, business and civic leaders, and other interested parties to ensure that PPS keeps its promises to students and families, to engage high achievement and joyful learners, and to make equity a reality.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Lead the District in developing measurable goals for student and family services; review baseline and progression data to identify and implement strategies for improvement; ensure instructional strategies and systems which monitor student progress; regularly assess and refine strategies which eliminate the effects of institutional racism.
• Develop systems and support administrators to ensure school communities are able to identify and cultivate student strengths, and provide students increased individualized support programs and services that will assist their social and emotional development.
• Provide support and promote multiple opportunities for our struggling learners to increase their self-esteem, self-efficacy, and effort optimism to achieve success both in academics and in life.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to create safe schools by ensuring that school communities are free of bullying and violence; including but not limited to offering school-wide health awareness events, professional development, effective strategies and programs aimed to address incidents of bullying.
• Facilitate strengthening the linkage between parental involvement, support, communication, and school success for students by providing families with access to valuable educational resources.
• Enhance and/or develop strategies, priorities, goals and ongoing operations for the delivery of student and family support services that offers educational options focused on student learning and social needs.
• Collaborate with central office departments and school site leaders to develop, implement, and regularly evaluate the improvement and redesign of services offered to students and families.
• Collaborate with Communications Department and various media organizations to promote and market community and parent awareness of academic programs, initiatives, and opportunities for students and parents in support of the District’s strategic plan, goals, and objectives.
• Direct and partner with schools, parents, and community-based agencies, as appropriate, to meet the needs of students and meet District’s initiatives related to student support and family services.
• Support the implementation of Restorative Practices to promote positive, relationship-based communities that foster students’ sense of belonging, positive responsibility, and accountability to community. Build staff capacity to utilize fair process, restorative conferencing, and alternatives to suspension and expulsion consistently and to keep students in school and engaged in learning.
• Oversee the collection of data and assess student, family, school, and community needs, assets, and resources for student success. Provide data for reports used to monitor parent engagement and evaluate the performance indicators.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master Degree in Education or related field required.
• Current Oregon Administrative license issued by Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) or the ability to obtain one.
• 10+ years of experience in school system leadership, as a senior district or school administrator.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with families and community groups in building a strong community partnerships.
• Demonstrated experience in administering student support and family services programs in conformity with strategies, budget constraints, and established practices.
• Experience working in a richly diverse school community and environment; bilingual or multilingual skills are highly desirable. Understanding and sensitivity to the needs of cultural and ethnic groups and individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to collaborate with appropriate district and school-based administrators in developing quality instructional programs that improve academic outcomes in diverse communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public school laws and policies as they relate to the delivery of student support and family services.
• Ability to build consensus and resolve conflict; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.
• Demonstrated ability to skillfully navigate existing political structures/systems.
• Skilled at re-envisioning, building and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person’s skills and contributions to team effort.
• Exceptional communication ability, both written and oral.
• Ability to listen and accept feedback constructively.
• Unwavering personal integrity.
• Ability to lead in a fast paced, demanding, constantly changing environment.

CLASSIFICATION & SALARY:

This position is classified as Chief, Pay Grade SL200, on the Senior Leadership Salary Schedule FLSA Exempt. The Senior Leadership Salary Schedule for 260 day employees can be found here.

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For more information please visit our Benefits site at http://www.pps.net/Page/1635