Description
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Director of Academics FLSA STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Chief of Academics PAY GRADE: ADM 09
LOCATION: Education Support Services DAYS: 228
JOB ID & DATE: ADM-59 | April, 2025
JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY
The Director of Academics leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-impact instructional strategies across the district to improve student achievement. This role ensures rigorous academic programming, alignment to standards, and equitable access to high-quality instruction. The Director will oversee curriculum, assessment, and instructional initiatives that foster continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
REQUIREMENTS
Education Level Details
Master's degree in education, public administration, social work, or related field.
License / Certification Required
Valid Colorado driver’s license
Relevant teaching certification
Colorado Administrative certification
Work Experience Required
Minimum of 5 years of school or district-level leadership experience
Demonstrated success in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and professional learning
Experience in diverse and multilingual school communities
Technical Skills, Knowledge Abilities Required
Deep understanding of Colorado Academic Standards and instructional frameworks
Expertise in curriculum design, instructional best practices, and assessment literacy
Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), differentiation, and inclusive education
Ability to lead and support PLCs, data teams, and collaborative planning structures
Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to inform decision-making
Experience designing and leading professional development across varied audiences
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to lead change, build consensus, and foster collaboration
Knowledge of program evaluation, accountability systems, and continuous improvement cycles
KEY FUNCTIONS, ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Academic Strategy & Instructional Leadership
- Lead the district’s academic vision, ensuring alignment to strategic priorities and equity goals
- Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems
- Establish district wide instructional expectations and support continuous improvement in instructional practices
- Supervise and support district instructional coaches, TOSAs, and academic specialists
- Collaborate with school leaders to ensure effective instructional leadership and capacity building
- Guide the development and monitoring of academic goals in school improvement plans
- Ensure vertical and horizontal alignment of curriculum and instructional materials
Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Oversight
- Direct the adoption and implementation of high-quality instructional resources and assessments
- Oversee the design of formative, interim, and summative assessment systems that support student growth
- Support gifted and talented programming, advanced coursework, and intervention systems
- Provide guidance on integration of culturally and linguistically responsive instructional practices
- Manage curriculum audits and academic program evaluations to improve instructional coherence
Professional Learning and Educator Support
- Design and deliver professional learning on curriculum, instruction, assessment, and instructional leadership
- Support principals and instructional leadership teams in coaching, observation, and feedback cycles
- Facilitate learning communities across schools to share best practices and promote continuous learning
- Support educator development in data-driven instruction and effective use of instructional time
Data-Informed Decision Making
- Analyze district and school-level academic performance data to guide improvement efforts
- Develop systems for monitoring instructional effectiveness and student achievement
- Support schools in using data to differentiate instruction and close opportunity gaps
- Report progress to the Chief Academic Officer and Board of Education as needed
Collaboration and Alignment
- Collaborate with departments including CLDE, Special Education, Assessment, and MTSS to ensure instructional alignment and supports
- Partner with family engagement and community teams to support academic success for all students
- Serve as a liaison to external agencies related to instructional programs and curriculum
Compliance and Reporting
- Ensure compliance with state and federal mandates related to curriculum and instruction
- Support preparation of state-required reports, accreditation documentation, and grant deliverables
- Maintain accurate records of instructional materials, professional development, and program implementation
Other Duties
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructional Coaches, TOSAs, Academic Specialists, Coordinators
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands, work environment factors and mental functions described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work primarily in a usual office or school environment. The position may require the employee to work some evenings and weekends. The individual must be able to work remotely in the event of a district shut-down or other situation.
Mental Functions: May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain control under stress While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate, compare, analyze, coordinate, instruct, evaluate, and use interpersonal skills. Occasionally required to compile, copy, compute and negotiate.