Executive Director of Innovation Schools

Executive Summary

The Executive Director of Innovation Schools (EDIS) will serve as the chief architect and steward of Springfield Innovation Schools, ensuring that the schools maintain high performance, deep community alignment, and sustainable innovation anchored in the values of equity, excellence, and empowerment.

Position Overview

The EDIS will be responsible for the leadership, oversight, and performance of all Springfield Innovation Schools. This role ensures that the schools operate with the autonomy necessary to thrive while aligning with Springfield Public Schools (SPS) goals. The EDIS will manage relationships with school leaders, community stakeholders and district leadership and lead strategic planning, performance accountability, resource allocation, and operational coordination in support of student success.

• Lead the successful transition from Springfield Empowerment Zone (SEZP) to Springfield Innovation Schools.
• Serve as the primary representative and decision‑maker for Springfield Innovation Schools, accountable to SPS and the Springfield School Committee.
• Implement and uphold all terms of the collective bargaining agreement, assuming the roles formerly assigned to the SEZP board.
• Maintain and evolve a continuous improvement model across all SIS campuses, centered on data‑driven planning, reflection, and innovation.

• Oversee the development, review, and approval of annual school plans and campus‑specific goals.
• Monitor school progress toward goals; report results to SPS and the Springfield School Committee.
• Evaluate school leadership performance and make recommendations regarding leadership assignments, hiring, and contract renewal.

• Collaborate with SPS to develop and manage per‑pupil funding models and ensure timely submission of operating budgets.
• Oversee the allocation of resources and purchase of discretionary and non‑discretionary services from SPS.
• Ensure the financial sustainability of SIS and compliance with all applicable laws and policies.

• Recruit, evaluate, and retain exceptional school leaders in collaboration with SPS.
• Approve and coordinate staffing assignments in partnership with SPS HR, ensuring that Innovation School staff are placed with the consent of SPIS.
• Uphold and expand upon teacher voice and leadership through structures such as Teacher Leadership Teams (TLTs).

• Foster strong family and community partnerships that support student success.
• Coordinate with SPS on student recruitment, enrollment, transportation, facilities, and district‑wide programming.
• Represent SIS in district, city, and state forums as a visionary leader of school innovation.

• Master’s degree in education or related educational field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten years’ experience in education, including teaching, school building and central office administrative experience; or any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Minimum seven years experience as an administrator in urban public education.
• Must possess MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Administrative Licensure.
• Demonstrated ability to improve teaching and learning evidenced by data.
• Proven track record of school, district, or system‑level leadership focused on equity and academic excellence.
• Deep understanding of innovative school models, autonomy‑driven strategies, and urban education landscapes.
• Experience working with labor agreements, budgeting, performance evaluation, and strategic planning.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship‑building skills across diverse communities.

• Familiarity with Springfield Public Schools and/or Massachusetts public education law and policy.

• Visionary Leadership
• Systems Thinking
• Strategic Planning and Execution
• Collaboration and Influence
• Accountability for Results
• Cultural Competence and Equity Mindset
• Strong Decision‑Making in Complex Contexts

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