Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves and where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas. Educational Vision of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Our educational vision describes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) aspiration for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This vision is anchored in our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning in the Commonwealth. We will continue to work with districts, schools, and educators to promote teaching and learning that is antiracist, inclusive, multilingual, and multicultural; that values and affirms each and every student and their families; and that creates equitable opportunities and experiences for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved. For more information on our vision, click here. * * The Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond will report to Deputy Commissioner, Lauren Woo and will directly supervise three offices: College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE), the Office of Early College (OEC), and Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS). Together, these offices oversee 36 FTEs. The role will be to coordinate efforts across these three offices so that the Department provides coherent and consistent supports for secondary students and adult learners throughout the Commonwealth. One key component of both the Secretariat and the Department's vision is around reimagining the high school experience and supporting all students in pursuing meaningful postsecondary opportunities. The Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond will play a key role in developing a comprehensive strategy to meet this goal, including the development of policy, oversight of programming, and seeding innovative new ideas. Additionally, the Senior Associate Commissioner for Secondary Schools and Beyond will be responsible for the implementation of the Commonwealth statewide graduation framework, as recommended by the Statewide Graduation Council. The framework consists of seven elements focused on helping students build a strong academic foundation, demonstrate mastery of course content, show their creativity and develop real-world problem-solving skills. The Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond will organize twice weekly coordination meetings of the directors and assistant directors of those teams, monthly data review meetings with the leaders of CCTE, EC and ACLS, and quarterly all staff meetings.? The Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond will also be responsible for the Department's relationship with the Early College Joint Committee (ECJC) and the quarterly meetings as well as managing the relationship with the Executive Office of Education (EOE) and the Department of Higher Education (DHE). Finally, the Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond will be responsible for directing specific inter- and intraoffice initiatives that require a high level of oversight and coordination. Key Job Responsibilities: · Supervise the office of College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE), the Office of Early College (OEC), and Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS) -- 36 FTEs · Provide oversight and direction on all secondary and postsecondary policy and programming across the agency including coordination across offices within DESE who support secondary schools(e.g., Statewide System of Support (SSoS), Office for Strategic Transformation (OST), Center for Instructional Support (CIS), etc.) and within the Department of Higher Education on the policy development and implementation of secondary school pathways, including leading the implementation of the Statewide Graduation Council graduation standards. · Plan and facilitate twice weekly coordination meetings, quarterly all staff meetings, and monthly data review meetings. Meeting regularly with the Executive Office of Education, Department of Higher Education, and inter-office within DESE to implement the vision for secondary pathways. · Represent DESE and the Commissioner on all matters secondary school related by communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders, as well as attending policy and legislative conferences. · Support the coordination and development of policy related to key governmental agencies and bodies, including the Board of Higher Education, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Early College Joint Committee (ECJC), and the Statewide Graduation Council, among others. · Other duties, as assigned by the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner (e.g. responding to constituents, presenting at Board meetings, etc.) · Ensure that supervised staff, staff elsewhere in the Department, and outside stakeholder groups are communicating effectively and working together in a productive, collegial relationship. · Represent DESE at meetings with external groups as needed. · Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth may be required. The position will report to the Everett office 5 days/week. Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O'Brien @ maureen.t.o'[email protected] Preferred Qualifications: · Thorough understanding of public policy and educational practice at the district and state level; · Experience and demonstrated knowledge of secondary school programming; · Ability to articulate a clear vision of high-quality education for secondary schools; · Experience in implementing state and federal laws and program standards; · Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively establish dialogue with all stakeholder groups; and, · Experience and background in a leadership position in school or district or educational organization. · 5-10 years of experience with senior level leadership in an educational setting; · Extensive experience in education policy development and program implementation; · 5-10 years of experience in supervising professional education-related staff. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) eight (8) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least five (5) years must have been in a managerial capacity. _Comprehensive Benefits_ When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Education* *Organization: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education *Title: *Senior Associate Commissioner of Secondary Schools and Beyond Location: Massachusetts-Everett- 135 Santilli Highway Requisition ID: 250007RX