Position: Director of Professional Learning & Leadership

Office of Academics & Schools

Cambridge is a vibrant, diverse city and a central hub and driver of the nation’s innovation economy. Home of the renowned educational institutions of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge is also the center of an impressive array of biotechnology, science, and information technology companies.

Educating about 8,000 students JK-12, the Cambridge Public Schools includes award-winning faculty, cutting edge technology, and innovative programs. While each of our public schools is unique, they are joined in a shared vision of rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning plus personalized support for every student. Over 30% of CPS students speak a language other than English at home, and over 65 languages are spoken by our families. Among the most common are Spanish, Haitian Creole, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, and Portuguese. Our schools proudly embrace this diversity.

The Role:

The Director of Professional Learning & Leadership (DPLL) will lead all aspects of professional learning for Cambridge Public Schools. The primary charge for this position is to design, deliver, and promote high quality professional learning systems that will increase the professional capacity of educators and result in improved student achievement outcomes. The (DPLL) will be responsible for communicating the district’s vision and organizational expectations for students, teachers, and administrators. The (DPLL) will also play an integral role in cultivating and developing the professional capacity of novice and experienced teachers by working collaboratively with district departments in the development and implementation of a comprehensive leadership development program for current and aspiring leaders that is rooted in data, equitable and culturally responsive teaching, and cross-team collaboration. In addition to understanding research-based professional development standards and effective presentation models, the Director of Professional Learning & Leadership will demonstrate knowledge of skills and strategies necessary to meet the diverse needs of adult learners. Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) is seeking a candidate who is passionately committed to ensuring that all CPS students receive an equitable, high-quality education. The ideal candidate must possess the following:

• Strong belief that all students can learn at high levels
• Ability to put the interests of students first
• Commitment to equitably serving all students, schools, and communities in addressing achievement gaps
• Skills to actively contribute to a culture of high expectations in schools and within the district
• Ability to adapt seamlessly to the complexities of the K-12 school environment
• Knowledge of current trends in educational policy and research

Essential Duties:

(This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, however it is intended to reflect the primary job role and requirements accurately.)

Reporting to the Chief Academic and Schools, the Director of Professional Learning & Leadership is able to perform the following competencies at a minimum:

• Develop, implement, and monitor district-wide management system for professional learning
• Develop and implement a system to organize, maintain, support, and monitor district-wide professional learning communities focused on building the capacity of school leaders to promote standards-driven instructional processes and professional growth within professional learning communities
• Collaborate with colleagues to design supports (e.g., training, programs, materials, etc.) for the purpose of implementing professional development program activities that address training needs of the District and include a variety of delivery modalities (formal structured workshops and digital platforms)
• Develop long and short-term professional learning plans/programs for the purpose of ensuring that district resources are effectively utilized by collaborating closely with the Division of Academics and Schools and other district departments to develop and implement professional learning initiatives that include new teacher development , all teacher trainings, and school based professional development
• Coordinate with district personnel (e.g., district and building administrators, and various committees, etc.) for the purpose of serving as a liaison and a resource in identifying training needs and/or coordinating professional development services within the district
• Collaborate with the Human Resources Department, the Division of Academics and Schools, and other district departments to develop and implement staff professional growth plans, performance appraisals, and a comprehensive induction program for new teachers
• Design and facilitate emerging leaders’ professional development program model that supports the identification and development of emerging leaders
• Facilitate school and district planning sessions as requested (e.g., site improvement plans, strategic planning, goal setting, etc.) for the purpose of designing professional learning plans that meet district objectives and ensure the availability of professional development programs
• Monitor professional development services (e.g., consultants, course outcomes, staff training, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that performance outcomes are achieved within budget, department, and district objectives, and make timely modifications as appropriate
• Identify and show connections between professional development and a change in practice by building and/or deepening the knowledge of school leaders on how to progress monitor results/efforts, conduct observations, and provide feedback and reflection opportunities
• Analyze and use data to identify professional development needs and to progress monitor, evaluate, communicate results on program effectiveness and goal progress and attainment
• Establish communication systems to keep stakeholders regularly informed of professional development goals, plans, activities, and overall progress of the district’s professional learning program
• Participate in the development of the district’s school-year calendar to ensure adequate time allocation for designated professional learning and alignment to collective bargaining agreement.
• Establish productive, collaborative working relationships with school and district staff
• Maintain contact with other school districts, governmental agencies, and professional management associations to keep abreast of laws, regulations, statutes, policies, current research, and best practices related to developing human capital, district leadership, and staff development
• Stay abreast of a variety of information and research (e.g., courses, materials, training consultants, techniques, etc.) for the purpose of developing new and innovative districtwide effective, high quality professional development activities and opportunities
• Identify best practices, disseminate related information, and facilitate discussion forums related to relevant research and best practices
• Participate in activities and serve as a member of school advisory, business, and community groups; serve on committees, councils, and community partnerships to support the district’s vision, mission, goals and strategic initiatives when requested
• Perform all duties as assigned by Chief of Academics and Schools and/or Superintendent

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or higher from an accredited educational institution
• Training and/or experience in staff development, leadership development, instructional design, adult learning theory, and school improvement
• Previous experience in coaching both teachers and school leaders (principals and assistant principals) towards specific success criteria
• Five (5) years teaching experience
• Five (5) years site/district administrator experience

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Valid Massachusetts Administrator License (Assistant Principal/Principal, Assistant Superintendent/Superintendent and/or Supervisor/Director)

Abilities:

Adaptability skills are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to engage in continuous learning to develop new skills in order to meet evolving job role requirements. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include the ability to: plan and manage projects; use pertinent software applications; utilize efficient written and oral communications; demonstrate effective interpersonal skills; conduct presentations before an audience; and prepare and manage budgets. Additional professional abilities include:

• Knowledge of professional development as it applies to both teaching and learning, and leading professional learning communities
• Ability to assist school level instructional leadership teams with crafting and shaping a vision for academic success for all students
• Ability to support the development of school leaders as reflective practitioners
• Knowledge and understanding of the developmental arcs of both novice and veteran teachers who are building personalized learning environments with identifying requisite learning milestones
• Knowledge of current trends in curriculum, teaching methods and strategies; best practices in school improvement, leadership development; adult learning theory, and professional development; planning and project management; and collaboration, coordination, and facilitation of work groups
• Ability to interpret, analyze and format data into effective displays and visuals
• Ability to read and interpret journals, articles, and research studies to impact professional learning
• Knowledge of group dynamics and ability to apply knowledge to effectively lead groups
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences orally and in writing, including electronic media
• Outstanding written, speaking, and organizational skills for the purpose of communicating with a broad range of stakeholders
• Ability to employ effective coaching and facilitation skills with leading school teams in planning for and responding to learning needs across content areas
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and facilitate a group consensus when needed
• Experience in and/or commitment to public education, social justice, efficacy, and equity
• Ability to bend and lift objects up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, time-sensitive work environment

Cambridge Public Schools is committed to slowing and/or stopping the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as a condition of employment with Cambridge Public Schools, all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no later than their first day of work. Written requests for either a religious exemption from this requirement based on sincerely held religious beliefs, or for a medical exemption based upon clear documentation from a medical provider should be submitted to the attention of the Chief Talent Officer.

Terms of Employment: 12 months, 40 Hours per week

Salary: $139,732.05 - $ 156,499.90, commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with a generous benefits package.

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.