The RISD Director prospectus and leader profile can be found here: https://innivee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RISD-Director-Search-Prospectus-LeaderProfile.pdf. It includes information for potential applicants for the position, including an overview of the school, the leadership characteristics and capabilities of the ideal candidate, and a description of the required qualifications and job duties.
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GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Director is responsible for designing, implementing, leading, and managing the strategic goals and objectives of the Rhode Island School for the Deaf as established by the Board of Trustees.
LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT and COLLABORATION:
The functions of leadership, management, and collaboration are to be integrated to achieve both product and process objectives. Teamwork and mutually supportive methods are ascribed as successful outcomes necessary for providing high-quality service and achieving high-performance standards. Work must be conducted in ways that include and involve those who have a stake in the outcome, most specifically the students of the RISD, and must ensure that issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion are addressed in a comprehensive fashion.
The Director of the RISD must possess an uncompromising belief in the capacity of all children to learn to high levels and be successful and in the power of a school leader to provide the conditions that make that possible. Must be an advocate for students and schools and demonstrate a positive commitment to the role of the RIDE as an advocate for all children, but most specifically, students attending the RISD.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works in cooperation with colleagues with considerable latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgment; work is reviewed upon completion of results obtained and on the collaborative process used in achieving results. The Director is subject to an annual performance assessment conducted by the Board of Trustees.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Facilitates, directs, coordinates, and assesses the work of professional, internal and external technical and support staff. Participates in the RI model of educator evaluation. Work is reviewed in process, as necessary, and upon completion for achieving desired results, as are collaborative processes used in achieving results.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
-Develop strategic processes to ensure alignment with state standards, assessments, and structures for accountability to ensure high-quality instructional delivery to all students; identify goals, objectives and activities for relevant and developmentally appropriate instructional programs.
-Coordinate statewide initiatives and programs, including Compass Outreach and the statewide audiology program.
-Collaborate with Board Chairperson to enable the Board to achieve excellence in its governance.
-Promote and facilitate effective working partnerships between the Board, RIDE, school districts, Alumni, RI-EHDI, RICDHH, and the school community.
-Ensure the quality and delivery of programs offered at and by the RISD, including community-based programs and outreach that provide services to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community.
-Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate all staff; review and update position descriptions as needed; supervise, manage and oversee administrative and operational support staff.
-Identify standards for performance and work collaboratively with appropriate staff to set, implement and meet performance goals.
-Actively promote the RISD, its mission, programs and services with a strong, positive image to all stakeholders.
-Actively promote awareness and understanding of Deaf and Hard of Hearing issues by building positive relationships with clients, students, their families, and community resources.
-Collaborates with LEAs to develop parent-friendly materials to help parents know the policies and practices that work to help students attain the skills and knowledge necessary for college and careers.
-Performs other duties and takes on necessary responsibilities as assigned/needed.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Documented experience in working with students with disabilities; experience working with very diverse Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.
Excellent communication skills in writing and presentations to audiences with multiple stakeholders.
Results-oriented, achievement-driven approach to tasks and strong attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills; ability to work independently and take the initiative; highly developed leadership and interpersonal skills; the ability to maintain positive working relationships in a diverse environment.
Capacity to advocate, negotiate, and represent the RI School for the Deaf in collective bargaining situations.
Communication, organizational, and management skills of a high order, including the ability to plan, implement, receive information and directives and disseminate information, and communicate clearly and effectively with all stakeholders.
Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, rules, and regulations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of and experience with American Sign Language.
Experience implementing Equity Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.
Experience working with or within unionized workplaces.
Experienced with public relations
EDUCATION
Master’s Degree in Education, Administration, Leadership, or a related field.
EXPERIENCE
Minimum five years experience working in education or its equivalent (including teaching) with a minimum of three years of administrative experience with an excellent documented track record of effectiveness in a leadership position and/or any combination of knowledge, skills, and experience that is substantially equivalent.