Assistant Superintendent

                                                                            Assistant Superintendent

MISSION:

The mission of Marion P. Thomas Charter School is to build culturally rich, transformative educational spaces that cultivate successful, lifelong innovators who use their passions, character, and intellect to better themselves, the greater Newark community, and the world beyond.

WHO YOU ARE:

You are a visionary and systems-oriented educational leader who is committed to advancing academic excellence across all schools through high-quality curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, and continuous improvement.

You are an instructional leader who builds the capacity of school leaders and teachers by fostering collaboration, ensuring accountability, and supporting the implementation of district priorities. You are skilled in using data to improve student outcomes, leading organizational change, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements, and developing systems that promote equitable educational opportunities for all students.

You possess exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills and are committed to creating a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and academic excellence.

Supervises:

District Academic Departments and Assigned Central Office Personnel

Work Year: 12 Months

Position Summary

The Assistant Superintendent serves as the district's Chief Academic Officer and as a member of the Superintendent's Executive Leadership Team. The position provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, school improvement, academic accountability, and continuous improvement across Marion P. Thomas Charter School. In collaboration with the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent helps develop and implement district goals, strategic priorities, Board initiatives, and organizational improvement efforts that promote high levels of student achievement and organizational excellence.

The Assistant Superintendent assists the Superintendent in providing leadership and support to school administrators while supervising assigned central office academic personnel. The position collaborates with district leaders to implement the Board's vision, strategic priorities, and organizational goals through high-quality instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence.

The Assistant Superintendent oversees district curriculum, instructional programming, assessment systems, professional development, leadership development, charter accountability, New Jersey Department of Education compliance, grant implementation, academic partnerships, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring alignment among curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student achievement.

The successful candidate demonstrates exceptional instructional leadership, strategic planning, organizational management, and the ability to build collaborative relationships that promote academic excellence and student success.

Essential Responsibilities

District Academic Leadership & Instructional Oversight

• Serve as the district leader responsible for curriculum, instruction, assessment, academic programming, and instructional improvement across all schools.
• Develop, implement, and monitor a coherent PreK–12 instructional vision aligned with New Jersey Student Learning Standards, charter goals, Board priorities, and the district strategic plan.
• Provide executive leadership for curriculum development, curriculum adoption, instructional frameworks, pacing guides, intervention systems, and academic programming.
• Ensure alignment among curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, and student achievement.
• Lead districtwide instructional improvement initiatives designed to increase student achievement, eliminate achievement gaps, and improve educational outcomes.
• Analyze district, school, subgroup, and student performance data, including state assessments, benchmark assessments, interim assessments, graduation indicators, and growth measures to guide instructional decision-making.
• Develop and monitor district academic performance goals and accountability measures.
• Establish systems to monitor instructional quality, implementation fidelity, curriculum alignment, and classroom effectiveness.
• Conduct instructional program reviews and implementation monitoring to assess effectiveness and recommend continuous improvement strategies.
• Monitor implementation of Board-approved instructional initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Recommend instructional innovations, evidence-based practices, and educational technologies that improve teaching and learning.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent and executive leadership team to develop district academic priorities and annual improvement plans.

School Leadership Support & Development

• Assist the Superintendent in providing instructional leadership, guidance, and support to school principals and other administrators.
• Support implementation of district academic priorities, Board goals, and strategic initiatives across all schools.
• Conduct regular school visits, instructional walkthroughs, learning walks, and classroom observations to monitor implementation of district curriculum, instructional initiatives, and school improvement efforts.
• Review instructional practices, assessment results, school performance indicators, and implementation data to identify strengths, trends, and areas requiring additional support.
• Provide coaching, consultation, and professional support to school administrators regarding curriculum, instruction, assessment, school improvement planning, organizational effectiveness, and educational best practices.
• Assist the Superintendent in developing leadership capacity through coaching, mentoring, and professional learning.
• Support implementation of district accountability systems that assist school leaders in achieving academic goals and organizational priorities.
• Assist principals with school improvement planning, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), intervention systems, instructional programming, and school culture initiatives.
• Assist the Superintendent in planning and facilitating principal leadership meetings focused on instructional priorities, student achievement, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Provide recommendations to the Superintendent regarding instructional practices, school performance, leadership development, and district improvement initiatives.

Central Office Academic Leadership

• Supervise, develop, and evaluate assigned central office academic personnel responsible for curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, multilingual learner programs, federal programs, instructional technology, and other assigned academic initiatives.
• Establish clear expectations, measurable goals, and performance standards for assigned academic departments.
• Foster collaboration among Curriculum and Instruction, Special Services, Student Services, Human Resources, Operations, Finance, Technology, Enrollment, and school leadership to ensure coordinated implementation of district priorities.
• Develop systems that promote efficiency, communication, accountability, continuous improvement, and high-quality customer service.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives that support teaching, learning, and student achievement.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of academic program budgets in collaboration with the School Business Administrator and Superintendent.
• Ensure assigned departments maintain compliance with Board policy, New Jersey Administrative Code, federal regulations, and charter requirements.

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

• Lead the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of district curriculum and instructional programs.
• Ensure curriculum alignment with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, district priorities, and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Oversee district assessment systems, including:
  • NJSLA
  • NJGPA
  • ACCESS for ELLs
  • Start Strong (if applicable)
  • Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM)
  • Benchmark Assessments
  • Interim Assessments
  • Common Formative Assessments
  • Progress Monitoring Systems
• Analyze districtwide assessment results and provide recommendations for instructional improvement.
• Develop district academic dashboards and performance reports for the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and school leaders.
• Conduct instructional walkthroughs, learning walks, and program observations to monitor implementation of district curriculum, instructional initiatives, and school improvement efforts.
• Promote consistent instructional expectations across all schools.
• Support implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), intervention programs, enrichment opportunities, and acceleration initiatives.
• Recommend curriculum revisions, instructional resources, and innovative instructional practices based on student performance data and educational research.
• Ensure compliance with all New Jersey Department of Education curriculum, assessment, and instructional requirements.

• Monitor academic trends and develop improvement strategies.

Professional Development & Talent Development

• Design and oversee a comprehensive district professional development plan aligned with strategic priorities, district goals, and identified staff needs.
• Lead professional learning for teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, and central office personnel.
• Develop differentiated professional learning opportunities based on student achievement data, classroom observations, and district initiatives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the New Teacher Academy, including onboarding, mentoring, induction, coaching, and ongoing professional support.
• Develop administrator professional learning focused on instructional leadership, data analysis, curriculum implementation, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Establish systems that strengthen teacher effectiveness, instructional quality, leadership development, and employee retention.
• Promote professional learning communities that support collaboration, reflection, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of professional development programs using participant feedback, implementation data, and student achievement outcomes.
• Partner with school leaders to identify professional learning needs based on student data and instructional observations.

Leadership Pipeline Development

• Develop and oversee the district leadership development program, including the MPTCS Leadership Lab (formerly Aspiring Leaders Academy).
• Identify, mentor, and prepare emerging instructional leaders for future leadership opportunities.
• Design leadership development programming focused on:
  • Instructional Leadership
  • School Improvement
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Data Analysis
  • Teacher Coaching
  • School Culture
  • Educational Law and Policy
  • Operations and Compliance
  • Strategic Planning
  • Equity and Continuous Improvement
• Collaborate with Human Resources on leadership succession planning and talent development.
• Establish leadership competencies and professional growth pathways for aspiring administrators.

Charter Accountability, Compliance & State Reporting

• Assist the Superintendent in coordinating and completing the annual New Jersey Charter School Annual Report.
• Coordinate the collection, validation, analysis, and submission of academic data required by the New Jersey Department of Education, the Charter School Program Office, federal agencies, and other regulatory organizations.
• Ensure timely completion of all academic state reports, charter accountability reports, grant reports, and regulatory submissions.
• Monitor district compliance with New Jersey statutes, administrative code, Board policy, charter requirements, ESSA, Title programs, and other federal and state regulations related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and academic programming.
• Coordinate district responses, monitoring activities, evidence collection, and corrective action plans resulting from state monitoring visits, charter reviews, or audits.
• Collaborate with school leaders to ensure timely completion of all required reports, compliance documentation, and accountability measures.
• Monitor district performance indicators and recommend strategies to improve academic performance and organizational effectiveness.
• Advise the Superintendent regarding legislative changes, NJDOE initiatives, regulatory updates, and emerging educational trends affecting curriculum, instruction, assessment, and accountability.
• Coordinate district preparation for charter renewal, state monitoring, accreditation reviews, and other accountability processes.
• Ensure compliance with all testing security procedures, assessment accommodations, and state reporting timelines.

Grants & External Funding

• Support the development and implementation of grants aligned with district strategic priorities and instructional goals.
• Collaborate with district leadership in the development of competitive grant applications that expand educational opportunities for students and staff.
• Oversee implementation, compliance, evaluation, and reporting requirements for academic grants.
• Collaborate with the Business Office and grant managers to ensure grant budgets, expenditures, reporting requirements, and program deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Monitor grant-funded programs to ensure fidelity of implementation and measurable outcomes.
• Develop partnerships that expand instructional resources, innovative programming, and professional learning opportunities.

Academic Partnerships & Postsecondary Opportunities

• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with colleges, universities, community organizations, nonprofit agencies, and educational organizations.

• Expand dual enrollment opportunities and college credit-bearing experiences for students.
• Develop programs that increase student access to advanced coursework, internships, career pathways, and enrichment opportunities.

• Promote college and career readiness initiatives aligned with district goals.

Student Programs, Enrichment & Academic Experiences

• Provide leadership and oversight for district academic enrichment opportunities, including:
  • Academic Competitions
  • STEM Programs
  • Experiential Learning Opportunities
  • Student Leadership Programs
  • Summer Learning Opportunities
  • Academic Intervention and Enrichment Programs
• Ensure all student experiences align with district instructional priorities, student learning outcomes, safety requirements, and Board policy.
• Promote equitable access to academic enrichment opportunities across campuses.

District Strategic Planning & Academic Operations

• Assist the Superintendent in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the district Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate districtwide academic initiatives and annual implementation timelines.
• Lead development of the annual academic calendar in collaboration with district leadership.
• Ensure alignment of the academic calendar with:
  • New Jersey Department of Education requirements
  • Charter school requirements
  • Professional development priorities
  • Student assessment schedules
  • School improvement initiatives
• Coordinate implementation of Board-approved academic initiatives across all schools.
• Develop district academic performance metrics and progress monitoring systems.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, presentations, and supporting documentation for the Superintendent and Board of Trustees.
• Present academic reports, assessment results, curriculum initiatives, and school improvement updates to the Board of Trustees at the direction of the Superintendent.
• Coordinate district preparation for instructional monitoring visits, charter renewal activities, and accreditation reviews.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to identify professional learning and leadership development needs among instructional personnel.
• Promote the effective integration of instructional technology, digital learning resources, artificial intelligence, and innovative educational practices to improve teaching, learning, and organizational effectiveness.
• Serve as the Superintendent's designee on academic matters when assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university required; Doctorate preferred.
• Valid New Jersey School Administrator Certificate or Certificate of Eligibility required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible educational leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading districtwide instructional initiatives, improving student achievement, and supporting school leaders across multiple schools.
• Extensive experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, assessment, school improvement, and organizational leadership.
• Thorough knowledge of New Jersey Department of Education regulations, charter school accountability requirements, assessment systems, and state reporting requirements.
• Experience with strategic planning, continuous improvement processes, and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience developing professional learning systems and leadership pipelines.
• Experience in charter school leadership preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate shall demonstrate:

• Exceptional instructional leadership and organizational management skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of curriculum development, instructional best practices, assessment systems, and school improvement processes.
• Strong understanding of New Jersey education law, administrative code, charter school regulations, and federal education requirements.
• Ability to analyze complex educational data and develop actionable improvement strategies.
• Strong project management, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, students, families, community organizations, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change through collaboration, influence, and accountability.
• Commitment to educational equity, continuous improvement, and academic excellence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.

Performance Outcomes

Success in this position shall be measured by:

• Improved districtwide student achievement and academic growth.
• Successful implementation of district curriculum, instructional initiatives, and strategic priorities.
• Increased leadership capacity among school administrators through collaboration, coaching, and professional support provided in partnership with the Superintendent.
• Timely completion of all required New Jersey Department of Education, charter authorizer, grant, and regulatory reports.
• High levels of compliance with federal, state, charter, and Board requirements.
• Successful implementation of district professional learning initiatives.
• Growth of internal leadership capacity and succession planning.
• Expansion of academic partnerships and postsecondary opportunities.
• Effective implementation of instructional technology and innovative educational practices.
• Strong instructional coherence and consistency across all schools.
• Continuous improvement of district academic performance indicators.

Other Duties

Performs such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

Evaluation

Performance shall be evaluated annually by the Superintendent of Schools in accordance with Board policy, administrative regulations, applicable New Jersey statutes, and the provisions of the New Jersey Educator Effectiveness system, where applicable.

Terms of Employment

Salary, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment shall be established by the Board of Trustees in accordance with Board policy, applicable laws, and negotiated agreements, where applicable.

• Salary Range: As established by the Board of Trustees
• Work Year: Twelve (12) months
• Employment Status: Unaffiliated