Director, Academic Readiness in Dallas, Texas at The Commit Partnership

The Academic Readiness Director will be responsible for systemic change management and implementation of innovative and high-impact strategies aimed at improving academic outcomes in grades 4-12 in Dallas County. The Director of Academic Readiness will lead Commit’s efforts to strengthen district capacity in curriculum and instruction, pedagogy, and data-informed instruction across grades 4-12. This role focuses on supporting the development and execution of strategies aligned with Commit’s rigorous curriculum and instruction priorities.

The Director reports to the Managing Director of Education Development and works with district teams to support the build-out of sustainable instructional practices that drive improved student learning outcomes. Additionally, the Director of Academic Readiness will be a co-facilitator of the Dallas County Math and RLA District Leader Community of Practice, a collaborative, systems change community of practice for Commit’s local Dallas County district partners. They will also be a key leader who supports with the strategic planning and effective execution of the Dallas County Coaching Summit, a professional learning space for instructional coaches across Dallas County to strengthen instructional coaching practices.

This role requires deep content expertise in teaching and learning, specifically secondary math and RLA, a strong understanding of curriculum, and experience with leadership development, including instructional coaching. The ideal candidate will support districts in developing cohesive instructional strategies and aligning supports to research-based best practices.

This job description is a summary and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The salary range for this role is $110,500 - $139,000.

Please note that for external candidates, the expected salary range is approximately $110,500–$125,000.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Instructional Strategy & Pedagogy

• Influence and support districts with implementing high-quality instructional and research-based instructional strategies at the systems level.
• Help districts build and scale systems that ensure aligned, rigorous instruction in math and RLA, focusing on deep content understanding and learning.
• Build capacity of district leaders in designing and implementing effective pedagogy that supports all learners, including multilingual learners and students requiring intervention.
• Support districts in using data to inform instruction.

2. Collective Impact and Capacity Building

• Develop, manage, and execute departmental plans by providing strategic thought partnership, technical assistance, and capacity-building support for districts and other partners seeking to implement innovative, evidence-based strategies focused on increasing outcomes across grades 4-12.
• Provide strategic guidance to district leaders on high-impact instructional practices.
• Develop relationships to get meaningful time with systems leaders, share key data and best practices, and lead courageous conversations on systems change within education.
• Convene and facilitate external meetings with high levels of engagement of systems- leaders that activate and drive toward outcomes for key initiatives and strategies (examples outlined above).

3. Professional Learning & Knowledge Building

• Design and facilitate content for district leaders focused on secondary math and RLA pedagogy.
• Lead learning series and collaborative convenings for Math/RLA and any future instruction-aligned convenings to strengthen instructional leadership across districts.
• Create tools, frameworks, and resources to help districts support instructional coherence and drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

4. Cross-Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Manage a multi-staff team towards achieving individual strategic goals aligned to team and organizational outcomes and develop staff members towards professional development goals and expectations, ensuring efforts are executed in alignment with committed academic readiness priorities.
• Work alongside Commit’s Early Learning & Leadership and District Strategy & Partnerships teams to ensure a cohesive approach to instructional improvement.

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Proven track record of developing and executing successful instructional and talent development strategies in a complex, mission-driven organization.
• Experience with effectively managing and developing team members.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with internal and external
• stakeholders.
• Passion for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Self-starter with a proactive approach, able to take initiative, anticipate challenges, and independently develop solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven facilitation skills, adept at leading discussions, trainings, and collaborative sessions that promote engagement and knowledge retention, with strong understanding of adult learning practices.

Education and/or Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Five to eight years of experience in education or education-adjacent sectors at a systems- or instructional leadership level.

Preferred

• Master’s Degree in business, education, policy or other related field preferred.
• Proven record of achieving ambitious results in previous role, including managing a team of direct reports to accomplish ambitious results
• Familiarity with PK-12 education system, particularly in secondary, in Texas.
• Previous experience as a campus principal and district-level leadership in Teaching and Learning
• Familiarity with the Texas A-F Accountability system

Language Skills

• Ability to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of
• most immediate.
• Ability to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
• Ability to describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and write in Standard English.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
• Ability to interact with persons of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to listen perceptively and convey awareness.
• Ability to interact diplomatically with the public in a continuous public contact setting.
• Ability to work as part of a team and in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain level-headedness in the face of resistance and contrary opinions.

Work Environment

This position primarily operates in a professional office environment but may require travel to program sites, partner organizations, or community events. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate verbally and in writing. The employee frequently is required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to handle or feel. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to work on a computer for extended periods.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.