Climate and Opportunity Lead (260-Day)

Job Title: Climate & Opportunity Lead

Position Function: The role of the Climate & Opportunity Lead is to provide leadership and support in developing, implementing, and evaluating efforts that target the reduction and elimination of any significant disproportionality in student opportunities while additionally improving student attendance, engagement, and success.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Will be working under the direct supervision of the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Accountability
• Train staff to enhance customer service and inclusion for staff, students, and families
• Collaborate with the Trainer of Equity and Diversity to enhance a school climate of Inclusiveness and Belonging. Examples of possible efforts include Special Education awareness, relationship building models, de-escalation techniques, and equitable academic access.
• Train and support building level equity and climate teams in matters related to Restorative Practices, Social Emotional Learning, Relationship Building, Cultural Awareness, and Inclusion and Belonging.
• Collaborate with leaders in Learning Services as well as other departments for the development, enhancement, and sustainment of equity and opportunities for students. Platforms include, but are not limited to, AVID practices, New Teacher Induction, New Staff Orientation, curriculum resource review for diversity representation, Early Childhood, English Speakers of Other Languages, and Fine Arts
• Connect students with resources and opportunities. Build family awareness of resources and opportunities for students.
• Work closely with district leadership to maintain work toward the district’s strategic plan
• Develop and analyze measures to assess and ensure continuous improvement of Inclusiveness and Belonging initiatives. Examples of possible measures include increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in Advanced Placement courses, Honors courses, Concurrent and Duel Credit, Gifted and Talented Children placements, International Baccalaureate programming, student interest groups, college and career readiness resources, reducing student suspensions and Chronic Absenteeism.
• Submit quarterly report to budgeting office with data including, but not limited to, Special Education, Discipline and other demographic and pertinent ratios.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with USD 259’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands: Will work in a school environment and office setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Being resourceful in supporting groups in a variety of settings
• Being relentless in working to accomplish school and program goals
• Being forward-thinking through independent research, reading existing publications and developing knowledge in continuous pursuit of best practices
• Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information
• Ability to communicate effectively with a supervisor when their discretion is needed

• Be an effective team member by collaborating and contributing to team goals
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work

• Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
• Display a significant degree of positive attitude, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Understand the district’s strategic plan and related goals and tasks

Interrelations:

• Contact with district personnel, customers, and vendors
• Understand and respond appropriately and timely to internal and external customer needs.
• Use tact and diplomacy with all stakeholders

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, or related field required
• Experience in education and student engagement is preferred
• Must be able to create and conduct dynamic and engaging presentations for a variety of audiences; demonstrate proficiency with technology (Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher; desktop publishing, etc.)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt