Director, Center of Systems Innovation & Leadership Development

The Director for the Center of Systems Innovation & Leadership Development provides visionary leadership for the design, development, and implementation of innovative school systems, development of school leaders, and support strategic initiatives for school districts and educational organizations in a changing K12 landscape. This role is responsible for advancing future-ready structures, strengthening leadership capacity, and supporting continuous improvement through system design, trend analysis, innovation, and responsive service delivery.

The Director leads cross-functional work that helps districts and internal teams to rethink structures, align services, and respond to emerging educational needs. The position requires a highly strategic, forward-thinking leader with deep knowledge of K12 systems, organizational change, leadership development, and educational innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

District-Focused Strategy & Service Delivery

• Establish and lead a comprehensive strategy for delivering leadership development and systems innovation services to school districts.
• Partner with district leaders to assess needs, identify priorities, and co-develop customized support plans.
• Ensure services are responsive, high-quality, and aligned to district improvement goals and state requirements.
• Develop scalable service models that can be adapted across diverse districts and settings.

Leadership Development for Districts

• Design and deliver leadership development programs for district and school leaders, including aspiring, emerging, and experienced administrators.
• Facilitate professional learning, coaching, and leadership networks that build capacity in instructional leadership and organizational effectiveness.
• Support districts in developing leadership pipelines and succession planning strategies.
• Provide direct coaching and consultation to district leadership teams.

School Improvement & Systems Innovation

• Support districts in implementing school improvement initiatives using systems thinking and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Guide district and school teams in analyzing data, identifying root causes, and implementing evidence-based strategies.
• Facilitate improvement cycles (e.g., plan-do-study-act) and support scaling of effective practices.
• Align leadership development efforts with district school improvement plans and priorities.

Program Design & Implementation

• Oversee the development and delivery of professional learning offerings, workshops, and customized district engagements.
• Ensure integration of equity-focused and culturally responsive practices within all services.
• Continuously refine service offerings based on district feedback, outcomes, and emerging best practices. Monitor and analyze local, state, and national trends impacting educational systems, leadership, programming, and organizational design.
  

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with district leaders, intermediate unit partners, and educational organizations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to superintendents, administrators, and leadership teams.
• Represent the organization in regional and statewide initiatives related to leadership development and school improvement.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Supervise and develop a team responsible for delivering district-facing services.
• Allocate staff and resources to meet district needs effectively.
• Manage budgets, grants, and contracts associated with service delivery.
• Establish systems and processes to ensure high-quality, consistent service implementation.

Data, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators to assess the impact of services on district leadership capacity and student outcomes.
• Collect and analyze data to inform continuous improvement of programs and services. Provide regular reports to internal leadership and district partners on progress and outcomes.
  

Qualifications:

Education:

• Master’s degree required in Education, Educational Leadership, Organizational Leadership, or a related field; Doctorate preferred.
• Pennsylvania administrative certification required; letter of eligibility preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of seven years of leadership experience in K–12 education, including experience working with or within school districts; central office, district-level, intermediate unit, or regional leadership experience, preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in school improvement, leadership development, and/or district-level systems work.
• Experience designing and delivering professional learning and consulting services.
• Prior supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of school improvement frameworks, instructional leadership, and district systems.
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and systems thinking.
• Demonstrated ability to consult, coach, and influence district leadership teams.
• Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience using data to drive improvement.
• Ability to build relationships and credibility with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.

Additional Requirements:

• Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
• School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Working Conditions: This position may involve standing, walking, and active engagement throughout the day. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to travel
• May require occasional evening and weekend work
• Sitting for extended period of time
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 25 pounds
• Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies
• Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking customers
• Hearing clearly
• Adequate vision to perform duties

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.

Reports To: Assistant Executive Director, Teaching and Learning

Department: Center of Systems Innovation & Leadership Development

Position Schedule: 260-day

Salary: Grade 18

Benefits: Act 93

To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, and transcripts at the AIU Career Site.

Please send any questions to: [email protected]

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.