Director of Advanced Academics (26-27)

Description Director of Advanced Academics Mission: The Director of Advanced Academics is responsible for leading and supporting the implementation of advanced academic programming across all IDEA Texas schools.  This role will focus on Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Program visioning and oversight, ensuring curriculum and program design is aligned to prepare students for college and beyond. In addition, this role will develop the vision for college placement testing (ACT, SAT, Pre-ACT, Pre-SAT) and oversee the implementation of student preparation coursework and curriculum integration. The Director of Advanced Academics ensures coordination between the Curriculum & Instruction division, the Assessment division, the Schools Team area, and the College Success area to ensure students engage in college-preparatory coursework and demonstrate college-readiness prior to graduation. Supervisory Responsibilities: None Location: This is a full-time position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate. Travel Expectations: Up to 25%. Weekly in-region travel to school for observations; Travel across regions approximately 10 times per year for strategic collaboration, training facilitation, and/or required program observations.  Commercial air travel may be required.  What You’ll Do – Accountabilities Essential Duties: ·          Develop the vision for Advanced Academics at IDEA Public Schools that ensures expanded access to college preparatory coursework for all students, including access to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment coursework ·          Facilitate the planning, development, evaluation, revision, and maintenance of curriculum programs, assessments, and resources that embed college-readiness knowledge and skills so students demonstrate proficiency on college entrance exams (ACT, SAT) ·          Develop the process for Dual Enrollment partnerships and oversee the implementation of the process at participating IDEA Public Schools high schools ·          Monitor assessment outcomes, analyze district data, and develop strategies to support schools with improved outcomes on college entrance exams and college preparatory coursework, including intervention supports for students ·          Determine, plan, and secure the necessary resources to support the accomplishment of advanced academic goals ·          Coordinate the advanced academic syllabi submission and compliance activities Additional Duties and Responsibilities: ·          Design and facilitate training in advanced academics for district, regional, and school leaders (principals, APIs, Directors of College Counseling) ·          Ensure compliance with federal and state mandates for advanced academics ·          Develop advanced academic policies for recommendation to the board. ·          Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy. ·          Lead and manage through influence regional and campus leaders who oversee high school programming ·          Work directly with Regional AP Coaches (where applicable) to support with regional AP strategies ·          Partner with the Managing Directors of Curriculum, Curriculum Managers, and C&I Coaches to drive cohesive instructional design and implementation supports across all advanced academic coursework Knowledge and Skills – Competencies Make Strategic Decisions - This team member fosters an inclusive decision-making environment by encouraging diverse perspectives, managing disagreements constructively, and creating space for all voices to be heard. They clearly communicate final decisions, providing context and anticipated impact—even when choices are difficult or unpopular.  Manage Work and Teams - This team member builds and maintains systems to track progress toward team goals, ensuring clarity through defined roles and responsibilities. They implement structured processes that support smooth team operations and strategically allocate time and resources to drive goal achievement.  Grow Self and Others - This team member identifies development needs across multiple groups and integrates them into broader strategic plans. They create structures that support ongoing growth, engage in succession planning, and continuously refine development strategies based on outcomes and data. Through this work, they foster a culture where continuous learning is a core part of daily work and leadership.  Build a Culture of Trust - This team member proactively builds strong personal and professional relationships with individual stakeholders and regularly seeks feedback to improve their work experience. They create a supportive environment where others feel safe to take risks and learn from mistakes without fear of retribution.  Communicate Deliberately:   This team member leads inclusive discussions that surface obstacles and drive actionable solutions, ensuring all voices are heard. They communicate key information clearly across multiple channels and establish feedback loops that promote open dialogue, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  Additional Skills: ·          Expertise in post-secondary requirements for college readiness ·          Ability to establish partnerships with external, post-secondary entities ·          Proficiency in curriculum design and implementation. ·          Ability to analyze and interpret data effectively ·          Demonstrated experience translating data into actionable insights. ·          Strong collaborative skills, adept at facilitating group processes and teamwork. ·          Capability to evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness. ·          Knowledgeable in planning, staff development, and accreditation processes. ·          Excellent oral and written communication abilities. ·          Demonstrated leadership and management skills, fostering positive relationships with staff. ·          Skillful in developing and delivering training for adult learners. ·          Proficiency in computer and software usage. Required Education and Experience: ·          Bachelor’s degree ·          Minimum of 4 years of experience in high school education ·          Experience in coordinating or leading instructional programs. ·          Experience in providing professional development and coaching to district and campus staff ·          Demonstrated expertise in data analysis and using insights to inform curriculum decisions and instructional strategy  Preferred Education and Experience: ·          Master's degree in Education ·          Previous leadership or supervisory experience in an educational context. ·          Experience leading cross-functional initiatives to influence academic results at scale   ·          Experience collaborating with regional and senior instructional leaders to inform policy, practice, and strategic planning  Physical Requirements: ·          Sitting for extended periods of time. ·          Lifting items weighing 15 lbs. or less ·          Sedentary office environment (when in office) ·          Fast paced school environment (when in field) ·          Occasional exposure to outside elements.    What We Offer: Compensation & Benefits: Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $89,600 and $105,300, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment. Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable. Application Process: Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Learn more about IDEA At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here:

Created: 2026-03-04