DIRECTOR, NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT SUCCESS

Job Description

** Applications will be received until May 7th. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. **

About this job:

Responsible for leading Native American and student success programming in a cohort of schools and NACE supports district-wide including developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive programs that support the educational achievement and cultural inclusivity of Native American students. Oversees the operational excellence of the NACE team, managing substantial financial resources, including federal, state, and local grants, to ensure program success and compliance with funding requirements.

Supports District Leadership with ensuring their schools have the resources, development, support, and accountability for accelerating learning for Native American students.

This position also involves fostering collaborative relationships with internal departments, external partners, and Native American communities, ensuring adherence to relevant policies, laws, and regulations. Charged with leading the development and execution of district policies and initiatives, driving innovation in program delivery, and supporting Native American students and families. Additionally, the Director coordinates district-wide events, such as Native American Heritage Month, and works to enhance student opportunities, including college access initiatives. By providing leadership and development opportunities for the NACE team, the Director ensures the effective execution of programs that address systemic challenges and promote educational equity for Native American students within Denver Public Schools.

What DPS Offers You:

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range - $98,267-120,357 Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the Native American Student Success initiatives with district priorities; works to close achievement gaps and monitors learning and college and career readiness to meet state standards and board policies
• Support District Leadership in driving accountability to equity through collaborative goals, strategic planning, change leadership, and school improvement aligned with district goals
• Oversee and direct operational units, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness while addressing obstacles, adhering to budgets and schedules, and fostering operational success
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with cross-functional departments, external partners, and stakeholders, acting as a positive representative of the district within the broader community
• Ensure adherence to state and federal laws, Board of Education policies, and district regulations, particularly regarding safety, security, and NACE related activities
• Provide leadership, guidance, and development opportunities to team members, including hiring, training, evaluating, and coaching, with a focus on building effective teams
• Manage significant financial resources, including federal and state grants, to support Native American student programs and ensure compliance with funding requirements
• Establish and maintain partnerships with Native American advocacy organizations, cultural centers, universities, and other stakeholders to enhance program support and opportunities for students
• Lead the planning and coordination of district-wide events and initiatives, including Native American Heritage Month, graduation events, and community meetings, to celebrate and support Native American students and families
• Implement an assessment strategy for NACE programming and overall performance of Native American Students in the district including monitor a strategic school improvement plans and monitoring and supporting students and coordinate college access initiatives, including FAFSA assistance and scholarship opportunities
• Implements strategies to build instructional and leadership capacity and accountability by facilitating regular learning cycles, peer-to-peer collaboration and capacity building to drive improved student outcomes in NACE supported schools

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's Degree in Native American Studies, Education or Related Field, preferred Master's Degree
• Three or more years extensive experience working with Native American communities understanding of cultural nuances
• Five or more years of management experience
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
• Experience in analyzing data, and using this data to for process and program improvements and to inform strategy
• Outstanding facilitation and communication skills, including ability to inspire others
• Deep understanding of issues affecting Native American students' success in education
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to lead a high-performing team
• Superior leadership, coaching and mentoring skills
• Strong inter-personal skills and ability to work with individuals at all different levels in the organization
• Self-starter/leader who can anticipate department needs in a proactive (versus, reactive) manner
• Strategic planning and organizational development knowledge and skills
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals, establish priorities, and organize resources
• Ability to motivate and influence others
• Understanding of educational policies and laws related to Native American education
• The Director must demonstrate a willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement. This role requires maintaining the highest level of confidentiality regarding all District matters, especially those involving the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, and the Board of Education. Ensuring trust and discretion is paramount to the success and integrity of this position.
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.

DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.