Description

Overview of Position

This position is open until filled, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. The first review of applications will begin on June 3, 2026.

The Executive Director of K-8 Schools will create specific conditions to actualize the Seattle Public Schools Strategic Plan and focus on the elimination of systemic opportunity gaps through inclusive services. The Executive Director of K-8 Schools will be a member of the EDS (Executive Director of Schools) Team that reports directly to the Assistant Superintendent of Schools. SPS is strategically committed to improving how central office leadership shifts its work to support building principals as instructional leaders to create improved outcomes for all students.  The Executive Director of K-8 Schools will also support district and building school improvement efforts directly connected to our district strategic plan and building Comprehensive School Plans (C-SIP).

The Executive Director of K-8 Schools is committed to improving and supporting principals connected to the Association of Washington Schools Principals (AWSP) Leadership Framework and Seattle Public Schools Principal Attributes. This is an Executive Director central office leadership level position.  This position requires the Executive Director to be a masterful teacher of adult learners - as well as a strong system thinker and collaborator.  The Executive Director's main job is to effectively support K-8 school building principals and collaborate and supervise other leaders in the district to support culturally responsive and inclusive practices, policies, and procedures.
  
The Executive Director of K-8 Schools will effectively build the capacity of leaders and partner with K-8 school principals in both one-on-one and group settings. The Executive Director of K-8 Schools is expected to create and sustain effective K-8 school principal communities of practice or professional learning communities.  They are expected to broker resources between K-8 school principals and central office leadership.  The Executive Director of K-8 Schools must effectively oversee K-8 schools within Seattle Public Schools, maintaining partnerships with key central office staff that support schools, from various departments including, but not limited to, human resources, budget and finance, curriculum and instruction, enrollment planning, safety and security, and student services. Additionally, the Executive Director of K-8 Schools is responsible for leading schools under their supervision and working to raise the outcomes for students related to the superintendent’s Top 5 in 5 – specifically increasing attendance, math and ELA proficiency rates and across all K-8 schools. 
 
The Executive Director of K-8 Schools will also work as a team and plan with other peers as a part of the EDS Team to plan, align practices and procedures, and problem solve supports to building principals.  Additionally, the Executive Director of K-8 Schools will partner and be the primary liaison representing K-8 schools with the Curriculum and Instruction department for oversite and implementation of sound instructional practices and strategies related to ELA and math proficiency.

Requirements

Typical Qualifications
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Three (3) or more years as a building principal at any level. 
Demonstrated ability to improve student outcomes at the building level.
Master’s Degree in Education or closely related field.
Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work will be considered.

CERTIFICATION & LICENSES:
Valid Washington State Administrative Credential; 
Valid Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

CLEARANCES:
Criminal Justice fingerprint and background check