Assistant Superintendent

Title: Assistant Superintendent  

Department: Office of School Performance  

Reports To: Associate Superintendent of School Performance 

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving  District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s  more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working  with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve in alignment to the Superintendent’s vision and the Board of Education’s Goals and Guardrails. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will  you join us? 

Job Summary 

The Assistant Superintendent serves as the District’s primary supervisor of school principals and is responsible for leading a network of schools to achieve high levels of academic performance, operational effectiveness, and equitable student outcomes. The Assistant Superintendent provides strategic leadership, coaching, supervision, and accountability for principals while ensuring alignment with the District’s Goals and Guardrails.

Assistant Superintendents lead the District’s school improvement efforts by developing principal leadership capacity, monitoring school performance, deploying resources strategically, and fostering strong partnerships with students, families, staff, and improvement practices, Assistant Superintendents ensure that every school is positioned to provide a high-quality educational experience that prepares students for success in college, career, and life.

Essential Functions

Principal Coaching and Leadership Development

• Supervises, coaches and mentors, and evaluates principals.

• Builds leadership capacity through differentiated professional learning, coaching, and performance feedback.

• Participates in the recruitment, selection, placement, and development of school leaders.

• Supports principals in creating and sustaining high-performing instructional leadership teams.

• Functions as a qualified evaluator and observer in accordance with District requirements.

Academic Achievement and School Improvement

• Leads and monitors the implementation of the District’s Goals and Guardrails across assigned schools.

• Holds principals accountable for measurable improvements in student achievement, attendance, school climate, and college and career readiness.

• Supports principal in strengthening instructional leadership and ensuring high-quality Tier 1 instruction.

• Uses multiple sources of data to identify trends, monitor progress, and drive continuous improvement.

• Ensures the implementation of evidence-based strategies designed to accelerate student learning and improve outcomes.

• Supports the development and execution of school improvement plans aligned to District priorities.

Network Operations and Resource Management

• Ensures schools receive coordinated and effective support from central office departments.

• Aligns resources, interventions, and support services to address school-specific needs and challenges.

• Monitors implementation of District policies, initiatives, and operational expectations.

• Uses executive judgement to solve complex problems, manage crises, and support schools through change.

• Ensures compliance with District policies and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Family, Community, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serves as the District’s network representative to schools, families, and community stakeholders.

• Communicates clearly and effectively regarding District priorities, initiatives, and expectations.

• Engages students, families, and community members to understand needs and strengthen partnerships.

• Responds to constituent concerns and facilities collaboration among schools, central offices, and community organizations.

• Advocates on behalf of school communities within the District’s leadership structure.

Strategic Leadership

• Leads a network of schools in achieving the District’s strategic priorities and performance goals.

• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, equity, and excellence.

• Develops effective working relationships with school leaders and stakeholders. 

• Provides leadership on cross-functional initiatives that support student success and organizational effectiveness.

• Performs duties as assigned.

District Goals and Guardrails

Assistant Superintendents are responsible for supporting schools in achieving the District’s Goals and Guardrails:

Goals

1. Every student reads on or above grade level.

2. Every student performs on or above grade level in mathematics.

3. Every student graduates prepared for college and career success.

   Guardrails

1. Welcoming and Supportive Schools.

2. Enriching and Well-Rounded School Experiences.

3. Strong Partnerships with Parents and Families

4. Elimination of Racist Practices and Promotion of Equitable Outcomes.