Director of Secondary Culture and Climate (Full Time) - Central Office

Portland Public Schools is seeking a full-time Director of Secondary Culture and Climate in Portland, ME. This role focuses on enhancing student development and equity through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). The director will collaborate with district leaders, oversee coaches, and implement restorative practices. Candidates should have extensive experience in urban education, leadership, and a strong commitment to social justice.
POSITION OVERVIEW: Director of Secondary School Culture and Climate
The Director of Secondary School Culture and Climate (DSCC) is a crucial leader in advancing our district's strategic goals for holistic student development and equity. The DSCC will lead the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies, fostering an environment conducive to student success. This position requires collaboration with district leaders to transition from traditional disciplinary approaches to restorative practices, alongside championing trauma-sensitive school initiatives. The DSCC will guide building principals and supervise Middle/High School Culture and Climate Coaches to ensure alignment with district objectives. Ideal candidates are committed to social justice, possess expertise in tiered systems of support, and have a talent for designing inclusive professional development. The DSCC will report directly to the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education and must demonstrate exceptional leadership and collaboration skills. This role is part of the Secondary Network Team.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead PBIS strategy for middle and high schools.
• Oversee the administration of the Culturally-Responsive Tiered Fidelity Inventory (CR-TFI) and develop school-specific action plans.
• Support schools in implementing CR-TFI-informed action plans.
• Manage external PBIS coaches for additional support.
• Facilitate District PBIS Leadership Team meetings.
• Serve as the School-Wide Information System (SWIS) Facilitator.
• Lead SEL strategy for middle and high schools.
• Allocate resources for SEL programs.
• Organize training for effective SEL implementation.
• Lead the adoption of restorative practices.
• Facilitate Restorative Practices Workgroup meetings.
• Design and support alternatives to suspension protocols.
• Conduct district-wide professional development sessions.
• Monitor progress against PBIS and SEL outcomes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Strong equity orientation and cultural humility.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and consensus.
• Knowledge of evidence-based behavioral health practices and SEL.
• Understanding of implementation science and change management.
• Strong interpersonal and crisis management skills.
• Expertise in designing and facilitating professional development.
• Proficiency in data-driven decision-making.
• Skilled project manager with multitasking abilities.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
• Leadership/management experience in urban education or a relevant field (5+ years).
• Master’s degree in psychology or social work; doctoral degree preferred (5+ years post-graduation).
• Experience as a PBIS coach (5+ years).
• Classroom teaching or school-based leadership experience preferred.

CERTIFICATE / LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None required.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
• Year-round position
• Full time, 1.0 FTE
• Permanent
• Not eligible for overtime
• Generous benefit package, including 25 vacation days per year and full health and dental benefits

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.