EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (12 month)
The St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf is seeking a highly effective and visionary educational leader and manager as its Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors and adhering to all New York State, City and applicable federal regulations, the Executive Director will lead the development of strategic priorities and the operation of educational programs that support the overall mission of the school for a diverse population of students. This individual will also oversee and manage all operations, finances, and facilities.
The Executive Director needs to be a creative innovative thinker and problem solver who has demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders and support a positive culture of inclusion, teamwork and respect.
ABOUT ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf (SJSD), an historically significant architectural structure constructed in 1913, occupies 12 acres of tree-lined property located in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx in New York City. Founded in 1869 by the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, it grew from its original site, expanding to locations in the Northeast section of the Bronx and Brooklyn. SJSD’s Throggs Neck campus is its sole location today. The property comprises a school building, a well-manicured baseball field, 2 children’s playgrounds and multiple garden beds that make up the SJSD Children’s Garden. With a large sprawling field and majestic Oak trees, the property allows for wide open green space where our students can enjoy the great outdoors.
Serving a diverse student body from New York City and lower Westchester, St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf is proud of its commitment to education and its tradition of caring. The school provides programming for children from birth to age 14. We offer multiple layers of support to families through our Deaf Infant Program, multiple weekly sign language classes (both in person or online) and a weekly Parent Education Support Group.
Educational Programming at SJSD adheres to both New York State Education Department standards and best practices in the field. Instruction is delivered through a multi-lingual, multi-modal approach. We hold the belief that our program can address Deaf students’ various and unique learning needs. We excel at addressing the needs of each child who possesses various and unique learning styles, modes of communication (to include Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), spoken language, and signed language). We work to maximize their capacity to learn English and American Sign Language using an approach that encompasses exposure to and development of signed, written and spoken language in varying and equally important configurations. Our belief is that we deliver programming that best serves deaf students in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
SJSD Executive Director Position Description and Application Details – 2
MISSION STATEMENT
St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf will maximize the potential of each student and foster competence in literacy, critical thought, citizenship and personal independence through educational experiences that are purposeful, equitable and engaging.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director is responsible for overall management of the total program, facility, and operations in a manner consistent with the directives of the Board of Directors and the regulations of the New York State Education Department. The Executive Director is responsible to lead the development of educational goals and programs to meet the educational needs of the students and fulfill the mission of the school.
School Leadership:
1. Direct all aspects of the school programs according to Best Practices and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Requirements.
2. Hire and supervise all members of the Administrative Council and supervisors whose responsibilities include school operations, finance, personnel, facilities, technology, and development.
3. Oversee the development and the implementation of the School’s strategic plan: develop goals, benchmarks for success, and action plans in collaboration with the Leadership Team.
4. Oversee the development and the implementation of school policies and procedures in collaboration with the Administrative Council: review and update school policies periodically to correlate with all related agencies, mandates and policies (i.e., New York State Education Law, New York State Department of Labor, Worker’s Compensations and Disability Benefits Law, New York State Retirement Systems and New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) Bureau of Day Care Regulations).
5. Hire, terminate and grant leaves of absence for all personnel.
6. Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors to develop and execute policies and decisions on behalf of the Board, keep the board informed of school operations, and report progress on implementation of the strategic plan.
7. Work with the Business Manager to develop and maintain the School’s facility capital, operating and department budgets; submit financial reports and budgets to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.
8. Protect the School’s legal interests and maintain its operations within the law; retain and work with counsel to obtain opinions and handle any claims.
SJSD Executive Director Position Description and Application Details – 3
External Relations:
1. Lead efforts to secure funding for the School from the NYS Executive Budget and work with those involved in that process (Legislators, New York State Education Department., etc.)
2. Serve as liaison between St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, the 4201 Association, New York State Education Department (NYSED), and the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE).
3. Develop and maintain relationships with key external constituencies, stakeholders and relevant external agencies to guide strategies for professional development, continuity of innovative programming, and strategic planning.
4. Direct the School’s public relations activities.
5. Participate in the development and implementation of legislative agendas on local, state and national levels to influence legislation in the best interest of Deaf students, their families and the School.
6. Research and write grants and letters of support to foster support for special projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. New York State School Building Leader (SBL) Certification
2. Master’s degree in Education of the Deaf or a related field
3. Minimum of 3-4 years experience as a School Director, Principal and/or Senior Administrator
4. Sign Language Proficiency, Advanced or above
5. Experience working with Deaf and Deaf Plus (Special Needs) students
6. Excellent communication skills (spoken and/or signed and written)
7. Demonstrated success in leading a complex educational environment
8. Outstanding organizational skills: capacity to manage multiple responsibilities and competing demands
9. Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
10. Commitment to fostering a collaborative, professional, and respectful workplace
