Director of Social and Emotional Learning (Grant Funded)

Company: ReNEW Schools
Location: East Chicago
Posted on: March 27, 2025

Job Description:

POSITION: Director of Social and Emotional Learning
REPORTS: Superintendent of Schools
LOCATION: Administration Building
SUMMARY:
The Director of Social and Emotional Learning will set the vision and direction of student-facing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in the district. This position will supervise SEL projects such as centralized trainings and SEL curriculum and programs, while maximizing organizational learning on related best practices. The Director of Social and Emotional Learning will also directly manage relationships with key SEL stakeholders and community partners.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

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• Supervises programs, projects, and strategies related to student-facing Social and Emotional Learning, including managing related external partners and collaborating with internal teams in program/project management and development.
  
• Directs vision for student-facing SEL experiences across the district, including strategic planning to support student learning.
  
• Supports implementation of SEL programming across the district by providing necessary tools, training, and a regular cycle of observation and feedback.
  
• Researches, develops, and refines standards for SEL that span grades K-12 and show the evolution of student SEL traits over time.
  
• In collaboration with social workers and counselors, plans, designs, and leads SEL-related professional development for leaders and teachers.
  
• Provides coaching support to building leadership and other staff to improve student SEL experiences and school climate and culture.
  
• Manages and evaluates external partnerships related to student SEL experiences and develops additional opportunities for new organizational relationships.
  
• Seeks out and manages SEL-related grant opportunities.
  
• Collaborates with Student Support colleagues and other district leaders to ensure a consistent high-quality SEL experience for all stakeholders.
  
• Administers, collects, and analyzes SEL-related surveys and data.
  
• Acts as subject matter expert on SEL issues, including articulating trends in SEL research and best practices, networking with other SEL experts, and sharing Uplift's knowledge and practices with the broader SEL community.
  
• Collaborates with the Curriculum team to infuse SEL skills and content into existing course structures.
  
• Conducts formal evaluation of SEL programs to understand the impact on scholar culture and academic outcomes and to determine appropriate adjustments.
  
• Oversees the district's Nursing and McKinney-Vento programs.
  
  Other Responsibilities:
  
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  • Facilitates specific projects as determined by the superintendent.
    
  • Collaborates with peers, teachers, non-instructional staff, and administrators.
    
  • Complies with all network and campus routines, board policies, and federal and state laws.
    
  • Demonstrates and models professional demeanor, resourcefulness, and effective communication strategies with diverse groups.
    
  • Works independently without day-to-day supervision, maintaining regular and punctual attendance in the workplace.
    
    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
    This position will supervise counselors, social workers, and nurses.
    COMPETENCIES:
    
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    • Demonstrated belief in scholars and School City of East Chicago mission; track record of driving results.
      
    • Perseverance in the face of challenges and adaptability; strong critical thinking skills.
      
    • Ability to influence and motivate others in adopting preferred instructional approaches.
      
    • Strong organizational abilities and ability to meet deadlines and to share these skill sets with others.
      
    • Desire to work relentlessly in pursuit of our mission.
      
    • High expectations for students and families in low-income communities; understanding and knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; working knowledge of content and methodology across grade levels.
      
    • Capable of instructing, motivating, and managing teachers, coaches, and a team.
      
    • Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
      
    • Strong knowledge base in Social and Emotional Learning strategies and best practices; proven history of successful program development and management.
      
      QUALIFICATIONS:
      To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Bilingual preferred.
      EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
      Applicants should have a minimum of five (5) years' professional experience in leadership and education. Candidate must have specific experience in developing and leading Social and Emotional Learning programs. Experience coordinating student support programs centrally, in developing related processes and systems, and in providing related trainings to professional staff. Experience in establishing and managing external organizational partnerships and relationships.
      Work Conditions and Physical Environment:
      Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer terminal; hear and understand speech at normal levels; physical agility to lift up to 50 pounds; to bend, to stoop, to sit on the floor, to climb stairs, to walk and to reach overhead. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to angry students/parents and neighborhoods considered to have high levels of violence potential.
      Grant Funded position and will close at the end of the grant for 2024-2025 school year.
      SALARY:
      - Commensurate by Experience and Education
      START DATE: Upon Board Approval
      APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED
      Please submit a letter of interest and credentials/resume to:
      Complete Application on School City of East Chicago's website.
      Look for postings online @ www.scec.k12.in.us Links/Services/Human Resources/JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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Keywords: ReNEW Schools, Chicago , Director of Social and Emotional Learning (Grant Funded), Executive , East Chicago, Illinois