Executive Director of Alternative Non Traditional Schools

Overview

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 Alternative and Non-Traditional Schools will create conditions to actualize the Seattle Public Schools Strategic Plan and focus on eliminating systemic opportunity gaps through inclusive services. The role is a member of the EDS (Executive Director of Schools) Team that reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Schools.

SPS is committed to shifting central office leadership to support building principals as instructional leaders to improve outcomes for all students. The Executive Director will also support district and building school improvement efforts connected to the district strategic plan and building Comprehensive School Plans (C-SIP).

Overview of Position This is an Executive Director central office leadership position. The Executive Director will be a masterful teacher of adult learners, a strong system thinker, and a collaborator who supports Alternative and Non-Traditional school building principals and supervises other district leaders to promote culturally responsive and inclusive practices, policies, and procedures. The role includes oversight of district and school outcomes and partnerships across departments such as human resources, budget and finance, curriculum and instruction, enrollment planning, safety and security, and student services.

Responsibilities include shaping the district vision for alternative learning Pre-K–12, developing new programs and/or schools, building capacity of leaders, and fostering principal communities of practice. The Executive Director will broker resources between school principals and central office and work to raise student outcomes across the Alternative and Non-Traditional school portfolio within Seattle Public Schools.

The role also involves leading collaboration with the EDS Team to align practices, partnering as the primary liaison with the Curriculum and Instruction department for sound instructional practices in ELA and math, and overseeing district programs such as Running Start and BRIDGES while partnering with appropriate departments to ensure high-quality education and development for students in these programs.

Essential Functions

35% – School Improvement

• Effectively partners with and supervises Alternative and Non-Traditional school principals and staff to improve student outcomes.
• Support principals to develop, implement, monitor, and adjust Comprehensive School Improvement Plans (C-SIP) focused on instructional leadership and inclusive practices.
• Promote equitable access to rigorous, standards-based instruction with culturally responsive practices.
• Provide results-focused professional learning and collaboration.
• Make data-driven decisions with disaggregated data in consideration.
• Act on direct feedback to improve performance.
• Engage families and communities through authentic partnerships.
• Model instructional leadership and adult learning.
• Provide recommendations for principal and assistant principal hires to the Superintendent.
• Assist principals with interpreting relevant federal and state laws related to school issues.
• Assist with staffing, scheduling, and budgeting as needed.
• Coordinate with central office departments to support operations.

20% – Accountability

• Ensure Principals and schools follow district policies and commitments.
• Supervise, monitor, and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Support and monitor effective teaching strategies and student assessment implementation.
• Oversee curriculum, professional development, evaluation, and student assessment.
• Interview and select employees; recommend transfers and disciplinary actions.
• Assist with corrective actions as needed.

15% – Central Office Leadership

• Lead central office groups that support building principals in safe, healthy learning environments.
• Inform policy and shape procedures related to strategic direction.
• Analyze school needs to inform central office practice and supports.
• Coordinate with central office departments to advance SPS initiatives and school operations.
• Collaborate with Superintendent and…