Executive Director of Research Assessment & Accountability

Job Title: Executive Director of Research, Assessment & Accountability

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Deputy Chief of Academic Advancement & School Performance

Pay Grade: 8

Dept./School: Academics and School Leadership

Initiated Date: 12/2025

La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district’s vision - Educational Excellence:
The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students.

Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community.

• Customer Service
• Trust & Transparency
• High-Quality Instruction
• Excellence in Leadership
• Integrity & Accountability

We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles.

We are seeking a strategic, analytical, and equity-driven leader to serve as the Executive Director of Assessment, Accountability & Research. This leader will provide visionary leadership and executive oversight of all district functions related to student assessment, academic accountability, educational research, and program evaluation. The Executive Director will serve on the Academics & School Leadership (A&SL) executive team and supervise the Director of Assessment & Accountability and Data Specialists.

This individual will drive the district’s efforts to promote data accuracy, transparency, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in managing complex systems, leading high-performing teams, and utilizing data and research to support instructional improvement and strategic decision-making.

You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn.

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree required; preferred in Education or related field
• Valid or eligible to receive Texas Principal Certification or MId-Management Certification preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of five year’s experience in school administration (campus or central office) or research, evaluation and data analytics
• Minimum of three year’s teaching experience preferred

• Proven success in leading a school or district community toward continuous improvement in academic goals with a relentless pursuit of academic excellence for all students
• Deep knowledge of assessment and accountability systems in Texas
• Experience leading research and evaluation efforts and applying findings to educational practice
• Strong data analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills
  
  Exceptional interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and manage teams and projects
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

• Serve as a transformational leader working to create a best-in-class learning environment and lead strategic initiatives aligned with district goals.
• Participate in executive-level decision-making and strategy development as a member of the A&SL leadership team.
• Collaborate with Teaching & Learning, Special Education, and campus leadership to align assessment and research practices with instructional priorities.
• Promote the expectation for high-level performance from staff and students and recognize excellence and achievement.

• Oversee the design, implementation, and management of the district’s assessment systems.
• Support the Director of Assessment & Accountability in managing state and local testing programs…