Executive Director of Federal Programs and Student Supports

Des Moines Public Schools is looking for and accepting applications from dynamic leaders in understanding Federal Programs and Systems Building for our Executive Director of Federal Programs and Student Supports position.  

The salary range shared below represents the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range.  Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience, and education.  This position will also qualify for a 14% Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) in addition to the base salary.

Job Title: Executive Director of Federal Programs & Student Supports

Department: Office of Superintendent

Reports to: Associate Superintendent         

Highest Level Supervised: Director

Job Summary:

The Executive Director of Federal Programs and Student Supports provides district-wide leadership for school student support systems while ensuring effective planning, implementation, compliance, and monitoring of federal education programs. This position integrates student support services and federal program design and oversight to ensure alignment with district priorities, equity commitments, and student achievement goals. 

The Executive Director leads cross-functional teams, supervises program administrators and coordinators, manages multiple funding streams (federal, state, and local), ensures compliance with federal and state requirements, and supports continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making. The position requires extensive collaboration with district leadership, school administrators, community partners, and families to support student success across PK–12. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Provide strategic leadership, supervision, and continuous improvement of district-wide student services programs, including school counseling, Community in Schools, alternative pathways and credit recovery, behavioral and mental health supports, school-based safety staff, attendance and dropout prevention, and child welfare/case management, to ensure equitable access, coordinated service delivery, and improved student outcomes.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate district-wide school culture, climate, and behavior frameworks through an equity-centered and culturally proficient lens, including restorative practices, the student behavior code of conduct, anti-bullying initiatives, school safety frameworks, marginalized student supports, and district-wide attendance strategies; collaborate with building administrators and principal supervisors to ensure consistent and effective implementation across schools.
3. Serve as the District Section 504 Coordinator, ensuring district-wide compliance, high-quality implementation, and monitoring of 504 plans; partner with school leaders and central office teams to align student services, climate initiatives, and legal requirements while promoting consistent practices and accountability across the district.
4. Provide district-level leadership for the planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of federal education programs, including Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, and other applicable federal and state grants by overseeing as aspects to ensure compliance with state and federal statutes, fiscal requirements, allowable uses of funds, and audit expectations.
5. Ensure effectiveness and strategic alignment with district priorities for student achievement, equity, culture, and climate by driving continuous improvement, monitoring program effectiveness, and providing high-level guidance and technical support to schools and departments to maximize impact and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
6. Demonstrate fiscal responsibility through oversight of multiple funding sources—including federal, state, and local funds—by collaborating with Finance and Grants staff to ensure accurate budgeting, tracking, reporting, reconciliation, and timely completion of all required financial documentation and reports for local, state, and federal authorities.
7. Meet regularly with assigned staff to discuss performance; jointly develop improvement objectives to identify professional growth opportunities; supervise and evaluate personnel assigned under direct supervision.
8. Strengthen trust and engagement between DMPS and families across diverse communities by developing and sustaining partnerships with community agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local stakeholders.
9. Actively support the efforts of the Board, Superintendent, and colleagues to achieve district goals and objectives.
10. Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, course work, and collaboration.
11. Other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in education, social work, public administration, or related field.
• Work Experience: Three years of administrator experience at the school or district level.
• Licensure or Certification: Administrator License with evaluator approval.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Extensive knowledge of federal education programs and compliance requirements.
2. Effective written and oral communication and presentation techniques.
3. Ability to manage complex budgets and multiple funding sources.
4. Ability to gather, analyze, and use data to evaluate programs, identify areas of improvement and inform decisions.
5. Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and leading school climate initiatives.
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
7. Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
8. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and accuracy.
9. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
10. Maintain confidentiality.
11. Attend work on a prompt and regular
12. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other

Physical Requirements:

• Moves throughout the building to access meetings and information.
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time during shift.
• Drive or provide transportation suitable to accommodate responsibilities throughout the district.

HR Signature: ________________________________________ Date: __________________

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 14