Director of Partnerships and Belonging (2025-2026 School Year)

Description

Job Title: Director - Partnership and Belonging

Position Function: The Director of Partnerships and Belonging provides strategic leadership to foster a culture of inclusion, connection, and shared responsibility across Wichita Public Schools. This role leads the development and implementation of restorative practices that strengthen relationships, repair harm, and build community within schools. The Director works collaboratively with district departments, school leaders, and external partners to create systems that support student belonging, staff engagement, and family partnership. By aligning initiatives with district goals, the Director ensures that all students and staff experience a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where they can thrive. The Director also monitors and addresses any achievement and opportunity gaps throughout the district. The Director is also responsible for serving as the ex officio member of and staff liaison of the Accountability and Equity Committee.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Collaborate with district staff to develop and implement accountability goals across key areas including curriculum & instruction, student support services, professional development, evaluation, staffing, compliance, and community engagement.
• Lead and support professional development focused on inclusive instructional practices including restorative practices.
• Analyze data related to student achievement and assignment to inform strategies that support underserved populations and inclusive staffing.
• Participate in district committees such as Magnet Advisory, Accountability & Equity Committees and boundary planning, as assigned by the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent.
• Review and recommend updates to district policies and practices to align with strategic goals.
• Advise the Superintendent and/or Deputy Superintendent on initiatives that promote inclusion and belonging across schools.
• Serve as ex-officio member and staff liaison to the Accountability and Equity Committee, managing meeting logistics and agendas, documentation, data sharing, and annual reporting to the board.
• Design and facilitate professional learning for staff on restorative practices, inclusive practices, and culturally responsive engagement.
• Lead the implementation of restorative practices across the district and schools to promote relationship-building, conflict resolution, and inclusive school climates.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with community organizations, agencies, and stakeholders to support student belonging, engagement, and success.
• Collaborate with district leadership to align partnership and belonging initiatives with strategic goals and student success outcomes.
• Support schools in building systems that foster student voice, accountability, and positive behavior interventions.
• Analyze data and feedback to assess the impact of belonging and partnership initiatives and use findings to inform continuous improvement.
• Serve as liaison to advisory groups and committees focused on inclusion, student well-being, and community engagement.
• Coordinate communication strategies that highlight partnership efforts and promote a culture of belonging across the district.
• Advocate for inclusive policies and practices that remove barriers to student participation and foster a sense of connection for all members of the school community.
• Provide guidance and consultation to school leaders and staff on implementing restorative and inclusive practices effectively.
  
  

Additional Duties: Performs other tasks and responsibilities assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use technology such as SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must be proficient in using both traditional and modern educational tools, including computers, interactive displays, and digital assessment platforms. Familiarity with instructional technology, such as learning management systems and virtual collaboration tools, is preferred. Compliance with USD 259's technology and equipment usage guidelines is required.

Travel: In-district and out-of-district travel required. Travel between schools and central offices may be necessary for professional development, collaboration, and instructional support.

Physical And Mental Demands

• Ability to work a full-time schedule with occasional evening and weekend commitments.
• Frequent in-district travel and occasional out-of-district travel to support school sites and community partnerships.
• Capacity to lead and participate in meetings, trainings, and public events in both formal and informal settings. Attendance required at meetings.
• Mental stamina to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder needs simultaneously.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and solution-oriented in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and use of technology (e.g., computers, projectors, mobile devices).
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and respond to urgent issues as they arise.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Active listening skills to understand and respond to the needs of students, staff, families, and community partners.
• In-depth knowledge of public education systems
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, empathy and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build relationships across diverse cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Flexible and resilient in dynamic environments, with the ability to adapt to shifting tasks and timelines.
• Proven ability to contribute positively to team efforts and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Consistently models professionalism, ethical behavior, and sound judgment.
• Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor aligned with district standards.
• Understands and supports the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the organization, and the role each employee plays in achieving them.
• Understanding of restorative practices and their application in educational settings.
• Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with internal departments and external organizations.
• Skilled in designing and delivering professional development focused on inclusion, belonging, and cultural responsiveness.
• Proficient in data analysis to inform decision-making and measure program impact.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Demonstrated leadership in fostering inclusive environments and promoting student and staff well-being.
• Capacity to work collaboratively across departments and with community stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
  
  

Qualifications

Interrelations:

• Collaborates regularly with district personnel, school leaders, families, and external partners to support inclusive and restorative initiatives.
• Operates under the guidance of the department supervisor while exercising independent judgment in day-to-day responsibilities.
• Engages with a wide range of individuals and groups, requiring professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and diplomacy.
• Maintains a service-oriented mindset, responding to stakeholder needs with empathy, clarity, and timeliness.
• Represents the district in a positive and professional manner through all interactions, fostering trust and collaboration.
  
  

Employee Punctuality And Appearance

• Expected to fulfill all assigned duties and maintain regular attendance during scheduled work hours, unless approved leave has been granted.
• Any changes to the assigned work schedule must receive prior approval from the immediate supervisor or designated administrator.
• Must present a professional appearance that reflects positively on Wichita Public Schools and is appropriate for the responsibilities of the position.
  
  

Qualification Profile

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience working in education, social services, or community development. Experience within Wichita Public Schools is preferred and highly desirable.
  
  

FLSA Status: Exempt