The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

 

JDE: 2.06

 

Director of Student Services

 

Purpose Statement

The Director of Student Services is responsible for leadership and direction of the District’s student support services. Primary student services under the direction of the Director of Student Services include, gifted and talented, English students of other languages, social emotional learning, nursing, social work, mental health and counseling, as well as at-risk.  The Director of Student Services serves as a resource to others, maintains services in compliance with established guidelines as well as local, state and federal requirements. The Director ensures that these services are effective, compliant with regulations, and aligned with the district’s educational goals.

 

 

Job Title:  Director of Student Services

Salary Range: Grade 20

Contract: 279 Contract / 12 months

Reports To: Assistant Superintendent

Wage/Hour Status:  Exempt

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Five (5)  years of successful experience in school administration and/or teaching experience.
• Iowa K-12 Administrator License with Evaluator Approval.
• Proven track record of effective leadership, including experience in managing and improving academic programs and school operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

 

Essential Functions

 

Program Management:

 

• Develop, implement, and oversee student services programs, including social work services, SEL, health services, ESOL, Talented and Gifted, At-risk & Summit (DOP), Foster Care, Homeschool, Homeless and Title III services.
• Ensure that services are effectively delivered and aligned with the district’s mission and goals.
• Monitor program effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to improve student outcomes.

 

Compliance and Regulation:

 

• Stay current with federal, state, and local regulations related to student services.
• Ensure all programs and services comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and submit required reports and documentation.

 

 

Staff Supervision and Development:

 

• Recruit, train, and support staff members involved in student services, including counselors, school social workers, and nurses, etc.
• Provide ongoing professional development and support to staff.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Co-Leads grief response team.

 

 

Collaboration and Communication:

 

• Work closely with school administrators, teachers, and community partners to support student needs.
• Serve as a liaison between students, families, and external agencies.
• Address concerns and facilitate effective communication with parents and guardians.

 

 

Student Support and Advocacy:

 

• Develop and implement strategies to support student well-being and academic success.
• Advocate for students' needs and work to resolve issues impacting their learning and development.
• Coordinate services for students with special needs or those facing significant challenges.

 

 

Data Analysis and Reporting:

 

• Collect and analyze data related to student services, including attendance, behavioral incidents, and health concerns.
• Prepare and present reports to school boards, administrators, and other stakeholders.

 

 

Resource Management:

 

• Develop and manage the budget for student services programs.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities for student support initiatives.
• Ensure efficient use of resources and materials.

 

 

Crisis Management:

 

• Develop and implement crisis intervention plans and protocols.
• Provide support and guidance during emergencies or critical incidents affecting students.

 

 

Community and Parent Engagement:

 

• Promote and facilitate family and community involvement in student services programs.
• Organize workshops, seminars, and events to educate and engage parents and the community.

 

Other Related Job Functions

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. other administrators, district staff, public agencies, community members, etc.) for implementing and/or maintaining services and programs.
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, professional development and training, etc. (e.g. regulatory requirements, community or outside agencies, interdepartmental needs, etc.) for identifying issues, developing recommendations, supporting other staff, and serving as a District representative.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned
• Facilitates and oversees committee meetings, as assigned.
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
• Demonstrates integrity and maintains confidentiality.
• Works well with others, maintaining positive and effective communication with district personnel and works well with others on jobs that require more than one person.
• Is respectful and appropriately interacts with staff, students, and visitors.
• Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the Ankeny Community School District safety program.
• Supports the goals and objectives of the school district and follows all district policies.
• Demonstrates the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to District operations.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 

• Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:
• Deep understanding of institutional, state, and federal regulations affecting student services.
• Familiarity with theories and best practices in student development and support.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and their application in educational settings.
• Understanding of crisis intervention strategies and mental health issues affecting students.
• Knowledge of academic advising practices and student success strategies.
• Awareness of budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation within student services.
• Proficiency in using data to assess program effectiveness and drive decision-making.
• Knowledge of legal issues related to student affairs, such as FERPA, Title IX, ADA compliance, and student privacy rights.

 

• Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: 
• Skills in visionary leadership related to working with diverse students, staff, families and communities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with students, parents, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address student issues and improve services.
• Skills in using data-driven decision making to determine effectiveness of various programs and initiatives and develop strategies to improve. 
• Skills in anticipating, managing, and resolving conflict. 
• Competence in planning, organizing, and executing projects and initiatives.
• Proficient counseling skills to support and guide students through personal and academic challenges.
• Skills in working collaboratively with others across a complex organization with numerous stakeholders and facilitating groups. 

 

• Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: 
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with institutional goals and enhance student services.
• Capacity to adapt to changing needs and environments, and to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to make informed and timely decisions in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong ability to empathize with student concerns and demonstrate compassion in service delivery.
• Capacity to envision and create innovative programs and services that meet the evolving needs of students.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate records, compliance with regulations, and quality service delivery.
• Ability to manage time efficiently and prioritize tasks effectively.

 

Working Environment 

 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands:  significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, reaching, driving, standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity.  Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress. 

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working independently under broad organizational guidelines to achieve unit objectives; directing other persons within a department, large work unit, and/or across several small work units; directing the use of budgeted funds within a work unit; utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions.  There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

 

Supervision

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Is responsible for the overall direction, management, coordination, and evaluation of employees as assigned. 

 

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the Superintendent.

 

Clearances

Background Clearance

 

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually, as per district policies and procedures

 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

 

Approved by:     Justin Mohr                                        Date: January 3rd, 2025

 

Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  It is the policy of the District to provide equal employment opportunities and not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age or marital status in its employment and personnel practices.  The job categories where the representative groups are underrepresented.