Portland Public Schools

Position Details

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.

The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran’s status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service.

504 Coordinator: Katie Loewen, kloewen@pps.net, 503-916-3337 x63337

ADA Coordinator: Jey Buno, jbuno@pps.net, 503-916-3360

Title IX Program Manager: Bobby Cruz, bcruz@pps.net, 503-839-3660

Director - Center for Black Student Excellence

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period. First review of applications will begin 5/30/2025.

BASIC FUNCTION

Under administrative direction, serve as a centralized integrator of district-wide efforts to improve student success for every Black student. The Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) Director will serve as a subject matter expert in the culture, history, assets and educational issues of Black students, families and communities in Portland. Represent the district and serve as a liaison to other PPS departments. The director will work with internal and external stakeholders to plan the implementation of the community-wide Center for Black Student Excellence, including the community engagement planning process, internal academic planning and collaborate with the Office of School Modernization’s bond planning process to align with the community and academic components of the Center.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

This description does not describe all duties performed. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed.

• Lead and implement the district-wide plan for the Center for Black Student Excellence, ensuring alignment with the PPS vision, mission, theory of action, strategic plan, and RESJ (Racial Equity and Social Justice) Framework.
• Serve as subject matter expert and advisor on educational issues impacting Black students, families, and communities in Portland.
• Design and facilitate inclusive community-powered processes to shape CBSE priorities, programs, and infrastructure, in collaboration with the Office of Teaching and Learning, Office of School Modernization, and other departments.
• Build and maintain partnerships with Black students, families, culturally specific organizations, and community leaders to co-design and improve services, gather feedback, and promote shared ownership.
• Lead and advise cross-functional district teams and community partners to ensure culturally responsive curriculum, pedagogy, and student support systems are implemented with fidelity.
• Apply equity-centered design and change management practices to drive systemic transformation and address barriers to Black student success.
• Coordinate and communicate across departments to ensure consistent implementation of CBSE-related strategies, including professional development, family engagement, and student success monitoring.
• Develop and lead professional learning opportunities for school and central office staff focused on racial equity, culturally sustaining practices, and Black student achievement.
• Develop and implement qualitative and quantitative metrics to assess the impact of CBSE strategies; use data to drive continuous improvement.
• Represent PPS in external forums, community events, and strategic partnerships that elevate the district's commitment to Black student excellence.
• Direct, lead, and oversee the development of grant proposals and funding strategies aligned to CBSE goals; monitor and manage budgets and resources.
• Supervise assigned personnel, providing leadership, coaching, evaluation, and support.
• Develop and maintain effective communications strategies to amplify CBSE efforts and promote community awareness and participation.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Portland Public Schools’ Racial Equity and Social Justice Commitment by deeply understanding and applying the district’s Racial Educational Equity Policy. Lead and actively participate in professional development, training, and initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the workplace and K–12 education. Model equitable and inclusive behaviors, and identify, recommend, and implement improvements to leadership and educational practices that reflect the needs and strengths of a racially and culturally diverse community.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Note: See the Classification Specification which identifies essential duties required. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Culture, history, and educational assets of Black students, families, and communities in Portland
• Culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy
• Equity-centered design frameworks and change management practices
• PPS strategic plan, RESJ Plan and Framework, and Racial Educational Equity Policy
• Community engagement and co-design principles
• Data collection, analysis, and continuous improvement methods
• Public education systems and cross-departmental collaboration models

Ability to:

• Demonstrate a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice
• Lead with cultural humility and center Black student voice in decision-making
• Develop and implement strategic plans and cross-functional initiatives
• Facilitate inclusive community engagement and collaborative design processes
• Communicate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups
• Translate qualitative and quantitative data into strategic insights and action
• Build trust and foster relationships with internal and external partners
• Supervise and develop staff, including mentoring and coaching
• Advocate, model, and implement PPS equity initiatives and board policies
• Manage budgets, grants, and operational plans

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in education, social work, communications, management, program administration, cultural studies or related fields.

Master’s Degree and/or specific training and professional development in African American education preferred. Work experience may be a substitute for a degree.

Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working with Black students and communities, including at least four (4) years in a supervisory, program leadership, or cross-departmental coordination role.

Any other combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Special Requirements:

May require the use of a personal automobile.

Work hours may include on- and off-campus evening and weekend activities and meetings and district, school and student functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working conditions are outlined in the job classification for the position and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.

Remote Work Eligibility: Not eligible

Compensation: Grade 45 - $130,997.00 - $156,417.00

BENEFITS

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635