ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS (PreK-12)

Lawrence Public Schools USD 497 • www.usd497.org/

TITLE: Assistant Director of Visual and Performing Arts (PreK-12) ***Position open until filled*** REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning QUALIFICATIONS: Required: Valid Kansas Teaching License with Fine Arts endorsement (Music, Visual Arts, Theater, etc.) Building-Level Leadership License or a Master’s degree in Education, Fine Arts, Curriculum & Instruction, or Educational Leadership Minimum five (5) years successful teaching experience in a fine arts discipline Demonstrated knowledge of K–12 fine arts curriculum, pedagogy, and performance-based assessment Ability to support, evaluate, and advance high-quality Fine Arts Instruction across grade levels Demonstrated ability to support teachers and teams in moving program development forward across school, district, and community. Preferred: Leadership or coaching experience Multi-disciplinary arts experience and multi-level arts experience Experience coordinating performances, exhibitions, or community performances Experience developing curriculum or leading professional development JOB GOAL: The PreK–12 Assistant Director of Visual and Fine Arts has direct responsibility for leading, advocacy for, and coordination of all arts programming in the district. In fulfilling this role, the Assistant Director provides leadership, coordination, and support for district music, visual arts, theater, and related fine arts programs. The coordinator ensures high-quality arts instruction aligned with Kansas Standards, supports curriculum and assessment development, provides professional learning for fine arts teachers, and collaborates with principals to maintain strong arts programs across all schools. This role advocates for equitable access to arts education and supports the integration of fine arts as an essential component of a well-rounded education. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Provide leadership to support and ensure a high-quality PreK–12 fine arts curriculum aligned with Kansas College and Career Ready Standards and district priorities. Support teachers with curriculum implementation, instructional strategies, and classroom best practices for music, visual arts, theater, and other fine arts areas. Coordinate and support development, revision, and implementation of fine arts curriculum frameworks, pacing guides, and assessments. Support vertical alignment across grade levels and schools to ensure student progression and program continuity. Program Coordination and Support: Serve as the district point of contact and liaison for fine arts programs, scheduling, and instructional inquiries. Coordinate districtwide arts events, including performances, exhibitions, community performances, and competitions. Oversee logistics for fine arts programs such as instrument inventory, repairs, sheet music, art supplies, equipment, capital outlay, and facility needs. Collaborate with principals to support hiring, onboarding and mentoring processes in support of staff. Assist with staffing recommendations based on enrollment, programming needs, and equity goals. Professional Development and Collaboration: Support the arts team to ensure professional development for fine arts educators is designed, planned and implemented with collaboration and intentionality. Support the arts team to ensure that the program of study and performance represents an inclusive approach to curricula and instruction. Support facilitation and/or facilitate professional learning communities (PLCs) or department meetings for fine arts teachers across schools. Support teachers with instructional technology integration in the arts. Promote collaboration among PreK–12 fine arts teachers to enhance instructional practices and student engagement. Equity and Access in the Arts: Advocate for equitable access and representation in fine arts experiences for all students, including those from underrepresented groups. Represent fine arts programs at the district level by elevating needs identified through teacher collaboration and translating them into budget, staffing, space, and program support recommendations. Monitor participation data to support inclusion in music, theater, and visual arts programs. Collaborate with principals to ensure consistent access to course offerings, materials, and resources. Budget, Resources, and Grants: Assist in developing and managing fine arts budgets, including materials, equipment, and program needs. Support grant writing and implementation for arts-related funding opportunities. Ensure resources are distributed effectively and aligned with program goals. Community and Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with community arts organizations, local cultural partners, higher education institutions, and parent groups. Support partnerships that extend student learning and opportunities in the arts. Communicate program highlights, events, and accomplishments with district and community stakeholders. Create and coordinate a district fine arts calendar Other Responsibilities: Participate in district committees, leadership meetings, and strategic planning efforts. Maintain current knowledge of best practices, research, and trends in arts education. Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. ESSENTIAL SKILLS and ABILITITES: Knowledge of fine arts curriculum and instruction across music, visual arts, and theater Strong organizational and project-management skills Ability to lead and facilitate professional learning Effective communication and collaboration skills Ability to analyze data and use it to inform program improvement Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders Ability to attend performances, evening events, and rehearsals as needed. Ability to lift and move materials related to performances, exhibitions, and equipment distribution. Ability to speak clearly to various groups expressing ideas in a logical and forthright manner Possess composition skills suitable for producing written communication for a variety of readers Ability to quickly analyze a situation and provide prompt advice Ability to respond to information requests in a courteous, timely and helpful manner Ability to perform job responsibilities using appropriate software on district computer system and communication equipment Ability to manage job responsibilities while meeting established deadlines Ability to work constructively and cooperatively with others Ability to travel as needed Maintain a physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time Ability to work a normal schedule including additional hours to ensure completion of job requirements Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions The tasks listed in this position are subject to change at the discretion of the superintendent/designee. The incumbent is expected to take on other duties as requested or assigned by his/her supervisor. LENGTH OF CONTRACT: Twelve-month administrative contract SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with prior leadership experience and includes fringe benefits package. EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation.

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Salary range TBD plus fringe benefits

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Our Mission:

Lawrence Public Schools, USD 497, is a learning community committed to ensuring educational equity and excellence so that students of all races backgrounds achieve at high levels and graduate prepared for success in college, careers and life in a diverse and rapidly changing world.

About us:

Lawrence Public Schools serve approximately 11,000 students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in Lawrence, Kansas. Located on Interstate 70, about half-way between Topeka and Kansas City, Lawrence is an academic community, home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. Our district is the seventh-largest in Kansas and with nearly 1,700 employees, one of the city`s largest employers.

Twenty-one school campuses include a pre-K program,14 elementary schools (grades K-5), four middle schools (grades 6-8), two comprehensive high schools(grades 9-12), a K-8 virtual school and a virtual high school (grades 9-11). Lawrence Public Schools offer a Parents as Teachers program for families of children from birth to age three; adult basic education, English as a Second Language courses and G.E.D. study and testing through an Adult Learning Center; and the opportunity for adults to earn a diploma through the Lawrence Diploma-Completion Program.

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Job Contact Address

110 McDonald Drive
Lawrence, KS 66044

Job Start Date

January-1-2026

Applications Due By

May-31-2026

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