Job Abstract

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director – Strategic Initiatives will be responsible for providing strategic direction, overseeing departmental operations, and ensuring the achievement of its mission and goals. This role will lead a team of professionals, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive the department's success in delivering high-quality services and programs.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversee directors of Strategic Initiatives
2. Oversee directors of Student Experiences
3. Create and manage systems to support NES
4. Create and manage systems to support DYAD – Student experiences

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

5. Seek opportunities for collaborative projects and partnerships to address community needs and achieve shared goals.
6. Represent the department in collaborative efforts and contribute to the development of cross-functional strategies.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public administration, business management, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Proven experience of at least 10 years in a leadership role, preferably in a related field or industry.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organizational management, and achieving measurable results.

Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.

Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve goals and objectives.

Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively articulate the department's mission and impact.

Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of driving innovation and change.

Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices.

Experience in building and maintaining strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships.

Commitment to the department's mission, vision, and values.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs two or more levels of management deploying ongoing key initiatives covering multiple areas of discipline with direct accountability for results in terms of effectiveness, costs, methods, and employees. Establishes achievement objectives and assignments for multiple disciplines/functional areas and possibly departments. Evaluates recommendations of others, deciding on course of action in ambiguous situations, and oversees the deployment of innovative solutions. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop strategies and broad departmental objectives; establishes methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs and people in the achievement of strategic objectives. Directly supervises principals and indirectly supervises all teachers in the feeder-pattern(s). Full management responsibilities for multiple schools including all aspects of line responsibility.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Advises on budget development for department.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have moderate impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials or equipment. Effect usually confined to the district itself and is short term.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions include schools, non-school departments, central office, senior, and executive management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds