Title: Director of Educator Programs

Reports to: Chief Strategy Officer

Work Location: LaunchPad4U

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Director of Educator Programs will be a highly skilled and dedicated program director responsible for overseeing the implementation of our diverse teacher-facing initiatives, programs, and resources. The Director of Educator Programs will ensure the fidelity, continuous improvement, and operational excellence of our programs focusing on achieving desired outcomes and maintaining accountability. The Director will be responsible for executing an implementation plan that aligns with the organization’s overarching programmatic framework and strategic goals, to prepare each and every student for life.

The Director of Educator Programs will serve as a contributing member of the Chief Strategy Officer’s team consisting of high-level professionals and will work collaboratively with Sarasota County Schools district and school-based leadership, instructional staff, and other partners to support a shared vision to see every student graduate with a college, career and life plan that leads to success. The Director of Educator Programs will work closely with the Chief Strategy Officer and other senior leaders with a strategic mindset to ensure strong design, integration, delivery, and on-gong evaluation of the Foundation’s student programs.

The Director of Educator Programs will uphold the Education Foundation of Sarasota County’s mission to enhance the potential of students, promote excellence in teaching, and inspire innovation in education guided by strategic philanthropy.

CURRENT TEACHER INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Teacher grants. Each year, the Education Foundation provides approximately $200,000 in teacher grants, with a goal to provide 45% of grant funding to Title I schools. These grants are provided to teachers through our grant portal as well as through a partnership with DonorsChoose. They help teachers innovate lessons and meet the unique needs of their students.

New Worlds Reading Initiative. Beginning in 2023, the Education Foundation will support the statewide New Worlds Reading Initiative by increasing community awareness of the program, which provides free books to students in grades K – 5 who are reading below grade levels. Along with raising awareness through social media and other venues, we will host Parent Family Literacy Workshops and Community Literacy Events—so more students who most need a vibrant library can begin building one for free.

Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration. This award celebration recognizes teachers whose commitment, compassion, and innovation serve as models. We celebrate teachers who change lives and lead by example. Each year, one teacher from all area schools is recognized by their school as Teacher of the Year. Of these teachers, three are selected as finalists for the district Teacher of the Year, and one teacher is selected as the Innovation award recipient. At the celebration, the district Teacher of the Year is announced.

Education Roundtable Talks. These talks are a platform for teachers to learn, collaborate, discuss, reflect, and grow. Guest speakers create dialogue and facilitate thought-provoking discussion around salient educational topics that matter to teachers. Stipends are provided to teachers for their participation.

Teacher Ambassador Program. This program seeks to have one teacher representative from each school as ambassadors on behalf of the Education Foundation. The forum gives teachers a voice so that we hear directly from them about the challenges they face and how we can best support them. We can share with teachers the resources we can provide and new initiatives we’re undertaking so that they can inform their colleagues at their respective schools. At the heart of this program is building stronger connections between the Education Foundation and teachers. Stipends are provided to teachers for their participation.

Teacher Leadership Program. This program is being developed by teachers and for teachers in alignment with the strategic goals of the Education Foundation and Sarasota County Schools. The purpose of this program is to create a collaborative network of teacher professionals who strive for professional learning and leadership development that will support their continued commitment in the classroom.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Development

● Oversee the design and implementation of teacher-facing initiatives and programs.

● Ensure a strong culture of collaboration, coherence and support while maintaining accountability for results.

● Provide direct client management to teachers and other key decision-makers involved in our teacher-facing initiatives.

Fidelity and Continuous Improvement

● Ensure that all programs and initiatives are implemented with fidelity to their intended design and purpose.

● Develop and implement a continuous improvement framework with progress monitoring to identify areas for growth and optimize program effectiveness.

● Collaborate with Chief Strategy Officer and other stakeholders to refine and enhance programs based on data-driven insights and best practices.

Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practices

● Establish clear, measurable outcomes for each program and initiative.

● Ensure that all programs and practices are evidence-based and research-informed.

● Monitor and evaluate program outcomes regularly, making data-driven decisions to improve impact.

Implementation and Operational Excellence

● Oversee the day-to-day operations of programs and initiatives, ensuring smooth and efficient implementation.

● Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, guidelines, and documentation for all programs.

● Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning for program participants.

Data Tracking and Analysis

● Develop and maintain robust data tracking systems to monitor program performance and outcomes.

● Conduct regular data analysis to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.

● Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.

Accountability and Risk Management

● Ensure that all programs operate in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and grant requirements.

● Identify and mitigate potential risks to program success and organizational reputation.

● Manage program budgets efficiently to ensure resources are allocated for maximum impact.

● Work collaboratively with the business office to issue grants and awards that are within budget guidelines and foster a culture of accountability and transparency among staff and donors.

Training and Professional Learning

● Develop and implement comprehensive training and professional learning opportunities for teachers.

● Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure that teachers have the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles

.● Foster a culture of continuous learning and growth among internal and external stakeholders.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree required, Master's degree preferred, from an accredited university in education, school counseling, social work, public administration, or a related field.

Minimum of 7 years of experience as a classroom teacher, with evidence of continuous professional learning (formal and/or informal).

Proven track record of successful program implementation and outcomes achievement.

Understanding of the K12 school structures and culture.

Knowledge of basic laws, regulations, and best practices for working directly with teachers.

Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities.

Passion for advancing educational equity and student success.

Passion for elevating and celebrating teachers in our community.

Strong computer and technology skills

Bi-lingual a plus.

A resume and cover letter are required for your application to be reviewed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Teaching: 7 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Sarasota, FL 34236 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Sarasota, FL 34236: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person