JOB SUMMARY

The Director of operations & Support is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive professional development programs and initiatives for school principals. This role involves collaborating with school leaders, instructional specialists, and external partners to enhance leadership skills, promote instructional excellence, and support the professional growth of principals.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first

• Develop and execute a vision, goals, and strategic plan for leadership development programs and activities in alignment with the organization's mission and objectives.
• Collaborate across Leadership & Professional Development teams to support the design and implementation of high-quality professional development programs, workshops, and resources that address the specific needs and goals.
• Collaborate with Directors and Executive Directors across Leadership & Professional Development to effectively implement district appraisal and evaluation systems.
• Coordinate and provide support to appraisers within Leadership & Professional Development to meet or exceed appraisal milestones.
• Conduct needs assessments and utilize data to inform the design and delivery of professional development programs, tailoring them to meet the diverse needs of principals.
• Research and stay up-to-date with best practices in educational leadership, instructional strategies, and adult learning principles, integrating them into the development of professional development content.
• Coordinate and facilitate professional development sessions, workshops, and conferences for leaders, utilizing effective instructional strategies and engaging presentation techniques.
• Collaborate with external partners, educational organizations, and experts in the field to leverage additional resources and expertise for leadership development.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

• Evaluate the effectiveness of professional development programs through data analysis, participant feedback, and program evaluations, utilizing findings to make data-driven decisions for program enhancements.
• Collaborate with Division leadership to adjust leadership development opportunities and communications to meet the changing needs of campus and system leaders. 
• Manage the budget and resources allocated to Operations and Support team, ensuring efficient use of funds and compliance with financial guidelines.
• Stay informed about relevant educational policies, regulations, and standards, ensuring that professional development programs are aligned with applicable requirements.
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership, including program updates, outcomes, and recommendations for program improvement or expansion.
• Represent the organization at conferences, meetings, and professional development events, sharing insights, success stories, and contributing to the broader field of educational leadership.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree;
Master's degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in education, with a focus on educational leadership, principal professional development, or school improvement initiatives.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing successful professional development programs or initiatives for principals.
Strong knowledge of educational leadership principles, effective instructional practices, and school improvement strategies.
Experience in coaching and mentoring principals, providing feedback, and supporting their professional growth and development.
Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate principals and collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to program evaluation and decision-making.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and engage diverse audiences.
Knowledge of adult learning principles and expertise in delivering engaging and impactful professional development sessions or workshops for educational leaders.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including principals, administrators, district personnel, and external partners.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and ensure successful program implementation.
Passion for promoting instructional excellence, continuous professional growth, and the success of principals as instructional leaders.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district-wide.

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

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

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 considerable impact to multiple divisions or the district causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

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 are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Regularly assesses and diffuses complex, and escalated customer issues. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for solving systemic customer service problems. Regularly explores alternative and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer within HISD's policies and guidelines.

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.