Location: Hattie Mae White
Department: Chief Academic Officer
Area:Northwest
Contract Months:12
Salary Range: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Gifted & Talented Education provides leadership, direction, evaluation and related services throughout the district. The Director provides leadership and policy recommendations in the areas of program conceptualization, design and implementation to address student achievement in the delivery of Gifted and Talented instruction and related services, student evaluation and students receiving community agency services. The Director of Gifted & Talented Education directs and manages the implementation of federal, local and state budgets for Gifted and Talented services in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for students identified as gifted and talented (including twice-exceptional, i.e. receiving services for special education, 504 and multilingual supports), in accordance with documentation that supports the State Performance Plan indicators as directed by TEA.
MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the Gifted and Talented Department, the evaluation process and the staffing for campuses as they implement Gifted and Talented programs to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and local guidelines and improve student outcomes
• Directs the resolution of problematic situations in the implementation of federal law, state law and local guidelines related to Gifted and Talented services and instructional support services in schools and regional Gifted and Talented staff.
• Directs the implementation of the development and review of the Gifted Education Plans districtwide
• Directs and manages litigation matters related to Gifted and Talented services, including due process hearings, mediations, student eligibility, resolution sessions and parent concerns
• Demonstrates leadership and organizational skills and the ability to work cross functionally with district leaders and department heads.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

• Responds to stakeholders regarding the evaluation and placement gifted and talented students
• Manages the Gifted and Talented budget
• Plans appropriate training for school and district level staff.
• Provides leadership in establishing new programs and developing improved understanding of existing programs.
• Develops and initiates programs for continuous identification of Gifted and Talented students.
• Evaluates existing programs as an ongoing responsibility and recommends changes and additions as needed.

EDUCATION
Master's Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
7 Years
SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Teacher Certification required, School Administrator Certification preferred
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.
Houston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.