Executive Director, Special Projects

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director for Special Projects in the Leadership and Professional Development Division will oversee and manage specific initiatives and programs related to leadership and professional development within the District. The Executive Director of Special Projects is a high-level leadership position responsible for overseeing and managing special projects within the Leadership and Professional Development Division. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent project management skills, as well as the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels to achieve district objectives. The Executive Director of Special Projects plays a crucial role in driving innovation, managing change, and implementing strategic initiatives that have a significant impact on the District’s success.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Strategic Planning and Execution:
•    Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the Leadership and Professional Development Division, aligned with the district's goals and vision.
•    Identify key initiatives and projects to enhance leadership capacity and professional development opportunities for educators and staff.
•    Oversee the implementation of strategic initiatives, ensuring timely completion, quality outcomes, and effective resource utilization.
2.    Manage program logistics, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
•    Program Development, Management and Project Planning and Execution: The Executive Director will be responsible for identifying key projects or initiatives aimed at developing leadership skills and enhancing professional growth. This could involve designing and implementing leadership development programs, district workshops or training sessions, and creating resources to support employees' professional development. 
•    Lead and manage special projects from initiation to completion, ensuring effective project planning, resource allocation, and risk management.
•    Define project goals, objectives, and success criteria, and monitor progress to ensure deliverables are achieved.
•    Develop and maintain project documentation, including project charters, schedules, budgets, and status reports.
3.    Stakeholder Engagement:
•    Collaborate with key stakeholders, including senior executives, department heads, and external partners, to understand project requirements, gain buy-in, and align project objectives with District goals.
•    Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, providing regular project updates, addressing concerns, and ensuring project outcomes meet expectations.
•    Facilitate effective communication and engagement among project team members and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
•    Building strong relationships and effective communication channels with stakeholders will be crucial for the success of Leadership and Professional Development Division projects.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

4.    Team Leadership and Development:
•    Lead a diverse team of project managers and cross-functional team members, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
•    Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture, encouraging innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
•    Set clear expectations, assign responsibilities, and provide ongoing feedback to ensure high performance and successful project delivery.
5    Evaluation and Continuous Improvement:
•    Establish evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact and effectiveness of leadership and professional development programs.
•    Analyze data, collect feedback, and utilize research-based practices to continuously improve program design, delivery, and outcomes. This could involve collecting feedback from participants, analyzing program outcomes, and making improvements based on the findings to enhance the overall impact of the division's work.
•    Provide regular reports and updates to district leadership on program performance, outcomes, and recommendations for improvement.
6.    Budgeting and Resource Management:
•    Identify and allocate appropriate resources, including personnel, budget, and technology, to support project execution.
•    Develop and manage project budgets, closely monitoring expenditures, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
•    Collaborate with finance and procurement departments to acquire necessary resources and manage vendor relationships, as required.
7.    Risk Management:
•    Proactively identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions and ensure successful outcomes.
•    Conduct regular risk assessments, monitor project issues, and implement corrective actions as needed.
•    Foster a culture of risk awareness and accountability within the project team and stakeholders.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, etc.) is desirable.

WORK EXPERIENCE

5 years of successful experience as principal or other related position, ideally 
Thorough knowledge of board policy and procedures; working knowledge of federal and state laws regulations, policies and procedures 
Proven effectiveness as coach or mentor of others in leadership positions 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Proven experience in leading and managing complex projects and special initiatives.
Strong understanding of project management methodologies and best practices.
Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Proficient in project management software and tools.
Experience in budget management and financial analysis.
Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple projects concurrently.
Experience in change management and organizational transformation is a plus.

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.