Director 1 - Chief of Schools

JOB SUMMARY

The Director 1 of Strategic Initiatives will be responsible for helping to oversee the execution of all departments in the Office of Strategic Initiatives. This will include, but not limited to the New Education System, Special Education and Board Services. They will help with moving identified schools to the New Education System and ensuring their ongoing success. They will work closely with the Directors of Student Experiences and various departments to coordinate resources within the NES schools in order to dramatically and rapidly improve student outcomes. They will assist with data collection and review for all departments and assist in creating actionable reports to improve outcomes. The Director of Strategic Initiatives reports to the Deputy Chief of Strategic Initiatives.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Principal and School Support: Lead and guide school leadership teams in the implementation of 
the selected school model, ensuring fidelity of execution and accountability.
2. Resource Management: Oversee the provisioning of necessary materials and technology to 
support seamless execution of the NES model in schools.
3. Strategic Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful 
implementation of the NES model across identified schools.
4. Performance Oversight: Utilize established metrics and performance indicators to monitor school 
improvement and effectiveness of support, providing regular updates and reports to Deputy Chief 
of Strategic Initiatives. 
5 Change Leadership: Drive change by effectively communicating the vision, benefits, and goals of 
all stakeholders, fostering buy-in, and managing resistance or barriers.
6. Team Development: Build and lead a high-performing team of coordinators, providing guidance, 
mentorship, and professional development opportunities to maximize performance.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

7. Representation: Represent the district at conferences, meetings, and events, advocating for the 
department and serving as a spokesperson.
8. Creation of systems and structure, supported with data collection and review.
9. Compliance and Professional Development: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, 
and policies, while continuously seeking professional development opportunities to enhance 
leadership skills and industry knowledge.
10. Continuously seek opportunities for professional development and growth to enhance leadership 
skills and industry knowledge
11. Travel to multiple campuses is required
12. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree required. A master's degree or professional degree in education is preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 5 years of experience in education. School leadership experience a plus.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to think strategically, analyze complex problems, and develop innovative solutions that align with organizational objectives. Leadership Skills: Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams, influence key stakeholders, and drive change in a collaborative manner. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex ideas and concepts to diverse audiences. Analytical Skills: Proficient in data analysis, performance metrics, and financial modeling to inform decision-making and measure the impact of strategic initiatives. Project Management: Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale projects or initiatives, including resource allocation, risk assessment, and timeline management. Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging technologies relevant to the organization's sector. Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and navigate through ambiguity while maintaining focus and driving results. Team Player: Collaborative mindset with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and build strong relationships at all levels of the organization.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight of a small team. Provides direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple schools. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple 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 organization 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

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.