Senior Director Academic Advancement - Wake County Public School System

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

SENIOR DIRECTOR

WORKING TITLE

Senior Director-Academic Advancement

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Academic Advancement

LOCATION

Crossroads I, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Senior Director-Band 1

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Yes

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a Hybrid Telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides strategic, analytic, and project management expertise across departments to drive progress toward delivery of the district’s key goals and strategic initiatives. Works closely with the Chief of Academic Advancement, members of the Academic Advancement Leadership Team, and department-level leaders on many facets of large cross-functional projects ranging from scope and approval through implementation and evaluation. Develops tools and practices to understand and respond to performance trends and identify opportunities for improvement. Assists with professional learning associated with the regional team model.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Considerable knowledge of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study;
• Considerable knowledge of the organization and communication channels of the school system;
• Interpersonal skills, including consensus, consulting, influencing, relationship building, trust building and able to inspire action among a diverse population and/or team with multiple perspectives without direct authority;
• Advanced analytical skills, including the ability to define strategic questions, identify relevant analytic methods, and synthesize key findings and recommendations;
• Effective problem-solving skills, including experience using both data and other fact-finding techniques (process maps, interviews, etc.) to identify the root cause of issues;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to pursue and implement innovative ideas and methods, and remain committed to seeking out and sharing current research and evidence-based best practices;
• Ability to identify measures of success and to develop meaningful performance metrics that are in alignment with strategic priorities, including development of logic models;
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervisory oversight;
• Ability to drive consensus with small and large groups and participants from all levels of the organization;
• Sense of urgency in accomplishing goals and objectives to ensure success;
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and projects in a large organization;
• Ability to make oral presentations before large groups of people;
• Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the public;
• Ability to establish relationships with experts from higher education and K-12 administration;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignment.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university;
• Ten years of progressive experience in education, including research, project management, and district and organizational leadership in a large, complex educational setting;
• Extensive experience working cross-functionally with district teams;
• Experience communicating complicated and technical information to a variety of audiences;
• Experience resolving complex conflicts within and between teams;
• Experience in change management theory and large organization change;
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License for School Administrator-Principal or Curriculum Instructional Specialist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Researches, develops, and monitors implementation and execution of evidence-based curriculum enhancements and innovative models.
2. Assists with professional learning associated with the regional team model.
3. Works with leaders in a consultative style to help define needs associated with large-scale projects. This assistance will be two-fold, helping to define and improve processes through strong analytics and documentation as well as deployment of project management best practices.
4. Serves as liaison to Academic Advancement Team members and department staff on behalf of the Chief of Academic Advancement in order to track and measure project performance targets. Uses tracking tools to ensure all goals, strategies and objectives of the strategic plan are met on time, on budget, involve appropriate stakeholders, and are delivered at or above the specified quality parameters.
5. Leads and manages large-scale monitoring of advanced academic initiatives.
6. Leads planning, organizing, and facilitation of strategic initiatives and priorities through the enhanced use of rigorous evidence and data, and formulation of evaluation plans that include experimental and quasi-experimental methodologies.
7. Facilitates consistent program management approach and governance across various projects. Maintains a timely process for communicating project status to all stakeholders.
8. Regularly visits schools to understand the on-the-ground experience for practitioners and students with district initiatives and priorities.
9. Collaborates with the various teams to clearly communicate and establish a consistent approach to district strategies.
10. Ensures development of data-driven strategic plans and performance management systems that promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
11. Establishes and maintains relationships with external entities, including research universities that relate to managing school district performance.
12. Regularly visits schools to understand the on-the-ground experience for practitioners and students with district initiatives and priorities.
13. Participates in periodic education, public policy, and finance conferences in order to share district outcomes and collect feedback from stakeholders, peers, and colleagues.
14. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, school officials, attorneys, outside advocacy groups, external agencies and other community members. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  12/2023

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.