Executive Director, Earned Autonomy & Strategic Partnerships

Houston Independent School District • Houston, TX

5d • $170,000 - $195,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The role serves as the central partner and relationship manager for all 1882 external partnerships, current and aspiring Level 4 and 5 partner schools, and in-district charter partners. This role ensures that operating partners maintain strong academic outcomes, uphold district expectations, and are able to fully leverage the autonomies granted through Houston ISD’s Earned Autonomy Framework and the individual contract agreements. The Executive Director will support these aspiring and current operating partners to ensure every student has access to high-quality educational opportunities while maintaining alignment to district expectations and student outcome goals. This role bridges central office systems and partner schools to ensure clarity, alignment, and strong execution.

Requirements

• Master’s degree required
• 5 or more years of leadership experience in K–12 education
• Experience managing cross-functional initiatives or partnerships
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading and managing teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and impact.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to navigate complex challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of relevant industry regulations, compliance standards, and best practices.
• Ability to adapt to change and lead teams through organizational transitions.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion of principles and practices.
• Strong ethical standards and integrity in decision-making.

Nice To Haves

• Principal or superintendent certification preferred
• Superintendent certification or experience supporting autonomous school models preferred
• Experience leading school improvement, partnerships, or systems-level strategy work preferred
• Experience with school operations, accountability systems, or performance management preferred
• Experience working with SB 1882 partnerships, autonomy-based school models, or in-district charter school models strongly preferred
• Professional certifications or memberships relevant to the industry or leadership role are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between Houston ISD and all 1882 operating partners and in-district charter partners
• Build and maintain strong, strong working relationships with school leaders and partner organizations
• Provide ongoing support to ensure operating partners effectively implement their educational models within district guardrails
• Facilitate clear communication between current operating partners and central office departments
• Monitor academic, operational, and financial performance of operating partners in alignment with district expectations and contractual agreements
• Support the development and implementation of performance frameworks tied to the District Action Plan and Department Action Plans
• Identify risks to performance early and coordinate supports or interventions as needed
• Support annual review processes, including school evaluations, renewals, and recommendations for continuation or exit
• Lead or support annual Earned Autonomy Framework review processes, including eligibility analysis, onboarding, and facilitation of district and TEA-required processes
• Percentage of partner campuses earning A/B accountability ratings and demonstrating year-over-year student achievement growth
• Percentage of partner schools meeting contractual performance benchmarks and recommended for renewal without corrective action
• Percentage of partner support requests resolved within established service level agreements, with partner satisfaction meeting or exceeding district targets
• Successful onboarding and launch of new autonomous or partner campuses without major operational or compliance breakdowns
• Coordinate with central office departments to ensure aligned and responsive support for operating partners
• Identify and resolve systemic barriers impacting partner school effectiveness within district systems
• Support the development of clear service expectations and accountability across central office teams
• Contribute to the design and evolution of the district’s 1882 partnership strategy
• Analyze data and stakeholder feedback to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement
• Support expansion efforts, including new partner onboarding, application processes, and board approvals
• Prepare materials and briefings for senior leadership and the Board of Education related to operating partner performance and strategy
• Support clear, consistent messaging about the role of charter and 1882 operating partners within the district
• Lead cross-functional project teams and supervise assigned staff, as applicable
• Support the operationalization of Houston ISD’s Earned Autonomy Framework, particularly for Level 4 and Level 5 schools
• Ensure operating partners understand and effectively leverage autonomies while maintaining compliance with district expectations
• Collaborate with internal teams to refine autonomy structures, guardrails, and supports based on implementation data

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive