Executive Director, Special Projects

Houston Independent School District•Houston, TX

4d•$170,000 - $195,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, etc.) is desirable.
Experience in change management and organizational transformation is a plus.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.