Responsive Education Solutions
Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives
Responsive Education Solutions, Lewisville, Texas, us, 75029
Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives
Position Summary: The Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives is a high-impact senior administrative leader responsible for researching, designing, developing, and implementing a diverse portfolio of strategic academic initiatives that advance the District’s mission and goals. Serving as the District’s primary internal consultant and project lead for complex, non‑routine initiatives, this role oversees efforts such as investigating new academic programs, implementing grant‑funded projects, testing innovative instructional models, and driving organizational change. The ideal candidate is a versatile, strategic, and adaptive leader who excels at managing multiple evolving projects simultaneously. They bring expertise in strategic planning, cross‑functional collaboration, and systems‑level thinking. This position also provides direct oversight of the organization’s Professional Development – including the Educator Preparation Program – and Training departments, ensuring alignment between strategic initiatives and staff capacity‑building efforts.
This is a 3 year grant‑funded position
Essential Functions and Responsibilities I. Strategic Project Leadership (70%) Project Identification & Development
Collaborate with the Chief of Schools and executive leadership to identify and define high-priority strategic projects based on district needs, performance data, and emerging opportunities.
End-to-End Project Management
Lead projects from concept to implementation, including developing scopes of work, budgets, timelines, success metrics, and risk mitigation strategies.
Develop and coach leaders to assume responsibility and ongoing management after launch.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Build and lead ad hoc, cross-departmental teams (e.g., Academics, Finance, Technology, Operations) to ensure input, expertise, effective coordination and seamless project execution.
Design and manage pilot programs for new initiatives, collect and analyze data, and refine models to determine feasibility for district-wide adoption.
As needed: Oversee grant-funded strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance with funder requirements, effective budget management, and accurate reporting of outcomes.
II. Professional Development and Training Oversight (30%)
Provide strategic direction and supervision to the Directors of Professional Development and Training, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, relevant learning experiences for all staff.
Ensure quality and delivery of research-based, organization-pertinent professional learning to academic positions throughout the school systems.
Oversee and ensure efficient planning and organizational support for professional development.
Required Qualifications: Education
Master’s degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience
Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in K–12 education, including at least three (3) years in a senior administrative or director-level role.
Proven success leading complex projects and/or project management in an educational environment.
Experience managing professional development or training departments.
Skills and Competencies
Versatility and Flexibility: Ability to manage multiple, diverse projects under tight deadlines.
Strategic Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills; able to convey complex concepts clearly to varied audiences, including the Board, Cabinet, staff, and community.
Data-Driven Leadership: Skilled in using data and metrics to guide decisions, evaluate outcomes, and inform continuous improvement.
Instructional Knowledge: Deep understanding of K–12 instructional models, pedagogical best practices, and emerging trends in educational innovation.
Project Management Expertise: Proficiency in project management methodologies and change management principles.
Relationship Building: Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
Emotional Intelligence & Political Acumen: Capacity to navigate complex organizational dynamics and build consensus among diverse groups.
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This is a 3 year grant‑funded position
Essential Functions and Responsibilities I. Strategic Project Leadership (70%) Project Identification & Development
Collaborate with the Chief of Schools and executive leadership to identify and define high-priority strategic projects based on district needs, performance data, and emerging opportunities.
End-to-End Project Management
Lead projects from concept to implementation, including developing scopes of work, budgets, timelines, success metrics, and risk mitigation strategies.
Develop and coach leaders to assume responsibility and ongoing management after launch.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Build and lead ad hoc, cross-departmental teams (e.g., Academics, Finance, Technology, Operations) to ensure input, expertise, effective coordination and seamless project execution.
Design and manage pilot programs for new initiatives, collect and analyze data, and refine models to determine feasibility for district-wide adoption.
As needed: Oversee grant-funded strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance with funder requirements, effective budget management, and accurate reporting of outcomes.
II. Professional Development and Training Oversight (30%)
Provide strategic direction and supervision to the Directors of Professional Development and Training, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, relevant learning experiences for all staff.
Ensure quality and delivery of research-based, organization-pertinent professional learning to academic positions throughout the school systems.
Oversee and ensure efficient planning and organizational support for professional development.
Required Qualifications: Education
Master’s degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience
Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in K–12 education, including at least three (3) years in a senior administrative or director-level role.
Proven success leading complex projects and/or project management in an educational environment.
Experience managing professional development or training departments.
Skills and Competencies
Versatility and Flexibility: Ability to manage multiple, diverse projects under tight deadlines.
Strategic Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills; able to convey complex concepts clearly to varied audiences, including the Board, Cabinet, staff, and community.
Data-Driven Leadership: Skilled in using data and metrics to guide decisions, evaluate outcomes, and inform continuous improvement.
Instructional Knowledge: Deep understanding of K–12 instructional models, pedagogical best practices, and emerging trends in educational innovation.
Project Management Expertise: Proficiency in project management methodologies and change management principles.
Relationship Building: Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
Emotional Intelligence & Political Acumen: Capacity to navigate complex organizational dynamics and build consensus among diverse groups.
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