Director of Strategic Projects

Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment Team - AST

Role Mission

 The IDEA Curriculum Instruction and Assessment Team is responsible for the development of the IDEA curriculum for all core content courses for grades Kindergarten through 12th grade; all CTE programming;  the development and implementation of all national, state, and local assessments; and designs and facilitates leader and teacher content professional development across all IDEA regions. The Director of Strategic Projects  is responsible for managing the processes for all CIA Team projects, including all CIA Team budget and contract management; developing and managing all operating mechanisms and procedures; and leading key initiatives/special projects as delegated by the VP of CIA.  

The Director of Strategic Projects  will oversee and facilitate consistent function across all seven content teams through the establishment of team processes and quality evaluation systems to maximize team focus and achieve organizational goals. The Director of Strategic Projects serves the VP of CIA as a trusted advisor and consult, including on confidential matters; as a collaborator in identifying and solving problems; and as a credible voice/proxy.  The Director of Strategic Projects will also work with key partners beyond the CIA Team, including the Academic Services Team, Human Assets, Finance, Legal and other cross-functional organization partners as required by project needs. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct management of the CIA Team intern and any program grant managers (varies by grant acquisition)

Location

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectation

Travel up to six times per year for quarterly meetings; may require commercial air travel

What You will Do - Accountabilities

Strategic Planning & Business Process and Tool Development  

•        Own, design, and facilitate processes for the design and documentation of strategic goals, outcomes, and related projects; develop and disseminate the project plans aligned with strategic objectives for a team of 75 employees with unique roles. 
•        Design, facilitate and serve as accountability partner to the VP of Curriculum and Instruction for short-term, annual, and long-term team planning 
•        Design and manage team-wide communication systems in service of team effectiveness & efficiency  
•        Seeks and leverages feedback from all teammates in service of team effectiveness & efficiency and to support the VP of Curriculum and Instruction to determine key areas for focus and ensure core calendars reflect those areas
• Develop & ensure effective implementation of key processes & tools to support CIA  project portfolio management for all project components- including budget analysis, change management, & deliverables;  
•        Develop & manage all CIA operational process and design, revise, approve and communicate program & operations guidance that is effective and ensures consistent operations across CIA team  

Portfolio and Budget Management:  

•        Set project planning standards to determine fiscal resources and human capacity to deliver on strategies for over 10 projects & programs in annual cycle 
•         Manage budget planning processes and proforma projection for CIA budget with over $10 MM across four states with both restricted and discretionary funds;  
•        Establish and manage the strategy/project change process as it relates to budget & act as principal liaison between CIA Team and Legal/Finance teams 
•        Manage and oversee the contract process for over 60 contracts for the entire CIA team to include all contract activities, such as: vendor review & support, scope of work creation, cost negotiation, compliance, and support of each contract through IDEA’s internal contract procurement process  

Project Planning & Execution: 

•         Oversee the creation and maintenance of project scope documents to ensure effective planning &monitoring/evaluation plans; as well as risk management 
•        Serve as project manager on key initiatives and special/urgent projects that impact team or organizational function 
•        Lead on Special Projects within the scope of the Program Team that also require cross-functional collaboration among other teams (Schools, Human Assets, Finance Information Systems, College Success
  • serve as ad-hoc lead on projects across the organization that impact CIA team and steer them back to success no matter that project context 

People Management  

•        Manage the Program Team intern who will execute financial transactions and manage all travel arrangements 
•        Manage Grant Managers who directly support grants acquired to support academic programming that is managed and developed by the Program Team 
•        Serve as coach on developing implementation & monitoring processes and systems for team leadership  

What You Bring - Competencies

• Exceptional organizational skills, including the use of effective project management tools 

• Exceptional writing and communication skills  

• Exceptional ability to successfully manage multiple projects at once  

• Ability to act, manage, and coach with sensitivity, empathy, or diplomacy as warranted; without shying away from honest communication with leadership and colleagues  

Required Experience

•        Bachelors’ degree, or higher, is required  
•        4+ Years of experience in project management 
•        Experience with using project management software; including Wrike, Monday, or similar platform  

•        Experience managing sizeable budgets that include restricted and discretionary funds 
•        Technology skills, including presentation & word processing software 

Physical Requirements

•    Ability to sit at a desk for prolonged amounts of time 
•    Ability to lift up to 20 pounds at times 
•    Ability to complete periodic travel required for meetings, classroom observations, trainings and conferences, 

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $81,800 and $95,800, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values