3 jobs found

Managing Director of Charter and New School Development Type:  Full Time Min. Experience:  Senior to Executive Level   ABOUT GOOD REASON HOUSTON  Good Reason Houston’s vision is that every child, in every neighborhood, excels in a world-class public school and thrives in the Houston of tomorrow. The organization partners with school districts, community leaders, families, and educators to achieve its mission of increasing the number of students learning in a high-performing school. To grow more great schools in every neighborhood in Houston, the organization focuses on four key strategic levers: Driving System Innovation, Developing Game-changing Educators, Advancing Equitable Access, and Engaging the Community.   ABOUT THE ROLE Good Reason Houston is seeking a Managing Director of Charter and New School Development who is a proven leader in the recruitment, selection, development, and scaling of new schools and/or school networks, is results-oriented and passionate about the role high-quality charter schools play in a robust ecosystem, and excited about working in a start-up environment.  The Managing Director will have the unique opportunity to impact Houston’s charter school landscape, and ultimately influence student outcomes at a city-wide level. The role will drive partnerships with existing CMOs, facilitate the expansion, launch, and/or improvement of small charter networks and single site schools, and provide supports and expertise to new (first-year) schools and leaders. This role will build partnerships with National, state, and local leaders and community partners seeking to start new charter schools and liaise with the Texas Education Agency. Finally, this role will lead conversations with school districts to accelerate the creation of charter district/partnerships and increase access to high quality charters that are responsive to parent demand in new communities.  This position reports to the Chief Program Officer and will play a vital role in ensuring that Good Reason Houston realizes its vision that every child, in every neighborhood, excels in a world-class public school and thrives in the Houston of tomorrow.  RESPONSIBILITIES This role will evolve to meet the needs of the Good Reason Strategy and as the education landscape in the state and region shifts. Current responsibilities include:   Strategy Setting and Leadership of the Good Reason Houston charter school seats plan:  Execute against the current Good Reason Houston charter school seats plan, and develop, maintain, and create new strategies to ensure the its success. Build and maintain strategic relationships with CMO, small network and single-site leadership across the city. Build and maintain a strong relationship with the TEA Charter Schools Division, forging a relationship that benefits Houston and encourages high-quality charter school growth.  Provide technical assistance to all partners, and recruit a suite of technical assistance support partners, per our charter school strategy. Define additional opportunities along the development pipeline to support growth of a high-quality sector, including the use and execution of our quality school deserts. Determine and coordinate outreach and parent engagement as necessary, and in partnership with charter advocates, to support policies and practices that benefit the health and growth the sector.  Engaging large CMOs and supporting their growth plans:  Build and maintain strategic relationships with CMO leadership. Support the launch of new mature network campuses. Support the creation and strengthening of bench depth for assistant principals and principals and the development and recruitment of teachers into Houston, ensuring CMO growth strategies are executed. Support the development of parent engagement capacity and advocacy trainings, through professional learning communities.  Actively and strategically support new schools and small charter networks to ensure their growth plans are met, and that they have access to the technical assistance they need to be successful, including: Curate a suite of resources, delivered by proven experts that can provide facilities, growth planning, and admin systems/scaling support while leaders focus on growth. Build a professional learning community focused on the development of community and family engagement at the school and network level. Provide small networks with the central office development support the need to be successful in their growth. Utilize the Good Reason Houston school desert analysis to understand growth opportunities, and support networks in their decision making.  Invest in community engagement and entry strategies for supported operators, ensuring their success in years zero and one. Recruiting new, innovative models to the Urban Core of Houston, based on parent demand, and ensuring authorization approval with the TEA, buy-in local stakeholders.   Recruit and source new school model providers and school leaders for school creation and school turnaround Identify, vet, cultivate new partners that can provide comprehensive leadership training and coaching Fulfilling the required responsibilities of being a senior leader on the Good Reason Houston Team requires: Strong organizational skills – Utilizes logical, systematic and orderly procedures to meet objectives. Demonstrates ability to manage multiple projects and work streams independently.  Flexibility – Agility in adapting to change, thrives in a dynamic and ever-changing environment; creativity and innovative thinking skills to respond to emerging needs. Strategic mindset – competently creates strategies that lead to impact.  Manages multiple short-term and detailed projects, committees, and initiatives seamlessly, while staying focused on the long-term objectives. People orientation – The job demands a positive and constructive view of working with others.  There will be a high percentage of time spent listening to, understanding and successfully working with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds to achieve “win-win” outcomes. Sense of Humor- someone who is honest, transparent and does not take themselves too seriously. Effective Decision-making – Demonstrates ability to consistently make sound decisions. Empathy in Leadership – Deep care and concern for being a conscientious and effective manager of others QUALIFICATIONS We’re seeking candidates who excel in relationship-building, are results-oriented, and have strong project management skills. You should have: A track record of developing and maintaining strong relationships with and among a diverse group of stakeholders. Excellent organizational skills, with a demonstrated commitment to meeting a high bar and a history of getting things done even in the face of obstacles and ambiguity. As Good Reason Houston is in “start-up mode,” we look for candidates who can be flexible in changing environments. A data and research orientation – including a curiosity and urgency around data collection and analysis, and its ability to inform decision making. Experience managing multiple projects and the ability to manage teammates and stakeholders on short-term projects. Passion about the mission, vision, and goals of Good Reason Houston and how this position contributes to the organization’s success. Knowledge of the charter school development and start-up process, preferably as a practitioner in a prior role; experience working with charter schools is required.

Aldine ISD is focused on ensuring that every child starts elementary school with the essential academic, social, and emotional skills he or she needs to thrive in school and beyond. The Early Learning Executive Director will help make this vision a reality by executing the district’s strategic priorities of increasing access to quality early childhood education opportunities in the district. The Early Learning Executive Director will work with the Chief of Schools to develop and execute an early learning vision for Aldine ISD. The Early Learning Executive Director will be tasked with the overall strategy, goal-setting, and execution of aligning early childhood initiatives with larger district goals and initiatives. This person will lead the consistent communication of executive level decisions and how they will influence the early childhood infrastructure of the district. Responsibilities of this position will also include program development and evaluation, partner management, and community outreach and collaboration. About Aldine ISD Aldine Independent School District is located 17 miles north of downtown Houston, Texas. It encompasses more than 111 square miles of land in both urban and rural environments. The district’s student population exceeds 65,000. In addition, our student population is ethnically rich, and our staff demographics are as diverse as our students. The needs of our students are also diverse. Around 85% of our students are classified as economically disadvantaged. The district employs more than 10,000 people in a variety of roles.  Education/Certification: Master’s degree in educational administration or a field appropriate to assignment from an accredited college or university; Valid Texas Mid-Management, Principal, or Superintendent Certification or out of state equivalent certification and the ability to obtain Texas Certification required Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check.  Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to demonstrate strong internal and external support for Aldine ISD Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences  Excellent knowledge and understanding of all facets of public school operations, particularly the area of early childhood education Highly effective organizational and consensus building skills  Knowledge and understanding of school district policies and procedures  Ability to adapt department to a changing work environment and to continuously improve operations Knowledge and understanding of the change process, organizational development, conflict resolution and facilitation skills Experience: Minimum three years successful teaching experience, preferably experience with early childhood or primary grades Minimum five years of experience at the district leadership level as principal or district-level administrative leader   Experience in design and execution of high-quality early learning environments  Instructional and Program Management Design and implement a program to improve outcomes for young children Supports campus principals by ensuring the District provides the necessary tools, support systems, and institutional capabilities to improve student performance; including kindergarten readiness Identify, coordinate, and ensure primary schools are provided with specialized training supports to staff of early learners utilizing the latest research on successful classroom techniques for improving cognitive development and social-emotional health of children in primary schools Serves at the liaison between the primary schools and departments within the District Work collaboratively with District leaders on a data-driven infrastructure plan to improve student access an Aldine ISD Pre-K program Work collaboratively with school leadership, assistant superintendents, and the Teaching and Learning Department to improve the quality of the early childhood program Establish a collaborative relationship with all departments and external providers to ensure support of early childhood academic, fiscal, training, and facility needs Protect and enhance the health and safety of all students enrolled in primary schools Provide leaders updated information and research pertinent to the operation of primary schools Provide input in the process of district budget planning  Assist in the development of district-wide goals, objectives, and procedures Exercise proactive leadership on promoting the vision and mission of the District Policy, Reports, Law Ensure early childhood programs comply with TEA, state, federal and School Board policies and law, regulations and requirements Direct the development and maintenance of early childhood records and reports as are necessary to keep the Executive Leadership Team, Board of Trustees, and other district leaders informed of the district’s progress and future plans Maintain campus progress update reports Monitor enrollment in pre-kindergarten programs Professional Growth and Development Improve leadership skills through self-initiated professional development activities on a continuous basis Represent Aldine ISD on department-specific matters at the national, state, regional, and local levels Other Coordinates special projects as assigned Performs other duties as assigned Supervision of assigned staff  The Executive Director of Early Learning’s evaluation is a responsibility resting with the Chief of Schools. An evaluation shall be completed in writing at least once during the course of each school year. Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: May work prolonged or irregular hours; work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather), exposure to noise; frequent districtwide and occasional statewide travel Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals. Posture: Frequent sitting and standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing, /pulling, and twisting Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.  It is the policy of Aldine ISD not to discriminate or engage in harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status in its educational and vocational programs, services or activities or matters related to employment as required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Good Reason Houston is seeking a passionate, strategic and creative Chief Operating Officer to lead Good Reason Houston’s communication, operations and policy work. Good Reason Houston partners with school districts, community leaders, families, and educators to achieve its mission of increasing the number of students learning in high-quality schools.  This person should be obsessed with giving clarity, direction, and strategic focus in the intersection of communications, community engagement, policy, and operations in order to serve as crux of these key functions for Good Reason Houston. This person should be skilled at recognizing and capitalizing on natural connections within key business functions and excellent at mobilizing people and partnerships.  This position reports to the CEO of Good Reason Houston and sits on the leadership team. They will manage a robust team including the Director of Communications, Director of Family & Community Engagement, Director of Policy as well as operations staff members.  ABOUT GOOD REASON HOUSTON Good Reason Houston’s vision is that every child, in every neighborhood, excels in a world-class public school and thrives in the Houston of tomorrow. To grow more great schools in every neighborhood in Houston, the organization focuses on four key strategic levers:  Driving System Innovation Developing Game-changing Educators Advancing Equitable Access Engaging the Community RESPONSIBILITIES Internal and External Communications Set and pursue an elegant and effective communication strategy to position Good Reason Houston as a key leader on school quality in the Houston community while continuing to build brand awareness Determine key communication goals and systems for progress monitoring, both internally and externally Develop and manage the internal communication for Good Reason Houston’s growing team   Serve as one of the external representatives of Good Reason Houston across the greater Houston community  Operations  Steward and strengthen the Good Reason Houston organizational culture through establishing (with input) and striving for key staff culture metrics Organize team-building and planning activities, such as team meetings and team retreats Manage team and key staff to ensure smooth in-office operations Lead and organize Good Reason Houston’s upcoming office relocation Set vision and goals to support the health and management of Good Reason Houston’s human resource function, including talent and recruitment strategy and HR/benefits Design and implement a performance management system that is equipped to support each team member in achieving their best performance while enabling Good Reason Houston to move towards the realization of our vision  Board Stewardship  Manage board meeting process, including meeting content and partnership work Design and execute board retreats Support the board in executing their vital functions in achieving the Good Reason Houston vision Family & Community Engagement Build and invest in systems and organizations that directly engage families with education decision-making Lead creation of community based partnerships and coalitions to accelerate the pace of change aligned to Good Reason Houston core mission Identify and develop family and community leaders to advocate for improved school quality within individual school districts Policy & Advocacy   Support Good Reason Houston’s legislative agenda with key constituencies at the state and local level Coordinate with state changemakers to align on legislative agenda priorities and policy recommendations  Support local advocacy tactics: manage partnership and goals, strategies and communication plan  QUALIFICATIONS Requirements Bachelor’s Degree required, advanced degree highly preferred  8-10 years of professional, relevant experience Demonstrated commitment to mission-driven work  Record of results in communication strategy and externally representing an organization  Past management of a staff/board relationship highly preferred Relevant Skills  Expertise setting vision and direction for a team  Creative problem solving Executing Strong Judgment and Decision Making Developing and Building Teams Guidance, Direction, and Motivation of Teammates Oral and Written Comprehension and Expression Monitoring and Performance Assessment Problem Sensitivity and Solution Focus Data Analysis and Inference Education policy experience preferred, but not required