Director 1, Federal and State Compliance

JOB SUMMARY

The Director 1 – Federal and State Compliance is responsible for ensuring districtwide adherence to federal, state, and local compliance requirements related to student data, reporting, and accountability systems. This role leads the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of compliance processes, including PEIMS/TSDS submissions, Ed-Fi data processes, and associated reporting systems.

The Director oversees cross-functional teams and collaborates with campus leadership, Information Technology, Data Governance, and academic departments to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant data submissions. This position establishes systems for data validation, quality assurance, and training, while serving as a key liaison to state agencies and ensuring alignment with district strategic priorities. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first
1.        Leads districtwide compliance strategy for federal and state reporting, ensuring adherence to Texas Education Agency (TEA) requirements, TSDS/PEIMS standards, and federal mandates.
2.        Directs and manages cross-functional teams responsible for data collection, validation, reporting, and submission processes, including specialists, coordinators, and compliance staff.
3.        Oversees data governance and quality assurance systems, ensuring accuracy of student data related to attendance, special populations, graduation, discipline, and funding indicators.
4.        Establishes and monitors internal controls and validation processes to ensure error-free submissions, including zero fatal errors and full compliance with reporting standards.
5.        Leads the integration and optimization of data systems, including Ed-Fi and Student Information Systems, in partnership with IT and external vendors.
6.        Serves as primary liaison to state agencies, including Region 4 and TEA, ensuring timely submission of required data, auditable documentation, and compliance communications.
7.        Develops and implements districtwide training and guidance to ensure campuses and departments understand compliance requirements, timelines, and best practices.
8.        Analyzes complex data trends and discrepancies, providing actionable recommendations to improve data quality, compliance outcomes, and operational efficiency.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

9.        Collaborates with executive and departmental leadership to align compliance systems with strategic priorities and accountability goals.
10.        Leads continuous improvement efforts by evaluating systems, identifying risks, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance compliance processes.
11.        Ensures adherence to data privacy, security, and records management regulations, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive student information.
12.        Supports cross-departmental reporting and analytics efforts, ensuring alignment between compliance, accountability, and performance reporting.
13.        Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree required
Master's Degree preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

5–7+ years of experience in K–12 data reporting, compliance, or accountability systems. Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional initiatives. Experience with PEIMS/TSDS, Ed-Fi, or similar state reporting systems preferred.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local education compliance requirements
Expertise in student data systems, data governance, and reporting frameworks
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and student information/data systems
Experience with TEA systems (e.g., TSDS, TEAL, Ed-Fi) or equivalent
Strong analytical and data validation skills
Ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities
Knowledge of data privacy laws and best practices
Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides 
strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district wide.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice, and feedback. 

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies, or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interpret department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Regularly assesses and diffuses complex and escalate customer issues. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for solving systemic customer service problems. Regularly explores alternative and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer within HISD's policies and guidelines.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.