Director 2 - Academics Finance & Operations

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Academic Operations plays a crucial role in supporting the office of Academics. They lead a multidisciplinary team to ensure the smooth operation of critical academic functions, drive academic excellence, and oversee various aspects of academic operations, including performance metrics, ed tech integrations, budgeting, and innovative curriculum development. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the department, aligning goals and objectives with the district's mission and vision. 
• Develop and oversee the implementation of policies and procedures that enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of academic functions, including technology integration and curriculum development. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

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• Manage the financial aspects of academic operations, including budget planning, resource allocation, and financial oversight, to ensure fiscal responsibility and support of educational objectives. 
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of professional growth, collaboration, and high performance, with a focus on achieving departmental and district-wide educational goals. 
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to align efforts, enhance educational programs, and pursue strategic partnerships that support innovation and improvement in academic services. 
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 
• ns, budgeting, and innovative curriculum development. 

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; master's degree preferred. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role, preferably within a similar industry or organization. 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans. 

Demonstrated track record of successfully leading and managing teams, fostering a high-performance culture. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. 

Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation. 

Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and impact. 

Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to navigate complex challenges. 

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 

Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and impact. 

Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to navigate complex challenges. 

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 

Knowledge of relevant industry regulations, compliance standards, and best practices. 

Ability to adapt to change and lead teams through organizational transitions. 

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices. 
 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages a department or multiple major disciplines, often through subordinate management. Regularly manages staff in the completion of large-scale projects or a very closely related set of projects/initiatives often spanning multiple disciplines. Receives strategies and broad departmental objectives from senior leadership; establishes operational objectives and work plans; delegates assignments to subordinate management and staff. Allocates resources according to priorities and serves as the primary decision maker regarding hiring, performance, and budget. 

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is highly complex and broad in scope covering several departments/divisions across HISD. Policy, procedures, and precedent are created and approved by this position. 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 - interprets 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

Anticipates customer needs, identifies, and champions opportunities for the development and implementation of new services and methods to meet or exceed customer needs. Establishes customer service standards and feedback mechanisms across departments. 

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. 
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.