Director 2 Org Impact Continuous Improvement

JOB SUMMARY

The Director 2, Organizational Impact & Continuous Improvement provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the district’s efforts to evaluate the impact of key programs and initiatives. This position is responsible for managing external research partnerships, aligning evaluation efforts with district priorities, and ensuring that findings are used to drive continuous improvement. The Director plays a key role in ensuring that evaluation and partnership strategies support the district’s mission, inform decision-making, and improve student outcomes.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first
1.    Provide strategic direction and leadership for the department, aligning goals and objectives with the district's mission and vision.
2.    Develop and implement departmental strategies, policies, and procedures to optimize operational efficiency and effectiveness.
3.     Manage and cultivate external research and evaluation partnerships with universities, research firms, and community-based organizations to support evidence-based decision-making.
4.     Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for prioritized external evaluation and research activities; ensure coordination and alignment with internal departments.
5.    Develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols to manage external research requests, data sharing, and project approval processes.
6.    Analyze and interpret evaluation findings and translate results into actionable insights for district leadership and key stakeholders.
7.    Lead cross-functional efforts to ensure that research and evaluation findings inform program design, policy decisions, and strategic planning.
8.    Develop reports and presentations that communicate evaluation findings and partnership outcomes to senior leadership, the Board of Education, and the public.
9.    Ensure all research and data-sharing activities comply with federal, state, and district policies, including FERPA and other applicable laws.
10.    Represent the district in external forums and working groups related to program evaluation, research partnerships, and education policy.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

11.    Lead and inspire a team of professionals, providing guidance, support, and performance management.
12.    Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
13.    Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective coordination of efforts.
14.    Monitor and evaluate departmental performance against established goals and metrics, implementing strategies for improvement.
15.    Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices relevant to the department's area of focus.
16.    Continuously seek opportunities for professional development and growth to enhance leadership skills and industry knowledge.
17.    Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
 

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree Required
Master’s degree in education, statistics, or a related field strongly preferred.
 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 6 years of experience in a leadership role, preferably within a similar industry or organization.

Minimum of 6 years of experience in data analysis, program evaluation, and reporting in a K-12 education setting, or 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.
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.
Strong ethical standards and integrity in decision-making.
 

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 district 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

Regularly assesses and diffuses complex, and escalated 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.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.