Executive Director, Earned Autonomy & Strategic Partnerships

JOB SUMMARY

The role serves as the central partner and relationship manager for all 1882 external partnerships, current and aspiring Level 4 and 5 partner schools, and in-district charter partners. This role ensures that operating partners maintain strong academic outcomes, uphold district expectations, and are able to fully leverage the autonomies granted through Houston ISD’s Earned Autonomy Framework and the individual contract agreements.

The Executive Director will support these aspiring and current operating partners to ensure every student has access to high-quality educational opportunities while maintaining alignment to district expectations and student outcome goals. This role bridges central office systems and partner schools to ensure clarity, alignment, and strong execution.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first
1.        Serve as the primary liaison between Houston ISD and all 1882 operating partners and in-district charter partners
2.        Serve as the primary liaison between Houston ISD and all 1882 operating partners and in-district charter partners

3.        Build and maintain strong, strong working relationships with school leaders and partner organizations

4.        Provide ongoing support to ensure operating partners effectively implement their educational models within district guardrails

5.        Facilitate clear communication between current operating partners and central office departments
6.        Monitor academic, operational, and financial performance of operating partners in alignment with district expectations and contractual agreements
7.        Support the development and implementation of performance frameworks tied to the District Action Plan and Department Action Plans
8.        Identify risks to performance early and coordinate supports or interventions as needed
9.        Support annual review processes, including school evaluations, renewals, and recommendations for continuation or exit

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

10.        Lead or support annual Earned Autonomy Framework review processes, including eligibility analysis, onboarding, and facilitation of district and TEA-required processes
11.        Percentage of partner campuses earning A/B accountability ratings and demonstrating year-over-year student achievement growth
12.        Percentage of partner schools meeting contractual performance benchmarks and recommended for renewal without corrective action

13.        Percentage of partner support requests resolved within established service level agreements, with partner satisfaction meeting or exceeding district targets
14.        Successful onboarding and launch of new autonomous or partner campuses without major operational or compliance breakdowns

EDUCATION

Master’s degree required, Principal or superintendent certification preferred
Superintendent certification or experience supporting autonomous school models preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

5 or more years of leadership experience in K–12 education
Experience managing cross-functional initiatives or partnerships
Experience leading school improvement, partnerships, or systems-level strategy work preferred 
Experience with school operations, accountability systems, or performance management preferred
Experience working with SB 1882 partnerships, autonomy-based school models, or in-district charter school models strongly preferred

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 of principles and practices.
Strong ethical standards and integrity in decision-making.
Professional certifications or memberships relevant to the industry or leadership role are desirable.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitor academic, operational, and financial performance of operating partners in alignment with district expectations and contractual agreements
Support the development and implementation of performance frameworks tied to the District Action Plan and Department Action Plans
Identify risks to performance early and coordinate supports or interventions as needed
Support annual review processes, including school evaluations, renewals, and recommendations for continuation or exit
Lead or support annual Earned Autonomy Framework review processes, including eligibility analysis, onboarding, and facilitation of district and TEA-required processes

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Coordinate with central office departments to ensure aligned and responsive support for operating partners
Identify and resolve systemic barriers impacting partner school effectiveness within district systems
Support the development of clear service expectations and accountability across central office teams
Strategy and continuous improvement
Contribute to the design and evolution of the district’s 1882 partnership strategy
Analyze data and stakeholder feedback to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement
Support expansion efforts, including new partner onboarding, application processes, and board approvals

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

Prepare materials and briefings for senior leadership and the Board of Education related to operating partner performance and strategy
Support clear, consistent messaging about the role of charter and 1882 operating partners within the district
Supervisory responsibilities
Lead cross-functional project teams and supervise assigned staff, as applicable

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Support the operationalization of Houston ISD’s Earned Autonomy Framework, particularly for Level 4 and Level 5 schools
Ensure operating partners understand and effectively leverage autonomies while maintaining compliance with district expectations
Collaborate with internal teams to refine autonomy structures, guardrails, and supports based on implementation data

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Frequent travel to school sites
Occasional evening or weekend work to support school or board-related activities