Executive Director Academics People and Operations

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Academics People and Operations serves as a senior-level leader supporting the core operating procedures of the Academics division of HISD, overseeing budget, strategic planning, performance management, organizational culture, professional development, and HR/operational systems to ensure the effective execution of Academic priorities.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.        Drive the development, implementation, and monitoring of Academics large-scale strategy, including running a process for defining key metrics, setting milestones, and coordinating cross-functional project plans aligned to academic priorities.
2.        Manage and monitor a large-scale budget, ensuring resources are strategically allocated to support academic goals, while maintaining transparency, compliance, and fiscal responsibility.
3.        Design, implement, and monitor a robust performance management system for over 700 employees to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and drive accountability across the Academics division.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

4.        Lead efforts to build a strong, inclusive, and mission-aligned culture within the Academics division through clear communication, staff engagement, and alignment with district values.
5.        Oversee the design and delivery of professional development programs, including leadership development initiatives, to ensure continuous growth and capacity building for all staff across the division.
6.        Manage core HR and operational functions, including RFP development, position management, hiring and onboarding processes, and cross-departmental coordination to streamline academic operations.
7.        Other duties as assigned.
 

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

This employee should have significant experience in large, cross-functional project management as well as fluency in data analytics and data management.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Microsoft Office

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

Compiles and organizes data and figures.
Analyzes and interprets data and figures.
Specifies requirements for a plan and/or budget.
Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.
Approves budgets.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Greater latitude and discretion are warranted in making decisions, which affect major areas of HISD and possibly the organization's public image. The job is constantly expected to apply creative solutions to complex problems and develop new ideas and concepts. Reviews and approves decisions and/or recommendations that may have a significant impact on the entire organization.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have a major impact to multiple divisions or the organization and may impact on the general direction of HISD. Errors may cause continuous adverse influence on the future operations of the organization, in matters involving important customer commitments, organizational liability, and other matters which may appreciably affect future costs.

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

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. Sitting: Particularly for sustained periods of time. Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time. Walking: Moving about on foot, particularly for long distances. Mobility Requirement: If essential, please describe for this position (ex. ability to get from one office location to another).