Director of Strategic ProjectsCurriculum, Instruction, Assessment Team - AST
Role Mission:The IDEA Curriculum Instruction and Assessment Team is responsible for the development of the IDEA curriculum for all core content courses for grades Kindergarten through 12th grade; all CTE programming; the development and implementation of all national, state, and local assessments; and designs and facilitates leader and teacher content professional development across all IDEA regions. The Director of Strategic Projects is responsible for managing the processes for all CIA Team projects, including all CIA Team budget and contract management; developing and managing all operating mechanisms and procedures; and leading key initiatives/special projects as delegated by the VP of CIA.
The Director of Strategic Projects will oversee and facilitate consistent function across all seven content teams through the establishment of team processes and quality evaluation systems to maximize team focus and achieve organizational goals. The Director of Strategic Projects serves the VP of CIA as a trusted advisor and consult, including on confidential matters; as a collaborator in identifying and solving problems; and as a credible voice/proxy. The Director of Strategic Projects will also work with key partners beyond the CIA Team, including the Academic Services Team, and Human Assets, Finance, Legal and other cross-functional organization partners as required by project needs.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct management of the CIA Team intern and any program grant managers (varies by grant acquisition)
Location: This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate. Travel Expectation: Travel up to six times per year for quarterly meetings; may require commercial air travel.
What You will Do - Accountabilities:
Strategic Planning & Business Process and Tool DevelopmentOwn, design, and facilitate processes for the design and documentation of strategic goals, outcomes, and related projects; develop and disseminate the project plans aligned with strategic objectives for a team of 75 employees with unique roles.Design, facilitate and serve as accountability partner to the VP of Curriculum and Instruction for short-term, annual, and long-term team planningDesign and manage team-wide communication systems in service of team effectiveness & efficiencySeeks and leverages feedback from all teammates in service of team effectiveness & efficiency and to support the VP of Curriculum and Instruction to determine key areas for focus and ensure core calendars reflect those areasDevelop & ensure effective implementation of key processes & tools to support CIA project portfolio management for all project components- including budget analysis, change management, & deliverables;Develop & manage all CIA operational process and design, revise, approve and communicate program & operations guidance that is effective and ensures consistent operations across CIA team
Portfolio and Budget Management:Set project planning standards to determine fiscal resources and human capacity to deliver on strategies for over 10 projects & programs in annual cycleManage budget planning processes and proforma projection for CIA budget with over $10 MM across four states with both restricted and discretionary funds;Establish and manage the strategy/project change process as it relates to budget & act as principal liaison between CIA Team and Legal/Finance teamsManage and oversee the contract process for over 60 contracts for the entire CIA team to include all contract activities, such as: vendor review & support, scope of work creation, cost negotiation, compliance, and support of each contract through IDEA’s internal contract procurement processProject Planning & Execution:Oversee the creation and maintenance of project scope documents to ensure effective planning &monitoring/evaluation plans; as well as risk managementServe as project manager on key initiatives and special/urgent projects that impact team or organizational functionLead on Special Projects within the scope of the Program Team that also require cross-functional collaboration among other teams (Schools, Human Assets, Finance Information Systems, College SuccessServe as ad-hoc lead on projects across the organization that impact CIA team and steer them back to success no matter that project context
People ManagementManage the Program Team intern who will execute financial transactions and manage all travel arrangementsManage Grant Managers who directly support grants acquired to support academic programming that is managed and developed by the Program TeamServe as coach on developing implementation & monitoring processes and systems for team leadership
What You Bring - Competencies:Exceptional organizational skills, including the use of effective project management toolsExceptional writing and communication skillsExceptional ability to successfully manage multiple projects at onceAbility to act, manage, and coach with sensitivity, empathy, or diplomacy as warranted; without shying away from honest communication with leadership and colleagues Required Experience:Bachelors’ degree, or higher, is required4+ Years of experience in project managementExperience with using project management software; including Wrike, Monday, or similar platformExperience managing sizeable budgets that include restricted and discretionary fundsTechnology skills, including presentation & word processing software
Physical Requirements:Ability to sit at a desk for prolonged amounts of timeAbility to lift up to 20 pounds at timesAbility to complete periodic travel required for meetings, classroom observations, trainings and conferences,
What We Offer:Compensation & Benefits:Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $81,800 and $95,800, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment. Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.
* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable. Application process:Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Learn more about IDEA:At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values

IDEA Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact IDEA Human Resources at (956) 377-8000.