Director of Development, Strategy & Innovation

Northwest Educational Service District 189 - Anacortes, Washington

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Department: Administration
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Supervises: Special projects and resource development roles as assigned
Classification: Professional/Technical 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Salary Range: Schedule III, Range 15b

Summary: 

The Director of Development, Strategy, & Innovation will provide leadership and support for existing and emerging initiatives within the areas of expertise in the Behavioral Health & Prevention Services, Special Programs & Services, Teaching and Learning, Administration, and other departments and programs.  Provide support and leadership to direct reports and program/department staff through all phases of the program development process including pursing relevant grant opportunities to support regional interests.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.  

• Help manage and lead collaborative development and implementation of the NWESD 189’s comprehensive growth and innovation strategy in collaboration with the director’s team, districts, and other key stakeholders leveraging the NWESD experience, reputation, and position in the region.

• Directly supervise staff including scheduling, planning, and initiating strategies for performance, assigning and directing work, training, administering disciplinary measures as needed, formally reviewing performance, resolving complaints, and recommending the hiring and termination of staff.

• Attend, assist with coordination, and provide input at key meetings. Provide fiscal management tasks including detailed budget preparation and management, authorizing purchase orders and contracts, time and effort reporting, and grant administration.

• Using Business Strategy Framework, research and anticipate needed services for districts and create and capture value with implementation of new or expanded programs within departments.

• Provide direct leadership and project management for agency staff who are involved in new growth and innovative projects to assist in establishing program processes, systems, success criteria and accountability standards during the initial phases of new initiatives.

• Inspire and champion a culture of innovation within the NWESD that extends to our districts, programs, and partnerships.

• Provide leadership in collaboration with NWESD Directors and Assistant Superintendents to actively support and implement the overall strategic mission, vision, goals, and values of the NWESD. This includes both short term and long-term goals and vision.

• Provide leadership in developing improved internal agency processes and systems to enhance efficiency and increase innovation in cross departmental collaborative projects and programs.

• Actively monitor the political and cultural environment in Washington State and nation to identify funding opportunities to leverage agency growth in sustainable programs. 

• Actively engage with regional districts to understand their needs and how the agency can develop innovative and sustainable programs in support of those needs.

• Lead and support other staff assigned to special projects and resource development in their roles in program creation/expansion including all phase of the development process including start-up and implementation.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in the developing, analyzing and using relevant data to improve systems.  

• Demonstrated leadership, financial, and personnel management abilities. A strong and inspiring leader able to balance the role of strategist with the ability to deliver timely results while demonstrating sophisticated business insight and analytical thinking. 

• Continuous improvement philosophy and innovation mindset. 

• Demonstrated ability to successfully build relationships among cross-functional teams to work toward a common goal.

• Experience in strategy or management consulting.

• Strong analytical background.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in oral and written format.

• General understanding of the following fields as the relate to PreK-12 education and demonstrated experience and expertise in at least 5:

• Early Learning/ early childhood education

• Social / Emotional Learning

• Trauma informed practices

• Behavioral / mental health

• Prevention Services

• Communications

• Cultural Competency, diversity, equity, and inclusionary practices

• Human resources

• Teaching & Learning including data, assessment, MTSS, instructional strategies 

• Career Connected Learning / STEM

• Technology / Cyber security

• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs and application specific to the educational environment as well as skill in word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and data analysis software.

• Ability to effectively participate as a team member with groups or individuals when collaborating on joint projects. 

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in education, MBA, or related field preferred.  Minimum of five years of experience in the supervision/management of personnel preferably in an education for non-profit system.  Experience with statewide projects and cross-functional teams.  Valid Washing State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.  WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed approximately seventy-five percent (75%) in an office environment and approximately twenty-five percent (25%) traveling to districts and affiliate agencies, as well as for workshops, committee representation, and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of forty (40) pounds.  Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. 

Hazards:  Potential hazards are present based on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount.  Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.  Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status or physical or mental disability.