Executive Director of CTE at Houston… · Houston

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR), the Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) is at the forefront of driving the district's CTE vision. Entrusted with a multifaceted role, this leader ensures the intricate web of CTE initiatives – spanning distinct programs of study, financial allocations, industry collaborations, STEM integrations, special projects, and an expansive CTE campus servicing numerous schools – operates synergistically. Central to the role is a mandate to integrate rigorous academics with the industry's pulse, sculpting pathways for students to confidently step into the future.

Houston ISD Employee Value Proposition

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first

1.    Steer the CTE division in its mission to offer dynamic, future-focused programs. Utilize the rich tapestry of resources, from federal funding mechanisms like Perkins to strategic business collaborations, ensuring every initiative is optimally leveraged for maximum student impact.
   

2.    Oversee a robust array of CTE programs, harmonizing the diverse strands of specialized studies with overarching district goals. Champion the integration of STEM principles, ensuring students are primed for technological and scientific advancements in the industries they will enter.
   

3.    Build on the bedrock of existing partnerships while forging new alliances. These collaborations, with local businesses and community torchbearers, ensure our CTE programs are not just cutting-edge but also deeply rooted in real-world relevancy.
   

4.    Lead the charge in curating opportunities for educators, guaranteeing that teaching methodologies are in sync with industry advancements and pedagogical best practices.
   

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

5.    At the helm of a diverse team, from special projects enthusiasts to campus liaisons, mold a cohesive unit that champions both individual program goals and the collective vision of the district's CTE mission.
   

6.    Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
   

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Career and Technical Education, or a related field. Master’s degree in education leadership, Business Administration, or related field is highly desirable.

WORK EXPERIENCE

5+ years of leadership experience in CTE or related educational program management, preferably in a large urban school district. Exposure to managing expansive campuses, steering specialized projects, and navigating federal funds will be advantageous.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Profound understanding of urban education, coupled with the dexterity to navigate the multifarious elements of CTE, from STEM integrations to intricate financial avenues. Demonstrated prowess in crafting and maintaining symbiotic industry partnerships, ensuring student preparation aligns with evolving industry demands. Expert knowledge of the district and/or understanding of urban education and change management in complex systems.

Knowledge and appreciation of business concepts, strong business writing skills, and strong knowledge of spreadsheet and presentation software. Strong problem-solving and project management skills, including strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach an end goal. A commitment to equity; demonstrates a sense of urgency regarding closing the achievement gap and driving equitable educational opportunities for all students. A successful record leading effective teams and individuals, managing organizational change, setting and achieving ambitious goals, and initiating key innovations. Demonstrated ability to develop a vision and inspire others to achieve shared goals.

Comfort in leading difficult conversations, guided by the best interests of students and families. Integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions. A flexible, optimistic approach; committed to overcoming challenges; comfortable with change and ambiguity.

Strong analytical skills and a high degree of intellectual curiosity to distill analysis into insights and translate insights into action. A performance management, accountability, and systems-thinking orientation necessary to inform data-driven strategy development and execution. Ability to initiate and manage cohesive partnerships and professional relationships with stakeholders at all levels, along with the ability to build consensus on pathways for improving student outcomes and addressing complex issues. Willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of a dynamic team committed to a new future for urban education.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for the CTE division, ensuring alignment with district-wide objectives. Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans. Identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, ensuring integration of operational objectives within the CTE landscape and beyond.

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.

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 organization 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.

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 45 pounds.