View Central Office Jobs
Click Here to view all Central Office Jobs.
Director, Special Projects (Early Childhood)
Title: Director, Special Projects (Early Childhood)
Department: Early Childhood
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent
The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?
Job Summary
Develops, manages, coordinates and implements special projects, programs, grants and activities in the assigned office. Directs and oversees the activities of subordinate staff engaged in various activities. Coordinates and ensures the successful integration of programs, grants and activities which directly affect schools, students and parents. Monitors and evaluates programmatic activities to ensure that identified objectives are being met in accordance with governmental mandates and system-wide goals.
Essential Functions
For All Specialties
• As appropriate, directs a staff engaged in the development, implementation, and facilitation of special projects, programs, grants and activities in the assigned office; reviews and monitors the attainment of departmental goals by subordinate staff.
• Formulates and implements policies and procedures for the delivery of program services; ensures adherence to federal, state and local guidelines; develops standards to evaluate the effectiveness of programs; facilitates meetings with offices across the District to ensure alignment and effective program delivery.
• Represents the office at community meetings and other stakeholder events, as needed.
For Early Childhood Specialty
• Monitors all phases of the program; meets with subordinate staff to review policies and procedures as well as other District requirements; prepares and distributes appropriate program description materials.
• Provides guidance to program and school-based staff in the development of specific professional development plans and innovations which will affect the delivery of programmatic services; ensures that work plans are coordinated and that activities are executed in accordance with established timelines.
• Reviews and monitors the achievement of all program participants.
• Facilitates interoffice communication between program managers and other District offices.
• Facilitates planning and collaboration with all Early Childhood departments and the Office of Curriculum and Instruction.
Minimum Requirements
Early Childhood and Curriculum and Instruction Specialty
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, elementary education or a related field.
• Five years of full-time, paid, professional administrative experience in early childhood or elementary education, which have involved coordinating special projects and programs, at least three of which have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
• The candidate must ensure that all of their relevant work experience is reflected on their resume prior to the submission of their application for District employment.
Certificates/Licenses
Early Childhood and Curriculum & Instruction Specialty
• Valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certificate to teach the subjects of Early Childhood or Elementary Education.
AND
• Valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania administrative or supervisory certificate.
NOTE: An applicant who does not meet the minimum education or work experience requirements listed above may be considered if, at the sole discretion of the Talent Office, they have a unique combination of education and work experiences that indicates potential for success in this role.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
All Specialties
Demonstrated knowledge of:
o the methods and techniques used in effective program planning, design and administration.
o supervisory methods and techniques
o budgetary practices and procedures.
Demonstrated ability to:
o interpret all relevant District, federal and state rules and regulations concerning program administration.
o assess the effectiveness of programmatic activities and to make recommendations for modifications as needed.
o coordinate and oversee the work of staff and attain effective results.
o maintain records and prepare reports.
o use a personal computer.
o effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
o establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for the Early Childhood Specialty
Demonstrated knowledge of:
o the current principles, methods and theories of prekindergarten and early childhood education for prekindergarten through grade two.
o the principles and practices of educational administration.
o the theories and principles of child growth and development.
o the current practices, methods and techniques utilized in the implementation of program initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to:
o assist in the design, coordination, and provision of Early Childhood grants, programs and parental involvement activities.
o plan and direct program operations and make policy decisions affecting all program components.
o write and monitor contracts.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Nondiscrimination
The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.