Position Description POSITION TITLE: Director of Education Programs DEPARTMENT: Education REPORTS TO: President/CEO FLSA Classification: X Exempt (salaried) Non-Exempt (Hourly) Employment Status: X Full-time Part-Time Temporary POSITION SUMMARY: Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) is a non-profit public / private partnership established to make strategic investments in research, education, and innovation to strengthen Arizona’s science, engineering and medical infrastructures. The Foundation’s education goal is to leverage its resources for maximum achievement, advance the achievements and competitiveness of the K-12 system, thus the future workforce. Under the direction of the President/CEO, the Director of Education Programs will be responsible to drive programmatic investments in STEM education throughout Arizona. The Director is expected to be familiar with K-12 education in Arizona, is entrepreneurial and able to operate independently and support the strategic priorities established by the Board. A knowledge and understanding of the Common Core Curriculum and Next Generation Science Standards is expected. Ideally, the Director will fully comprehend the challenges in our major cities as well in rural and remote Arizona. The Director must focus on enhancing academic achievement of children. Importantly, will be the expectation to work as part of a high performing team. This position works under the direction of the President/CEO. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: EDUCATION: 1. Identify and develop strategies for Education Programs as appropriate to ensure that the goals and mission of SFAz are achieved 2. Develop and articulate communication and public relation strategies and messages about the importance of math, science and STEM education in Arizona and nationally in conjunction with SFAz’s Public Relations firm 3. Provide management, training and professional development to staff to enhance their abilities 4. Analyze, determine and prepare existing and new program budget details in consultation with Chief Operating Officer and in compliance with commitment to donors 5. Work with appropriate staff to ensure all programs are measured to show impact on academic performance 6. Work closely with other departments within SFAz to foster an attitude of team work and cooperation MANAGEMENT: 1. As a member of the SFAz Senior Management Team, responsible for accomplishing all aspects of foundation goals and policies in assigned areas 2. Trains and develops assigned staff and ensures that all work is consistent with priorities and goals of President/CEO and that there is clear and effective communication with supervisors, co-workers and the public
Performance oriented leader with the determination and ambition to help children advance substantially; Demonstrated success in executive level leadership and management; Demonstrated experience in managing budgets for results; Knowledge of implementation of Common Core Curriculum and Next Generation Science Standards; Proven track record in education and with the experience to work with high level Board of national stature; Ability to work well independently and as part of a team; Knowledge of appropriate state regulations and procedures; Demonstrated experience in managing budgets for results; Position may require the ability to travel both by automobile & airplane. Should the position require use of a personal automobile in order to attend business functions, the incumbent will be required to have a valid Arizona Driver’s License and submit proof of automobile insurance
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
While the minimum education experience expected is a Bachelor’s Degree, preference will be given to an advanced degree with clear professional accomplishments (i.e. experience as a teacher, principal and/or superintendent; senior government leader; university professor or dean); understanding the challenges and opportunities in K-12 Education; deep understanding of working with Arizona educational communities; and at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible management experience in academia, industry or government, OR an equivalent combination of training and/or education.