Executive Director of Grants & Federal Programs

Position Description:
The Executive Director of Grants and Federal Programs oversees grants and federal program funds for the Jefferson Parish Schools (JPS). The Executive Director of Grants and Federal Programs independently anticipates fiscal challenges and opportunities and applies for, monitors, analyzes, and reports on grants for the district. The Executive Director of Grants and Federal Programs directs and coordinates the auxiliary and federal compliance staff of the Grants and Federal Programs Department.

Reports to:

Chief Academic Officer

Scope of Responsibility:

• Works closely with the Chief Academic Officer, auxiliary grants staff, and federal compliance staff to drive the vision and assists in the development of a set of measurable objectives for the Grants and Federal Programs Department.
• Holds the Grants and Federal Programs Department team accountable for meeting their objectives and conducts formal performance evaluations in accordance with the JPS evaluation schedule for central office employees.
• Ensures the Grants and Federal Programs Department is in compliance with federal statutes and regulations, state laws, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education rules and regulations, JPS policies and procedures, and relevant contractual obligations.
• Establishes, reviews, and refines processes and protocols to ensure smooth and efficient administration of grants and federal programs.
• Coordinates with other departments to obtain necessary information for reports on grants and federal programs.
• Answers questions and resolves issues raised by other departments related to grants and federal programs.
•  Supports efforts of the Achievement and Accountability Division to track and analyze efficacy in the use of specific funds.
• Prepares and administers the annual Grants and Federal Programs Department budget and exercises proper financial controls.

Instructional Components

•  Fulfill duties expected of district level leaders.
•  Works collaboratively with all school communities to help develop and maintain a shared vision that is aligned to the district's vision and mission.
• Collaborate with school leaders and those providing direct student instruction as well as professionals providing ancillary services.
•  Review, draft, study, recommend, and implement policies, curricula, and plans to improve the quality of instruction and school climate and culture.
• Conduct site visits and classroom walk-throughs as needed.
• Support leaders in the preparation of school and class schedules as needed.
• Participate in the staffing of the school via the recruitment, interview, and selection and/or assignment of personnel, subject to superintendent approval as needed.
•  Attend meetings generally associated with the instruction of students, including instructional leadership team meetings and clusters as needed.
•  Monitoring, tracking and analyzing any performance data.
•  Familiar with the implementation of equity and effectiveness in all grading policies, including district, school, and classroom grading practices.
•  Plans for and assesses the overall impact of professional development activities on improving teaching and student learning.
•  Secures the necessary resources for meaningful professional growth, including the time for planning and the use of emerging technologies.

Supervision

•  Supervision of other leaders including Principals where applicable, Directors, Coordinators and all others reporting to the employee or for whose supervision the employee is responsible, as applicable.
•  Complete and/or assist in the preparation/implementation of employee observations, evaluations, IAPs, and other associated tasks and monitoring.
•  Applies laws, policies, regulations, and procedures fairly, consistently, wisely, and appropriately.
•  Manages time and delegates appropriate administrative tasks to maximize the attainment of district and school goals.

Non-instructional and Other Components

•  Maintain office space and work areas in a clean condition through the oversight of staff and contracted services, as applicable.
•  Maintain a productive culture of teaching and learning.
•  Attend faculty, staff, department, and central office/principal meetings, as applicable
•  Attend professional development or training sessions.
•  Attend job fairs and related events as needed.
•  Attend back-to-school, open-house, graduation, and other school/community events.
•  Interview, employ, and complete necessary hires to staff schools, and any employee in the Teaching and Learning unit as needed.
•  Attend school board committee, regular board meetings, or special board meetings upon request.
•  Maintain positive parent and community contact and problem-solving.
•  Represent the district at all functions and/or meetings at which a district representative is required.
•  Any extra-curricular activities as determined by the supervisor.
•  Meeting with teachers or staff members to discuss school operations, student progress, or upcoming events as needed.
•  Reviewing and finalizing budgets, reports, or administrative tasks.
•  Planning, leading, facilitating, and participating in professional development workshops or training sessions.
•  Handling discipline issues or addressing any urgent matters that arise during the day.
•  Collaborating with community organizations or partners to support both school and district programs.
• Planning and strategizing for future school and district wide improvement initiatives.
• Supporting extracurricular activities or athletic events that take place during and after school hours, including, but not limited to, after-school tutoring and other students’ services as needed.
• Providing additional supervision or support for other district personnel, school leaders, teachers, and students who may need extra help or assistance.
• Manages time and delegates appropriate administrative tasks to maximize the attainment of both district and school goals.
• In collaboration with the central office staff, supports safety and emergency operations plans and participates in regular safety drills.
• Fosters an overall climate that supports both student and staff success and promotes respect and appreciation for all students, staff, and parents, who feel valued and belong to the school community.
• Supports services such as transportation, food, health, and extended care responsibly. Supports the operations staff with establishing procedures for the safe storing and integrity of all public and confidential school records.
•  Monitors and evaluates school operations and uses feedback appropriately to enhance effectiveness.
•  Assists and collaborates with the central staff for the smooth running of personnel management, emergency procedures, and facility operations as needed.
• Maintains a visible and accessible presence in the school.
•  Protects instructional time when scheduling events and communication efforts.
•  Ensures that school facilities are conducive to a positive school environment.
•  Maintains accurate and complete documentation for compliance, monitoring and auditing purposes.
•  Collaborates with other units and school administrators and personnel in order to ensure that all federally-funded expenditures are necessary, reasonable and allocable.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Academic Officer.

Skills and Qualifications:
We seek detail-oriented, independent self-starters who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to raising student achievement and who have a record of high performance in challenging situations. Successful candidates will also demonstrate and/or possess:

•  Master’s degree.
•  5+ years of progressively increasing experience in grants and federal programs, with demonstrated success in growing relevant revenue streams and ensuring effective and compliant use of funds.
•  Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws regarding grants and federal programs.
•  Strong communication skills and the ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Uses quantitative and qualitative data from schools to make decisions and recommendations.
• Collaborative management style, with a proven track record of working with diverse individuals at all levels to drive decision-making and results.
• High degree of professionalism, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities, while consistently demonstrating sound judgment and disciplined thinking.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Doctorate’s degree.
• Experience in analyzing and evaluating data.

Physical Involvement:
Sitting is required most of each work day. Must be able to operate office equipment. Standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting up to 30 pounds is sometimes required. Ability to provide own transportation to schools, work locations, and meeting sites. Mobility skills necessary to access a variety of work locations, including locations not on the ground floor.

Compensation:
JPS offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. JPS also offers a competitive benefits
package.