Project Director, Comprehensive Center on Great Teachers and Leaders in Washington, DC

FHI 360 is a global development organization with a rigorous, evidence-based approach. Our professional staff includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from 60 offices with 4,400 staff in the U.S. and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at every level and our multidisciplinary approach enable us to have a lasting impact on the individuals, communities and countries we serve–improving lives for millions. We seek qualified candidates for the position of Project Director, Comprehensive Center on Great Teachers and Leaders in Washington, DC.

Position Description:

The Comprehensive Center on Great Teachers and Leaders (“the Center”) is a national technical assistance center funded by the US Department of Education under the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Comprehensive Centers program establishes 20 comprehensive centers to provide technical assistance to state educational agencies (SEAs) that builds their capacity to support local educational agencies (LEAs or districts) and schools, especially low-performing districts and schools; improve educational outcomes for all students; close achievement gaps; and improve the quality of instruction. The Center will provide technical assistance and identify, synthesize, and disseminate research-based practices and emerging promising practices that will lead to the increased capacity of SEAs to support effective instruction and leadership that improves student learning in their states. The Center will work closely with other comprehensive content centers and regional comprehensive centers (RCCs) to support SEAs.

The project director will be responsible for overall programmatic and operational management of the Center. This includes programmatic direction on specific technical assistance activities; administration (reporting); financial management; “needs sensing” of SEA and RCC technical assistance requirements; oversight of technology applications and dissemination of Center products and services; and supervision of staff. He or she will maintain regular communications with the funder and oversee all project work plan tasks; work across multiple partners in the Center to deliver technical assistance; manage sub-grants; collaborate and coordinate with all comprehensive centers and other US Department of Education-funded technical assistance providers; and oversee the performance and evaluation plan to improve service delivery. The project director will also represent the Center and FHI 360 at meetings and conferences.

• Daily and long-range management of the project will include:
• Oversee the finances of the project by monitoring the budget and:
  • Supervise staff;
  • Ensure all work plan activities are completed in a timely manner and within budget;
  • Perform all reporting duties associated with the Center;
  • Coordinate with the senior adviser on coordination & collaboration and the governance council to oversee activities and manage sub-grants across multiple partners
• Oversee planning and delivery of specific technical assistance activities to include:
  • National and regional conferences, webinars, research syntheses, issue briefs, and communities of practice planned for in the annual work plan;
  • Rapid response to SEA/RCC technical assistance requests;
  • Contract services provided by external consultants with appropriate technical expertise;
  • Social media and web-based technology dissemination strategies;
  • Incorporate formative and summative evaluation results into annual work plans to improve service delivery over the course of the grant
• Develop and manage relationships with the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders Advisory Board(s) members and the federal program officer(s)
• Plan and participate in joint activities with all comprehensive centers and other US Department of Education-funded technical assistance providers
• Develop relationships with potential partners and lead selected grant writing activities
• Perform other duties as assigned, including participating in FHI 360 and departmental activities

Minimum Requirements:

10 to 15 years of relevant experience required. Master’s in related discipline (education, public policy or administration, or social sciences) or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Doctorate preferred.

Specific Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of and experience with SEA operations and technical assistance requirements. Experience working at a high level in a SEA or providing technical assistance to SEAs.
• Familiarity with practice and policy issues related to instruction and educational leadership, including: teacher recruitment, education, & professional development; teacher evaluation; administrator recruitment, education, & professional development; administrator evaluation; teacher and leader induction, support, and retention; applications for value-added modeling in teaching and leading.
• Knowledge of and experience with career and technical education and/or special education preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with US Department of Education-funded projects.
• Experience with project management.
• Knowledge of technical assistance planning and delivery strategies.
• Familiarity with web-based technology applications.
• Supervisory experience.
• Grant writing experience.

General Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work as a member of and manage diverse teams.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, delegate, and be flexible.
• Ability to handle tight deadlines.
• Skilled in leading presentations and trainings for a wide variety of people with differing skill levels and learning styles.
• Some travel (approximately 25%) required for regional convenings and state-specific consultations.

FHI 360 has a competitive compensation package. Interested candidates may register online through FHI 360's Career Center at www.fhi360.org/careercenter or through the Employment section at www.fhi360.org. Please submit CV/resume and cover letter including salary requirements. Please specify source in your application.