GEAR UP O+K=C Project Director

Job Description

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The K20 - Sponsored Projects Education Director will guide the projects’ coordinators in planning, organizing, communicating, and monitoring evidence-based services with project partners and ensure that they are aligned with specified project outcomes. The incumbent will oversee project management, participant management, and development of high-quality resources supporting the project’s services. This professional will facilitate the ongoing development of each coordinator to help them realize their full professional potential.

Essential Job Duties & Functions:

Talent Management: The incumbent will actively contribute to the growth, enhancement, and professional learning of the project. This responsibility encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at identifying, nurturing, and maximizing the potential of coordinators to ensure they are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the sponsored program they support. Key responsibilities include:

Professional Learning: Identify, develop, and implement learning opportunities designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the project coordinator. Mentoring and Coaching: Provide guidance and mentorship to coordinators, assisting them in setting and achieving career development goals. Performance Management: Assist each coordinator in planning, developing, and implementing performance goals that align with the sponsored project goals they serve. Feedback and Evaluation: Establish opportunities for coordinators to receive constructive feedback on their performance and offer opportunities for self-assessment and improvement.

Communications: The incumbent will manage and facilitate effective communications within and outside the organization by ensuring that information flows efficiently and accurately while fostering collaboration. Key responsibilities include:

Internal Communication: Develop, implement, and oversee internal communication strategies to ensure employees are well-informed about organizational updates, policies, and relevant news. This may involve using various channels such as email, Microsoft Teams, and project meetings to keep staff informed. External Communication: Manage external communications, including interactions with students, families, educators, school leaders, and partners. Create and maintain a positive working relationship and ensure that all external messages align with the organization's mission and values. Content Creation: Develop and distribute content, including written materials, graphics, presentations, and multimedia, to convey key messages and information. Ensure content is clear, consistent, and engaging. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including students, families, educators, school leaders, and partners. Keep them informed and engaged in the sponsored project's activities and initiatives. Communication Strategy Development: Collaborate with the management team to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that support the sponsored project's objectives and goals.

Evaluation and Reporting: The incumbent will measure and assess the project’s implementation of services, ensuring that project objectives are met, and providing valuable insights to guide decision-making and improvement. Key responsibilities include:

Data Collection: Collect, compile, and organize data from field services and participant feedback. Reporting Systems: Utilize the sponsored project's reporting systems to document and communicate evaluation findings to stakeholders. Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with relevant teams to develop project services based on identified needs. Monitor progress in implementing improvements and adjust strategies as needed. Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of services, partner interactions, and evaluation processes and methodologies. Performance Metrics: Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned to the team's sponsored research goals.

Professional Learning Facilitation: The incumbent will design, organize, and deliver professional learning opportunities for sponsored program participants. This professional will play a key role in enhancing the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of the project stakeholders. Key responsibilities include:

Facilitation and Instruction: Deliver engaging professional learning sessions, workshops, and seminars that fully address the instructional learning goals. Utilize various instructional methods and adult learning principles to cater to diverse learning styles. Mentoring and Coaching: When appropriate, provide one-on-one coaching and mentorship to stakeholders to enhance their skills and professional growth. Technology Integration: Utilize instructional technology tools to support online and blended learning opportunities. Stay current with e-learning trends and best practices. Communication and Promotion: Promote professional learning opportunities to employees and encourage participation. Use various communication channels to raise awareness and generate interest in the sponsored project's offerings.

Evidence-Based Design: The incumbent will support the sponsored project's adaptation of evidence-based practices through the systematic search, review, and synthesis of existing literature to inform project-based services. Key responsibilities include:

Identification of Research Objectives: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to define question(s) that need to be addressed through a literature review. Search Strategy: Develop a comprehensive search strategy to identify relevant literature sources. Literature Search: Collect, organize, and catalog literature sources and evaluate the quality, relevance, and credibility of the literature sources. Synthesis and Analysis: Summarize key findings and insights from the reviewed literature. Identify common themes, trends, and gaps in existing knowledge and research. Evidence-Based Recommendations: Offer evidence-based recommendations and insights based on the literature review to guide decision-making and project services.

Instructional Design: The incumbent will engage in the creation, development, and implementation of effective professional learning materials and programs. The professional ensures that learning initiatives are well-structured, engaging, and aligned with the sponsored project's goals and objectives. Key responsibilities include:

Needs Analysis: Collaborate with stakeholders to identify learning needs and performance gaps within the organization. Determine the knowledge and skills employees require to meet organizational goals. Learning Objectives: Define clear and measurable learning objectives for each instructional program. Curriculum Development: Design comprehensive curriculum or professional learning programs that cover the identified learning objectives. Organize content logically and in a sequential manner. Content Creation: Develop educational content, including written materials, multimedia presentations, videos, e-learning modules, and assessments. Ensure that content is engaging, informative, and interactive. Instructional Strategies: Select appropriate instructional methods and strategies, considering the needs of the learners. Incorporate a variety of pedagogical techniques to cater to diverse learning styles. Technology Integration: Utilize instructional technology to enhance the learning experience. Compliance and Accessibility: Ensure that instructional materials are compliant with relevant laws and accessibility standards and are accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. Facilitation Development: Prepare and support professional learning facilitators in implementing instructional programs. Provide guidance and resources to ensure effective instruction. Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with subject matter experts, instructional designers, artists, writers/editors, and professional learning facilitators to ensure that instructional design aligns with project goals and requirements. Communicate progress and results effectively.

Project Management: The incumbent will support the planning, implementation, and oversight of the grant’s projects and initiatives. Effective project management ensures that tasks are completed efficiently, within scope, on time, and on budget, contributing to achieving the sponsored project's goals. Key responsibilities include:

Project Planning: Collaborate with stakeholders to create detailed project plans, outlining tasks, timelines, and resource requirements. Team Coordination: Assign project roles and responsibilities to team members, providing leadership and guidance to ensure that team members understand their tasks and deadlines. Resource Allocation: Allocate and manage resources, including budget, personnel, and materials, to support project execution. Task Execution: Oversee the execution of project tasks, ensuring that they are completed in accordance with the project plan and within the specified period. Communication and Reporting: Establish clear communication channels to inform stakeholders about project progress. Provide regular updates, reports, and status meetings to address concerns and facilitate decision-making. Stakeholder Engagement: Foster positive relationships with project stakeholders, including schools, partners, and team members. Address their needs and concerns while keeping them informed about project developments.

As Needed:

The incumbent will perform various additional duties as needed to successfully fulfill the position’s function.

After 6 months, the incumbent may request a Hybrid Work Schedule. 

Job Requirements

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Required Education: Master’s degree in education or a related field is required, AND:

60 months of K12 educational experience, which includes classroom experience with 36 months as a building leader, team leader, department chair, or curriculum coordinator providing professional development facilitation and managing/leading multiple projects.

Skills: 

Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a timely manner Ability to communicate verbally and in writing Ability to work with diverse groups in planning, developing, and evaluating products Active listening skills Employee talent development strategies Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive) Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive) Microsoft Teams Project management practices Scheduling & coordination Skilled in facilitated grant-funded learning activities Teamwork and collaboration skills Knowledge of trends and developments in process innovation and project management

Required Working Conditions: 

Classrooms or professional learning venues. Communicate effectively and listen. Manual dexterity. Present in front of large groups of stakeholders. Sit for prolonged periods. Standard office environment. Use of a computer. The incumbent will provide services to 28 cohort schools throughout Oklahoma and will be expected to travel to each site 3 to 4 times per year with occasional overnight stays.

Supervision: A core job function of this position is to support sponsored project outcomes by supervising a small team of sponsored project education specialists.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit .

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

Hiring contingent upon a Background Check?:YesSpecial Indications:None

Job Posting

:Jun 6, 2024

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