Chief of Staff

Job Description

The Chief of Staff is responsible for the strategic management and operation of the Superintendent's Office, oversees the Department of Human Resources, and is assigned special projects by the Superintendent of Schools. The Chief of Staff represents the Superintendent as requested, facilitates the work of the executive staff, instructional and management offices, and coordinates actions among the Superintendent, the senior leadership team and the Board of Education. In addition, the Chief of Staff serves as the special liaison to regional educational associations, Virginia Department of Education on special issues and to the City of Alexandria on certain matters in an effort to identify and collaborate on opportunities for shared services and partnerships.

Qualifications

Education: Doctorate preferred. Master's degree required from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Relevant professional licenses and certifications preferred.

Experience: At least ten years of job-related, cross-functional, operational experience is required. Work experience in a public school division is preferred.

Language skill: Fluency in English is required. A bi-lingual ability to speak, write and read Spanish is preferred.

Other Qualifications

• Strategic planning skills. Must have experience and training as a s trategic thinker.
• Must understand data-driven and analytical approach to problem-solving
• Strong written and verbal communication; listens well and can easily learn to communicate the superintendent's guidance
• Effective at building relationships and networks to solve problems and promote success
• Systems and process-thinker; able to create clarity out of chaos
• Able to work calmly behind the scenes, adept to help others be their best and anticipates needs before they are spoken
• Inspires loyalty and trust with confidential information

Essential Functions

1. Provide direct support to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools

• Provide a broad range of assistance and support for the Superintendent
• Help oversee executive staff coordination and special projects
• Oversee and ensure quality control for incoming and outgoing workflow within the Superintendent's office, including preparation of Board of Education materials, correspondence, reports, and other relevant materials
• Troubleshoot, deconflict and resolve issues for the superintendent
• Manage the interaction between the Board of Education Office and the Superintendent's Office on all matters requiring the Superintendent's attention
• Interact with diverse stakeholder groups including internal and external groups
• Serve as a strategic partner, confidante and advisor to the Superintendent of Schools
• Participate in the planning and development of the Superintendent's meetings including Senior Leadership Team meetings, Superintendent's Chats, and Superintendent's Advisory groups. Oversee the preparation of materials for those meetings in collaboration with the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
• Organize and oversee Board of Education agenda setting planning, and effective communication and collaboration with senior executive staff members on operational and procedural matters, special projects, and other assigned activities
• Manage inquiries and complaints submitted to the Superintendent's Office\
• Ensure that the Superintendent's Office has a process to respond promptly to family and community matters to help foster their voice and empowerment
• Assess complex emergencies and time-sensitive issues that impact the division
• Manage special project or assignments on a short-term basis and provide effective intervention in complex situations

1. Oversee the Office of Human Resources

• Supervise, guide and direct the Executive Director of Human Resources as a direct report to include:
• Performance Management and Career Development. Serve as a consultant and advisor to the executive team. Help identify aspiring and promising leaders.
• Organizational Development. Help set the tone for a positive division culture by coaching and influencing others, especially leaders and managers, and listening deeply to the full team
• Culture and Employee Engagement. Monitor efforts to embed the division commitment to equity for all into organizational climate and practices

1. Facilitate cross-departmental communication, coordination and collaboration

• Assist in problem-solving between and among instructional and management offices on issues involving the Superintendent's Office
• Advise and work closely with staff on matters concerning the public's knowledge and understanding of school policies, procedures, programs, resources, initiatives and performance
• Provide leadership, guidance and support to the Superintendent's direct reports to ensure that the division's strategic goals and objectives are met. Resolve problems, facilitate conversations, and manage issues before such matters are brought to the Superintendent of Schools
• Promote cross-departmental support for the implementation of innovative school initiatives and programming
• Participate with the Superintendent and other senior staff in strategic planning, policy development and problem resolution of complex issues and needs
• Initiate and lead interdepartmental teams in analyzing specific issues or problems and in developing strategies and recommendations to effectively move the division on a path of continuous improvement
• Assist with interdepartmental coordination of the budget development process
• Develop and implement procedures for evaluating program effectiveness and ensuring quality control across the departments and major offices
• Develop and implement professional learning opportunities in Central Office based on the respective department's assessment and strategic goals

1. Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as member of Superintendent's Executive team including participation in the following activities:
• Executive team meetings and senior leadership team meetings.
• Weekly one-on-one meeting with the Superintendent.
• Teacher Advisory Committee meetings
• Education Association of Alexandria meetings
• Selected school site visits
• Quarterly chats for school/department improvement plan updates
• Advise Superintendent and executive team members on issues of importance
• Essential employee: Must be available on 24/7 basis for emergencies
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Proof of COVID vaccination. Exemptions for religious/medical will be reviewed.
• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP

Primary Location:
Alexandria, VA
Salary Range:
$156,676.80 - $216,943.20 / Administrator SAS-15
Shift Type:
Full-Time