Job Summary This role ensures alignment, integration, and inclusion of the academic strategy within academic offices as well as across district-level initiatives. The position serves as a liaison with central offices as well as with external partners and organizations as an advocate for the academic strategy. The Director of Strategy serves in partnership with the Director of Operations and the Special Assistant to the CAO; together supporting the Chief Academic Officer to ensure the strategic, effective, and efficient management of the Academic Offices. Essential Functions Defines strategic direction and leads assigned teams in developing recommendations for strategic long-term goals related to academic offices. Plans, directs, and monitors the implementation of systemic academic initiatives in collaboration with Executive Directors and other chiefs with a focus on program evaluation and return on investment (ROI). Provides guidance and direction to departments under the Chief Academic Officer with a focus on strategic areas of reform. Serves as the academic office lead in ensuring effective portfolio management decisions, charter renewal, and school closing decisions and implementation. Serves as the lead in the development of the district's Master Plan. Project manages the cross-office completion of the Master Plan required by MSDE annually to ensure timely review and final submission of the Master Plan. Serves as the lead on the design and direction of academic strategies supporting school improvement efforts in high-need schools in partnership with other district offices as well as the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Serves as the academic office lead in the development of the district calendar as well as in the review of waivers associated with the approved calendar. Fosters and promotes teamwork in the design and development of educational strategies within the academic offices and across the organization. Develops strategic alliances and works collaboratively with educational agencies, community members and other stakeholders. Partners across academic and district offices to ensure funding is aligned to support academic initiatives. Desired Qualifications Master's degree in education or a related field. Degree must be from an accredited college or institution. Three years supervisory/administrative/leadership experience in an urban education environment with demonstrated success. Five years of school-based experience in an urban educational environment with demonstrated effectiveness and roles of increasing responsibility Thorough knowledge of instructional continuums and knowledge of current theories of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Considerable knowledge of research-based school improvement designs and current issues facing urban public education. Considerable knowledge of governmental mandates impacting education.