Director 2 External Funding

The Director 2 will provide strategic direction and overseeing the operations of the External Funding department including developing, monitoring, and overseeing grant budgets. The Director 2 plays a critical role in driving organization success by setting goals, developing strategies, providing analytical support, and ensuring effective implementation of programs and initiatives funded from grant funds. The Director 2 will provide budgetary, financial, procurement, position management, and programmatic support to campuses and departments to maximize the impact of fiscal resources and ensuring grant funds remain in compliance to federal, state, and local guidelines and policies. This position will executive special projects that have significant operational and/or organization impact and requires strong leadership skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with the district. 
 

List most important duties first
1.    Oversee the department support personnel who provide support to campuses and departments related to the implementation of activities under federal, state, and local funds for budgeting, purchasing, payroll, travel, accounts payable, and other fiscal support needs. Coordinate work between and among campuses and central office departments.
2.    Provide strategic direction and leadership for the department, aligning goals and objectives with the district’s mission and vision to optimize operational efficiency and effectiveness while managing and allocating departmental resources.
3.    Lead and inspire a team of professionals, providing guidance, support, and performance management while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
4.    Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies within the department’s scope of work.
5.    Direct, monitor, implement, and manage grant programs and budget functions, in coordination with district leadership, for districtwide programs, public schools, charter/performance contract schools, and private non-profits in coordination with district leadership.
6.    Initiative and maintain grant applications and amendments ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines and policies.
7.    Review, analyze, and approve transactions and requisitions for campuses and departments receiving grant funds.
8.    Collaborate across various departments to ensure the district remains in compliance with appropriate federal, state and local guidelines and policies
 

9.    Coordinates activities within the department including planning, coordinating, facilitating, and managing follow-ups from meetings.
10.    Develop and prepare monthly finance reports provided to district leadership.
11.    Develop and prepare compliance reports required by federal, state, and local agencies. 
12.    Provides technical support to team members in the monitoring and maintaining of grant funds for schools and departments.
13.    Coordinates and assists district leadership with annual development of budget recommendations utilizing grant funds for campuses and departments.
14.    Ensures timely processing of school and department requests.
15.    Monitor and evaluate departmental performance against established goals and metrics, implementing strategies for improvement.
16.    Continuously seek opportunities for professional development and growth while representing the organization at conferences, seminars, and other professional events, enhancing its reputation and visibility.
17.    Provide regular updates and reports to senior management and other stakeholders on departmental activities, achievements, and challenges.
18.    Perform other job duties, as assigned,
 

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; master’s degree preferred.
 

3+ Years
 

SAP preferred, Microsoft Office, Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier, etc.).
Advanced Excel, Word, OneNote, and PowerPoint preferred.
Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to pay close attention to detail and accuracy, with experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation.
Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and impact.
Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to navigate complex challenges.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Knowledge of relevant industry regulations, compliance standards, and best practices.
Ability to adapt to change and lead teams through organizational transitions.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices.
Strong ethical standards and integrity in decision-making.
Willingness to take initiative, high level of self-motivation, and easily works independently or as part of a team.
 

Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district-wide.
 

Work involes the application of moderately complex procedures and tasks that are quite varied. Strong analytica ability, indicutive thinking, and independent judgement are often required to select and apply the most appropirate of availble resources. Position regurarly markes recommendation to management and ongoing supervision is provided on an “as needed” basis.
 

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.
 

Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitutde, but are still subject to approval. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to prolems, to improve exisitng methods/procedures/services, and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.
 

Decisions have moderate impact to the campus, departments, or district, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/oror contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations and/or overpayment. Effect usually confined to the organization itself and is short term.
 

Information sharting – gives and receives information such as options, technical direction, instructions, and reporting results. Interacations are mostly with customers, own supervisor, and coworkers in own or other departments.

Influence – interprets department strategies and services, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the district, conducts final reviewes and coordinates approvals/decision making. 
 

Takes routine or required customer actions to meet customer needs. Responds promptly and accurately to customer complains, inquiries and requests for information, and coordinates appropriate follow-up. Regularly assesses and diffuses complex, and escalated customer issues. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for solving systemic customer service problems. Regularly explores alternative and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer within HISD’s policies and guidelines.
 

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.