POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of
the Chief of Staff, the Director for the Board of Education Officeparticipates with the Board
in the on-going evaluation of effective strategies in the implementation of the
Board’s Core Beliefs and Commitments Policy 0118 and Theory of Action Policy
0119. The incumbent of this position maintains
close knowledge of the Board of Education’s positions on sensitive and
confidential matters including negotiations.
The Director for the Board of Education Office ensures professional and
responsive service by Board staff to the Board, the public and other Prince
George’s County Public Schools staff and stakeholders. The incumbent
also assists and supports the Board of Education in carrying out its
responsibilities, particularly regarding its quasi-judicial responsibility
under Sections 4-205 and 6-202 of the Education Article of the Annotated Code
of Maryland in consultation with counsel to the Board.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Advises
the Board on education issues and/or policies proposed by the Superintendent of Schools or other
entities; notifies the
Board of Education Chair and Vice-Chair on all pertinent issues and advises
immediately of any issues that warrant prompt attention of the Board and/or the
Superintendent;
Ensures
support for Board of Education committees, including, but not limited to,
research analysis and information regarding educational policies and practices
to improve student learning outcomes;
Reviews
Board Policies and PGCPS Administrative Procedures and advises the Board on
updating and/or amending policies and creating policies that could enhance or
improve procedures;
Assists
in the preparation of the Board of Education’s annual operating budget and
monitors expenditures to ensure that the Board operates within budget
guidelines in collaboration with internal audit; responsible for developing and
maintaining sound financial practices;
Ensures that a monthly newsletter and/or other communications tool
is distributed to the community which highlights actions of the Board of
Education;
Provides
leadership in developing organizational and financial plans with the Board of
Education and staff and carries out plans and policies authorized by the Board;
independently develops and implements action steps to complete complex
assignments within timelines;
Represents
the programs and perspective of the Board of Education to agencies,
organizations and the public;
Establishes
and maintains effective and collaborative relationships with community groups, organizations,
funders, state and local elected officials, PGCPS staff and the public to help
achieve the goals of the Board of Education;
Ensures
the Board of Education Office is responsive to concerns, inquiries, questions
and complaints of parents, students and constituents; responsible for the
overall professional and responsive operation of the Board Office;
Develops
a system to ensure that all inquiries are properly routed to staff within the
school system and to track inquiries to ensure that every student, parent and
constituent question or issue has been properly addressed;
Develops
and ensures effective systems to track Board actions;
Serves as the fiscal steward and oversees the financial
management of the Board Office, including the management and scheduling of
assigned personnel to ensure the fulfillment of duties and responsibilities and
proper office and event/Board meeting coverage;
Encourages
professional development and assists staff in relating their specialized work
to Board of Education overall goals and responsibilities;
Provides
a performance annual report each year to the Board that includes a
comprehensive summary and analysis of the work of the Board of Education and
Board of Education Office activities (including the status of annual staff
evaluation ratings);
Prepares
official correspondence of the Board of Education and maintains legal
documents;
Plans
and coordinates events; and
Performs
other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Ability
to perform complex, high level managerial responsibilities;
Ability
to demonstrate effective organizational skills and ability to prioritize and
carry out all tasks with considerable independence in the absence of detailed
instructions;
Exhibit
effective leadership skills and ability to foster a business environment of
support, trust and teamwork as well as continued staff development;
Exhibit
sound professional ethics;
Ability
to problem-solve and address situations confidentially with a high degree of
patience, tact and sound judgment;
Ability
to effectively negotiate and work in collaboration with diverse groups of
people;
Demonstrated
ability to multi-task and adapt to changing deadlines with a high degree of
flexibility and accuracy within context of overall objectives;
Excellent
verbal and written communication;
Ability
to represent the Board of Education and make presentations to the public;
Proficiency
in the use of technology to support work functions, financial management,
e-mail use and internet research;
Thorough
knowledge of modern office practices including excellent writing, grammar and
proofreading ability (writing sample required); and
General
knowledge of county and state government functions, policies and procedures
related to education.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s
degree from an accredited college or university in public administration,
communications, public policy, business or a related field required; Master’s
degree preferred. A minimum of five (5)
years of progressively responsible experience in three (3) or more of the
following areas: education, management
and budget, policy and legal support, communication and community engagement;
along with experience in supporting the work of Boards.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
None Required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversees and provides
guidance and direction to assigned personnel.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Flexible schedule with evening meetings and some weekends required.