Chief of Staff, School Reform Commission

Posted by on March 03, 2014

We’re looking for our next
Chief of Staff for the School Reform Commission

What We Are Looking For
Are you someone with senior level experience who is ready to use your expertise to support a large-scale, fast paced organization? The next Chief of Staff has an energetic spirit, is highly organized and detail oriented, and is not afraid to make tough decisions under pressure. Our next Chief of Staff is excited to work with a team of dynamic reformers, comfortable managing several complex projects simultaneously, and able to communicate across stakeholder groups.

About the Position

Our Chief of Staff provides leadership to the School Reform Commission (SRC) in the implementation and administration of all SRC functions. S/he serves as chief aide to the SRC Chairman and is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the daily operations of the Office of the School Reform Commission. The Chief of Staff also acts as a liaison between the SRC, District leadership, and external entities. Our next Chief of Staff participates in the development of priorities and objectives, and ensures that activities of all offices are implemented in accordance with policies, procedures, and mandates.

Role Overview: Represents and acts on the behalf of the SRC Chairman. Oversees and manages day-to-day operations of the Commission, addresses issues, and resolves any problems which may arise. Provides oversight to the offices that report to the SRC: Auditing Services, the Office of the Inspector General, and the Charter School Office. Supports the SRC, through the Chairman, in dealing with the wide range of issues impacting the operation and fiscal stability of the District. Acts as a liaison between the Commission and other offices; communicates directives of the Chairman to District personnel; develops and builds good communication and effective relationships with administrative heads. Advises the SRC, through the Chairman, on prominent and/or sensitive issues; oversees projects of critical importance. Keeps the Chairman abreast of the status of activities, issues, and major projects; prepares periodic and ad hoc reports. Coordinates special projects on behalf of the SRC, frequently involving senior officers of the District. Ensures the accurate formulation and development of policies that are in conformance with SRC directives and are reflective of the SRC’s vision. Works with District executive management to ensure the timely and accurate flow of information between the SRC and District staff. Manages and supervises SRC staff.

Minimum Requirement
You have likely been a teacher. You have earned an advanced degree from an accredited college or university. You have thick skin and the ability to work in high-pressure situations. You are not afraid to take risks and are comfortable standing up to people. An energetic spirit with extraordinary project management skills preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of: leadership and management strategies; team building techniques; policy development; and strategic planning and restructuring techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in: managing and supporting a team of diverse thinkers; research and writing; mastering and retaining facts; and public speaking.
• Demonstrated ability to: take copious notes and enjoy it; manage several large-scale and complex projects; formulate and analyze recommendations for cost-containment; plan, prepare, and manage departmental budgets; manage staff and office functions; respond to emergency situations and effect resolution processes; represent the SRC at meetings and conferences; present ideas effectively, both in writing and orally; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

About the SRC
The School Reform Commission (SRC) governs the School District of Philadelphia (SDP). It was established in December 2001, when oversight of the School District shifted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and functions primarily as the school board. The SRC is made up of five volunteer members, three appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania and two by the Mayor of Philadelphia. The Governor’s appointees serve terms that last 5 years and the Mayor’s appointees serve terms that last 4 years.

The SRC is responsible for all financial matters relating to the District, selects and reviews the Superintendent, drives policy, and has ultimate oversight of the District’s educational programs. Together with the Superintendent, the SRC sets strategic goals and objectives for improving academic performance. The School Reform Commission serves as the charter school authorizer in Philadelphia.

Meet the Team
The current Commissioners are: Feather Houstoun, Farah Jimenez, Wendell Pritchett, Sylvia Simms, and Chairman William J. Green.
Read more: http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/s/src/

About the School District
The mission of the School District of Philadelphia is to provide a high-quality education that prepares, ensures, and empowers all students to achieve their full intellectual and social potential in order to become lifelong learners and productive members of society. The School District currently serves 131,362 students in 214 District Schools. The District serves 87.3% economically disadvantaged students, 13.8% students with exceptionalities, and 9% percent English Language Learners. There are 86 Charter Schools serving 60,774 students.

Learn more about our District: http://www.philasd.org/about/#

Our Vision
We believe all children can reach their learning potential and that the achievement gap can be eliminated. The Commission commits itself to raising student achievement through District-wide reforms and restructuring measures. We have done much, but we have a long way to go. Our goal is 100% good schools.

http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/a/action-plan

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Candidates my send their resumes and cover letters to src@philasd.org