Strategic Initiatives Director-Jacksonville Public Education Fund
Categories Programs/Events Staff
Expires Oct 31, 2025
Description
About the Organization
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) is an independent think-and-do tank that activates community support, connects partners, and advances effective ideas for the success of all students. We work tirelessly to close opportunity gaps in public education. We convene educators, school system leaders and the community to pilot and scale evidence-based solutions that advance school quality in Duval County.
JPEF has a highly engaged board, significant fiscal resources and talented staff to drive the organization’s work. The fast-paced and entrepreneurial organization has more than a decade-long track record of helping public schools to significantly improve outcomes for students through innovative, community-focused, and data-driven solutions.
Position Summary
The Director of Strategic Initiatives is responsible for driving JPEF’s key initiatives to strengthen educator recruitment, retention and effectiveness and will play a critical role on the JPEF team. Leveraging best practices, data and research and partnerships, the director will support educator professional learning, improving their ability to recruit and retain great teachers, improve their schools and classroom climate and culture, effectively engage families and communities, and lead and manage their schools/classrooms to improve student outcomes.
Reporting to the Vice President, the Director will work closely with other Jacksonville Public Education Fund staff members to advance the overall goals and strategy of our initiatives; ensure the alignment of our efforts; engage in collaborative learning, planning and action; measure impact and make continuous improvements. A successful candidate will bring expertise in educator leadership and coaching; critical relationships with local practitioners and policymakers; strong program management and evaluation, communication, organization, and analytical abilities.
Essential duties and responsibilities
• Provide thought leadership on school and teacher leadership best practices, including teacher recruitment and retention, improving school climate and culture, engaging families and communities, and strengthening leadership practices, and driving improved student outcomes. o Drive implementation of JPEF’s initiatives strategy including through Teacher Leadership, School Leadership and leveraging our connection to Duval County Teachers of the Year. o Lead curriculum development and refinements to ensure robust, goal-driven, and effective fellowship programs. Provide ongoing support to educators participating in JPEF’s strategic Initiatives. o Manage, coach and support initiative consultants and direct reports, providing regular feedback, accountability structures, and professional growth opportunities to ensure alignment with and drive progress toward JPEF goals. o Oversee initiative budgets, ensuring resources are effectively allocated, monitored, and leveraged to maximize impact and efficiency. • Forge effective partnerships with DCPS’ Human Resources Department, UNF’s Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, and other committed organizations (e.g.., FSCJ, TFA, City Year) who are committed to advancing shared goals. o Manage, prepare and facilitate meetings with impact partners quarterly or more frequently when needed. o Provide technical assistance and ongoing consultative support to partners to accomplish shared goals. ● Partner with Director of Data and Research to track data and interpret results for the impact of JPEF’s initiative goals. Regularly report progress in leadership meetings, highlighting programmatic impact and areas requiring additional support. ● Provide recommendations to inform research and engagement efforts to help strengthen educator pipeline and practices. o Support the EDDY Awards as a resource and consultant to celebrate education excellence in Duval County. ● Facilitate knowledge and information-sharing among practitioners, system leaders, and business and community stakeholders. Create opportunities for educators to discuss key education topics and strategies for improvement. ● Speak at public forums, conferences, and meetings, and engage with media, donors, and partners to communicate JPEF’s impact. ● Develop and maintain strong relationships with key leaders in Duval County Schools to strengthen partnerships, facilitate engagement in JPEF programming, and share insights that inform policy and practice. ● Develop internal processes and systems to effectively manage work streams. ● Communicate effectively with executive leaders, policymakers, funders, and community stakeholders to convey initiative progress, needs, and opportunities. ● Leverage technology platforms and tools to track initiative results, monitor progress, and prepare high quality reports that inform internal decision-making and external communication. ● Actively participate in internal meetings, work sessions and retreats with a focus on cross-functional collaboration, strategizing, and evaluating effectiveness. ● Support other program efforts as overall JPEF strategies or priorities dictate.
Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities ● Excellent program planning, management, analytical, and evaluation skills. ● Results -first orientation with the ability to prioritize strategies and actions that directly advance measurable outcomes. ● Superior written and oral communications skills. Ability to communicate effectively with executive leaders, policymakers, funders, and community stakeholders to convey initiative progress, needs and opportunities. ● Ability to maintain and respect the sensitive, private, and confidential nature of information related to grants, donors, advisors and the organization. ● Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize deliverables and handle unanticipated demands and requests. ● Excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability and a collaborative style with ability to engage colleagues at all levels. ● Confidence to work internally and externally with various leaders, partners, staff and consultants to support the organization’s efforts. ● Experience and comfort working with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Office applications, Teams), online communications tools (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and various web-based applications. ● Exhibiting independent judgment in the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans, procedures, and policies. ● A track record of leadership (in professional or personal contexts) Additional Qualifications ● Clear commitment to the importance of providing a high-quality public education for all students in Jacksonville, particularly historically underserved student populations. ● Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline- and goal-driven organization. ● Excitement and openness to continued learning and development. ● Knowledge of Jacksonville is preferred but not required.
Education and Experience
● Master’s degree; preferably in education leadership or administration. ● Minimum of five years of experience in school and/or district leadership roles desired. Proven ability to coach and develop talent. ● Demonstrated expertise in school leadership and management, teacher recruitment and retention, school climate and culture, and family and community engagement. ● Some experience in advocacy, community engagement, research, or public policy.
How to Apply
Please apply on the career’s page of JPEF’s website https://www.jaxpef.org/about-us/careers