Program Director, Teacher Recruitment & Retention

About Us

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs – we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team. As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve. Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve. If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place. Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at www.sde.ok.gov.

Position Overview

The Program Director of Teacher and Leader Development at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of Oklahoma’s Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System. This position will also develop and implement OSDE recruitment and retention efforts, including the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program. This position plays a pivotal role in advancing leadership development, enhancing teacher effectiveness, promoting teacher recruitment/retention, and fostering collaboration within the education community.

Please note: This role requires a consistent, in-person presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with no remote, telecommuting, or hybrid options

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, Curriculum, or related field;
• Five (5) years of experience in education leadership, teacher and leader evaluations, or related experience.
• Possession of a valid Oklahoma Administrator certificate;
  
  

Note: A Master’s degree in business administration or a related field and experience in supervision and evaluation of non-education employees along with at least two years of education experience may be substituted for the above minimum qualification

Special Requirements

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship;
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check;
• Must possess a valid driver's license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.
  
  

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Knowledge & Expertise: Extensive knowledge of the legislation governing Oklahoma’s Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System. Familiarity with OSDE recruitment and retention efforts, including first year teacher training, paid student internships, Teacher of the Year, and micro-credentialing. Expertise in leadership development strategies and their effective implementation.
• Strategic Planning: Direct the development of long-range plans, goals, and objectives related to teacher evaluations, recruitment, and retention.
• Implementation and Technical Assistance: Implement the Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System. Offer continuous technical assistance and guidance to schools in implementing the evaluation system effectively.
• Collaboration: Engage with teacher and administrator professional associations, institutes of higher education specializing in education, and evaluation system providers to pinpoint and proactively resolve pertinent issues. Engage in cross-functional collaboration with the Office of School Support to enhance human capital capacity with Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
• Educational Trends and Best Practices: Stay current with emerging trends, diagnostic and evaluation techniques, accountability requirements, and technology in education. Provide leadership and promote the sharing of best practices in teacher and leader evaluation. Utilize student data systems to enhance professional growth programs.
• Training Coordination: Organize and facilitate leadership development training programs.
• Communication and Advocacy: Communicate effectively with education professionals and policymakers regarding state policies, legislation, and ongoing programs.
• Pilot Programs: Coordinate and oversee pilot programs aimed at teacher/leadership development and teacher recruitment and retention.
• Program Supervision: Organize, supervise, and support state, regional, and district-level improvements in teacher/leader evaluation programs and teacher recruitment and retention programs.
• Professional Development Program: Develop and Implement a statewide professional development program focused on enhancing the capacity to evaluate teachers and principals and support their professional growth.
• Professional Demeanor: Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude. Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance. Embrace feedback for performance improvement.
• Attendance: Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration. Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.
• Innovation: Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education. Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students. Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.
• Efficiency: Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations. Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance. Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.
• Superior Customer Service: Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations. Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships. Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.
  
  

Essential Competencies

• Effective Communication: Inspire, align, and motivate through clear and empathetic expression. Adapt to diverse audiences and situations, fostering understanding and collaboration.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking to align plans with organizational goals. Analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop creative strategies to achieve specific objectives. Consider multiple perspectives, short-term and long-term outcomes, and employ creative problem-solving for effective solutions.
• Decisive Planning: Set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and establish realistic timelines; adapt to uncertainty by making informed decisions swiftly, while developing contingency plans for flexibility in changing circumstances.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness and adeptness in managing emotions, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating a harmonious work environment. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations with professionalism seeking constructive outcomes.
• Visionary Thinking: envisions and inspires a future state divergent from the present reality; demonstrates a deep understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities, using this insight to imagine and articulate a compelling future vision.
• Adaptability: thrives in changing circumstances and embraces flexibility; effectively adjusts approach, behavior, and mindset to overcome challenges and ensure forward progress for teams.
• Accountability: takes ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; demonstrates transparency and willingness to address any negative consequences resulting from actions taken.
• Coaching and Mentoring guides and supports team members to develop new skills, reach their potential, and foster growth within the organization; provides guidance, feedback, and assistance to help staff achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills for optimal development.
• Team Building: builds and manages teams with a focus on fostering collaboration, trust, and respect; enhances team dynamics and relationships to promote effective communication, efficient collaboration, and improved teamwork.
• Results Orientation: drives progress and success by maintaining a strong focus on achieving desired outcomes. Sets clear goals, identifies necessary steps, and takes decisive actions to propel the organization forward; monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed to ensure goal attainment.
• Technology Proficiency: identifies opportunities to optimize efficiency and enhance services through technology; utilizes software, hardware, and relevant tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, and elevate customer experiences; adapts to emerging technologies and quickly learns new technological advancements.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervisors are responsible for overseeing and managing a team of employees to ensure they perform their duties effectively and efficiently. Overall, a supervisor plays a critical role in ensuring the success of their team and the organization as a whole. They must possess strong leadership and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage resources effectively and resolve conflicts.

The Key Responsibilities Include

• Managing and leading the team: Provide leadership and guidance to team members. Create a positive work environment and motivate their team to achieve goals by leading by example.
• Assigning tasks: Assign tasks and projects, monitor performance, and facilitate ongoing training and development to ensure optimal team performance and success. Ensure workloads are balanced and everyone has enough work to do.
• Monitoring performance: Monitor team performance and provide feedback to help them improve. Recognize and reward good performance and address any issues promptly.
• Providing training and development: Provide training and development opportunities that enhance the skills and knowledge of team members, promote career growth, and support the achievement of business objectives.
• Ensuring compliance: Ensure team members comply with company policies, local, and federal laws, and regulations by overseeing and monitoring team activities and conducting regular audits.
• Managing resources: Manage and allocate team resources, including equipment, materials, and supplies, to ensure they are being utilized effectively and efficiently.
• Communicating with management: Maintain regular communication with senior leadership to provide updates on team performance and to collaborate on resource allocation and support needs.
• Resolving conflicts: Resolving conflicts within the team by actively listening, identifying issues, and facilitating discussions to find mutually agreeable solutions. Provide guidance and coaching to team members on conflict resolution strategies and ensure a positive and respectful work environment.
  
  

TRAVEL

20 % in-state/out-of-state travel may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location: Oliver Hodge Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Work Environment includes:
• Office Setting: Climate-controlled office setting with exposure to moderate noise; the employee is frequently required to talk, walk, and stand; this position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.
• Physical Demands include:
• Ability to stand, reach, and bend 50% of the time;
• Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, and office telephone 75% of the time;
• Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time;
• Ability to lift to 25 lbs.
• Cognitive Requirements:
• This role requires clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.
• Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.
• Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.
  

EEO STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OSDE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.