GEAR UP Project Director

Provide high-quality leadership and coordination for the project and its staff in implementing identified goals and objectives in pursuit of K20 Center and sponsored research outcomes.

The Project Director will guide the projects coordinators in planning organizing communicating and monitoring evidence-based services with project partners and ensure that they are aligned with specified project outcomes. The incumbent will oversee project management participant management and development of high-quality resources supporting the projects services. This professional will facilitate the ongoing development of each coordinator to help them realize their full professional potential. This incumbents job tasks will include:

• Talent Management
• Communications
• Evaluation and Reporting
• Professional Learning Facilitation
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Instructional Design
• Project Management

Essential Job Duties & Functions

The K20 Center is committed to providing the professional learning required for the incumbent to successfully fulfill his/her job duties.

Talent Management

The incumbent will actively contribute to the growth enhancement and professional learning of the project. This responsibility encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at identifying nurturing and maximizing the potential of coordinators to ensure they are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the sponsored program they support. Key responsibilities include:

• Professional Learning: Identify develop and implement learning opportunities designed to enhance the skills knowledge and abilities of the project coordinator.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Provide guidance and mentorship to coordinators assisting them in setting and achieving career development goals.
• Performance Management: Assist each coordinator in planning developing and implementing performance goals that align with the sponsored project goals they serve; and
• Feedback and Evaluation: Establish opportunities for coordinators to receive constructive feedback on their performance and offer opportunities for self-assessment and improvement.

Communications

The incumbent will manage and facilitate effective communications within and outside the organization by ensuring that information flows efficiently and accurately while fostering collaboration. Key responsibilities include:

• Internal Communication: Develop implement and oversee internal communication strategies to ensure employees are well-informed about organizational updates policies and relevant news. This may involve using various channels such as email Microsoft Teams and project meetings to keep staff informed.
• External Communication: Manage external communications including interactions with students families educators school leaders and partners. Create and maintain a positive working relationship and ensure that all external messages align with the organizations mission and values.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders including students families educators school leaders and partners. Keep them informed and engaged in the sponsored projects activities and initiatives; and
• Communication Strategy Development: Collaborate with the management team to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that support the sponsored projects objectives and goals.

Evaluation and Reporting

The incumbent will measure and assess the projects implementation of services ensuring that project objectives are met and providing valuable insights to guide decision-making and improvement. Key responsibilities include:

• Data Collection: Collect compile and organize data from field services and participant feedback.
• Reporting Systems: Utilize the sponsored projects reporting systems to document and communicate evaluation findings to stakeholders.
• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of services partner interactions and evaluation processes and methodologies; and
• Performance Metrics: Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned to the teams sponsored research goals.

Professional Learning Facilitation

The incumbent will design organize and deliver professional learning opportunities for sponsored program participants. This professional will play a key role in enhancing the skills knowledge and capabilities of the project stakeholders. Key responsibilities include:

• Facilitation and Instruction: Deliver engaging professional learning sessions workshops and seminars that fully address the instructional learning goals. Utilize various instructional methods and adult learning principles to cater to diverse learning styles.
• Mentoring and Coaching: When appropriate provide one-on-one coaching and mentorship to stakeholders to enhance their skills and professional growth.
• Technology Integration: Utilize instructional technology tools to support online and blended learning opportunities. Stay current with e-learning trends and best practices; and
• Communication and Promotion: Promote professional learning opportunities to employees and encourage participation. Use various communication channels to raise awareness and generate interest in the sponsored projects offerings.

Evidence-Based Practice

The incumbent will support the sponsored projects adaptation of evidence-based practices through the systematic search review and synthesis of existing literature to inform project-based services. Key responsibilities include:

• Identification of Research Objectives: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to define question(s) that need to be addressed through a literature review.
• Search Strategy: Develop a comprehensive search strategy to identify relevant literature sources.
• Literature Search: Collect organize and catalog literature sources and evaluate the quality relevance and credibility of the literature sources.
• Synthesis and Analysis: Summarize key findings and insights from the reviewed literature. Identify common themes trends and gaps in existing knowledge and research and

• Evidence-Based Recommendations: Offer evidence-based recommendations and insights based on the literature review to guide decision-making and project services.

Instructional Design

The incumbent will engage in the creation development and implementation of effective professional learning materials and programs. The professional ensures that learning initiatives are well-structured engaging and aligned with the sponsored projects goals and objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Needs Analysis: Collaborate with stakeholders to identify learning needs and performance gaps within the organization. Determine the knowledge and skills employees require to meet organizational goals.
• Learning Objectives: Define clear and measurable learning objectives for each instructional program.
• Curriculum Development: Design comprehensive curriculum or professional learning programs that cover the identified learning objectives. Organize content logically and in a sequential manner.
• Content Creation: Develop educational content including written materials multimedia presentations videos e-learning modules and assessments. Ensure that content is engaging informative and interactive.
• Instructional Strategies: Select appropriate instructional methods and strategies considering the needs of the learners. Incorporate a variety of pedagogical techniques to cater to diverse learning styles.
• Technology Integration: Utilize instructional technology to enhance the learning experience.
• Compliance and Accessibility: Ensure that instructional materials are compliant with relevant laws and accessibility standards and are accessible to all learners including those with disabilities.
• Facilitation Development: Prepare and support professional learning facilitators in implementing instructional programs. Provide guidance and resources to ensure effective instruction and
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with subject matter experts instructional designers artists writers/editors and professional learning facilitators to ensure that instructional design aligns with project goals and requirements. Communicate progress and results effectively.

Project Management

The incumbent will support the planning implementation and oversight of the grants projects and initiatives. Effective project management ensures that tasks are completed efficiently within scope on time and on budget contributing to achieving the sponsored projects goals. Key responsibilities include:

• Project Planning: Collaborate with stakeholders to create detailed project plans outlining tasks timelines and resource requirements.
• Resource Allocation: Assign project roles and responsibilities to team members providing leadership and guidance to ensure that team members understand their tasks and deadlines.
• Task Execution: Oversee the execution of project tasks ensuring that they are completed in accordance with the project plan and within the specified period.
• Communication and Reporting: Establish clear communication channels to inform stakeholders about project progress. Provide regular updates reports and status meetings to address concerns and facilitate decision-making and
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster positive relationships with project stakeholders including schools partners and team members. Address their needs and concerns while keeping them informed about project developments.

As Needed

• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education and Experience: Masters degree in Education or related field AND:

• 60 months of K12 educational experience which includes classroom experience with 36 months as a building leader team leader department chair or curriculum coordinator providing professional development facilitation and managing/leading multiple projects.

Skills:

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a timely manner
• Ability to work with diverse groups in planning developing and evaluating products
• Active listening skills
• Employee talent development strategies
• Google Workspace (Docs Sheets Slides Drive)
• Knowledge of trends and developments in process innovation and project management
• Microsoft Office (Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook OneDrive)
• Microsoft Teams
• Project management practices
• Scheduling & coordination
• Skilled in facilitated grant-funded learning activities
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Zoom

Certifications: None

Advertised Working Conditions:

• Must be able to engage in repetitive motion and communicate effectively.
• Classrooms or professional learning venues
• Communicate effectively and listen
• Manual dexterity
• Present in front of large groups of stakeholders
• Sit for prolonged periods
• Standard office environment
• Use of a computer
• The incumbent will provide services to 28 cohort schools throughout Oklahoma and will be expected to travel to each site 3 to 4 times per year with occasional overnight stays.

Departmental Preferences:

• Ph.D. in an education-related field
• 5 years teaching in a secondary classroom & experience as a building or team leader dept. chair or curriculum coordinator.
• Experience in management of a sponsored project or program

Supervision: Supervisor - Primary Role

Special Instructions:If you are selected as a final candidate for this position you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy visit You Belong at the University of Oklahoma:The University of Oklahoma values our communitys unique talents perspectives and experiences. At OU we aspire to harness our innovation creativity and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

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