Program Director for Innovative School Models (Industry + Performing Arts Experience)

Atlanta Public Schools; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlanta Public Schools is seeking a Program Director for Innovative School Models to lead the design, development, and phased implementation of new district-wide educational models. You will translate the district vision into rigorous, sustainable programs that offer high-quality pre-professional experiences.

You will supervise multi-disciplinary teams, manage complex budgets, and build partnerships with universities, cultural institutions, and industry leaders to expand student opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field required.
• Master's degree in education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and phased implementation of innovative school models.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, timelines, budgets, and performance measures.
• Coordinate cross-functional implementation across academics, operations, facilities, finance, HR, communications, and technology.
• Lead development of rigorous academic and specialized programs aligned with Georgia standards and industry expectations.
• Establish advisory structures and engage diverse stakeholders throughout planning and implementation.
• Monitor recruitment, admissions, enrollment, and retention data to strengthen the pipeline.

Skills

Strategic planning

Program development

Project management

Curriculum development

Stakeholder collaboration

Data analysis

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

Master's degree in education preferred

Job description

The Program Director for Innovative School Models provides strategic leadership for the design, development, launch, and implementation of new school models across Atlanta Public Schools. This role translates the district's vision into innovative, sustainable educational models that provide students with rigorous academics and high-quality preprofessional learning experiences.

The Program Director leads the design and implementation of innovative school models, including curriculum, partnerships, facilities, recruitment and admissions, staffing, budgeting, communications, and performance monitoring. The role collaborates with district and community partners to ensure successful implementation and establish innovative models as high-quality districtwide educational options.

MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field required
• Master's degree in education preferred

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation or the ability to travel to off-site meetings

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• 6 years of progressively responsible experience in K-12 education, student services, enrollment management, educational administration, or a closely related field
• 3 years of supervisory or management role required
• Experience in K-12 education or public sector preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of strategic planning, program development, project management, and organizational implementation
• Knowledge of K-12 academic programming, curriculum development, and applicable state and national standards
• Knowledge of student recruitment, enrollment, audition, and selection processes, including equitable access practices
• Knowledge of budget development, resource allocation, grant funding, and long-term program sustainability
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, timelines, deliverables, risks, and competing priorities
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with organizations, cultural institutions, colleges and universities, and industry professionals
• Ability to analyze enrollment, program, performance, and other data to evaluate progress, identify trends, and inform recommendations
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with district leadership, the Board of Education, staff, families, students, and community stakeholders
• Ability to translate strategic vision into actionable plans and lead complex initiatives from concept through implementation

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Lead the design, planning, development, and phased implementation of innovative school models aligned with the district's strategic priorities, Graduate Profile, instructional vision, and commitment to equitable student opportunities
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, timelines, milestones, performance measures, budgets, deliverables, risks, and resource requirements
• Coordinate cross-functional implementation across academics, operations, facilities, finance, human resources, communications, technology, transportation, enrollment, and student support
• Lead the development of rigorous academic and specialized instructional programs, including pathways and interdisciplinary learning experiences aligned with Georgia standards, graduation requirements, industry expectations, postsecondary opportunities, and applicable national standards
• Establish high-quality student learning and career experiences, including performances, exhibitions, competitions, internships, apprenticeships, dual enrollment, work-based learning, and industry-recognized credentials
• Research and apply innovative school and industry best practices to strengthen program design, implementation, and continuous improvement
• Lead equitable, districtwide student recruitment, admissions, and enrollment strategies, including outreach, application and audition processes, selection criteria, family communications, and access strategies
• Monitor and analyze recruitment, admissions, enrollment, and retention data to identify trends, address access gaps, and strengthen the student pipeline across schools
• Cultivate and manage partnerships with industry, cultural organizations, colleges and universities, foundations, community organizations, and other stakeholders to expand student opportunities and program capacity
• Establish advisory structures and engage students, families, educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders throughout planning, implementation, and continuous improvement
• Lead programmatic planning for facilities, equipment, technology, transportation, scheduling, safety, accessibility, and other operational requirements necessary to support specialized learning environments
• Partner with Human Resources and academic leaders to define staffing needs, develop position descriptions, support recruitment and selection, and recommend professional learning for specialized and School-Based staff
• Foster collaboration among academic educators, specialized faculty, industry professionals, and community partners to promote academic excellence, creativity, inclusion, and student well-being
• Develop and monitor operating and multiyear budgets, ensuring resources, expenditures, contracts, and external funding align with program priorities and student needs
• Identify and pursue grants, sponsorships, philanthropic support, and other funding opportunities to expand program capacity and sustainability
• Provide regular updates, recommendations, and presentations to district leadership, the Superintendent, Board of Education, and community stakeholders; identify implementation risks and lead strategies to address barriers and sustain successful program outcomes
• Develop and implement long-term sustainability and continuous improvement strategies to ensure the quality, scalability, and success of innovative school models
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or their representative

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students.

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.

Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions

Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.

Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 15 or more pounds on a frequent basis.

Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress

Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Will require travel to multiple sites.

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.

COMPENSATION:

Salary Grade: 135

Salary Range: Salary Schedules - Atlanta Public Schools