Director, SPD Grant

Job Summary

The Director, State Personnel Development Grant provides strategic leadership and is responsible for the operational management of state and federal grants with broad responsibility including pre- and post-award management, compliance, budgeting, and evaluation. Analyzes the effectiveness of and establishes future direction for functional policies and programs. The primary duty is the management of other managers, professionals, and support staff.

Florida Gulf Coast University is committed to establishing and maintaining an inclusive working and learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of the campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview.

At FGCU, we collectively stand against any individual or group that practices any form of racism, discrimination, intolerance, hate expressions, or disrespect. We are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, religious beliefs, abilities, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, family statuses, and military backgrounds. FGCU strives to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our University stronger. The University community recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive institution and holds these ideals as paramount for the current and future success of the institution.

We seek colleagues who promote and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position as we believe that our University will grow and move forward through a commitment of equality for all.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Guides the strategic alignment, long-term planning, and management oversight of state and federal grants and contracts including state personnel development grants and statewide technical assistance system projects.
• Translates strategic and tactical business plans into operational plans.
• Administers the State Personnel Development Grant project, including grant activities, budget, evaluations and federal reporting requirements.
• Directs the efforts of and supervises departmental staff, sets performance standards and accountability.
• Establishes the direction, goals, implementation strategy and policies of the department.
• Collaborates with local education agencies, other providers and agencies, advocacy and professional organizations, and institutions of higher education to identify state needs for systemic improvement, personnel development, and coordinate the allocation of resources, training and technical assistance to meet these needs.
• Develops systems to encourage local participation in programs and initiatives sponsored by the University.
• Advises and provides consultative services to teacher preparation personnel, special interest groups, local school administrators, teachers, special education supervisors, and others in the local planning, development, implementation and evaluation of professional development activities.
• Maintains necessary written documentation related to topical assignments.
• Formulates and administers the annual operating budget.
• Advises senior administrators in implementing programs, new initiatives, and special projects.
• Responsible for ensuring that all programs, activities, and series comply with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships throughout the University and State. Oversees communications, promotions, and public relations for department in order to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
• Provides in-services training and facilitates meetings, workshop, and seminars for the purpose of identifying issues, developing recommendations, and supporting staff. Serves as a resource to staff, campus community, and general public.

Other Duties:

• Works in collaboration with other divisions, bureaus, departments, and agencies as required to respond to concerns regarding special education services.
• Serves as a resource and liaison to State Personnel Development Grant, Working with the Experts projects, Florida Department of Education (FDOE), United States Department of Education (USDOE), clients, participants, committees, university staff, and the general public.
• Serves on various committees representing the interests of the department.
• Maintains Financial Disclosure in accordance with Chapter 112 F.S.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Special Education, Education, Education Leadership or closely related field.
• Six years of professional full-time experience leading educational and/or instructional efforts to improve schools and secure improved student outcomes.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization such as Education, Educational Leadership, School Psychology, or closely related discipline.
• Experience working in Exceptional Student Education programs.
• Experience as a Principal Investigator of complex grant programs.
• Experience with systems change and implementation science.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting procedures and principles and ability to apply them to difficult or complex transactions.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to travel on a regular basis.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strategic relations with colleagues, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to implement new systems and procedures and to evaluate their effectiveness.
• Ability to compile, organize, interpret, and communicate accounting data and results in a concise format.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement in the establishment, interpretation, application, and enforcement of all rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to utilize data and information to make decisions and projections.
• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others.
• Ability to conduct short-range and long-range project planning studies.
• Ability to operate personal computers with proficiency and learn new applications and systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.
• Ability to develop and deliver training presentations and programs.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes equity and inclusion.

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

FGCU is an EOE AA /F/Vet/Disability Employer.