JOB POSTINGS

• Executive Director of the Mathematics and Science Teacher Institute
  
  

  Job Summary

  The Executive Director of the Math and Science Teacher Institute (MSTI) at Xavier University will be responsible for the planning, outreach, organization, management and coordination of activities related to implementing the MSTI and all related activities.   The Executive Director is also responsible for the future growth and development of the MSTI, which includes increasing the number of teachers served, program expansion and fundraising responsibilities. A proven track record is essential and the ideal candidate will possess excellent management skills, successful teaching experience in math and science education, strong communication skills, the ability to work in an entrepreneurial manner and a commitment to improving student achievement in the New Orleans region.

  Overview of MSTI

  The MSTI provides training and support to math and science teachers in the New Orleans region with an initial focus on in-service middle-grades (4-8) math teachers in Orleans and Jefferson Parish.  Over time, the MSTI will expand to serve science teachers, other grade levels and other school districts.  The MSTI was formed to improve student learning and achievement in math and science in public schools in the New Orleans region by helping teachers build content knowledge and develop effective instructional strategies in math and science. The focus of the MSTI is on building teacher content knowledge in math and science.  Teachers will deepen their knowledge and skills in math and science and develop effective instructional strategies through a 120 hour professional development program delivered through a summer institute and school year courses. 

  The MSTI is a special initiative of the Office of the President with the Executive Director reporting to the Director of the Division of Education and Graduate Studies.  Funding for the MSTI is provided by ExxonMobil.
  
  Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Program Responsibilities
     1. Coordinate curriculum design activities with Xavier faculty in the education, math and science departments and oversee implementation of curriculum
     2. Oversee delivery of MSTI programs through summer training institute and academic year courses
     3. Conduct due diligence on potential partner organizations, identify and develop partnerships with relevant organizations and manage all contractors
     4. Refine MSTI program goals and evaluation strategy and then oversee evaluation activities, including administration of annual teacher and principal survey and analysis of school performance data
     5. Work with math coaches hired by districts and schools to help coordinate effective school based coaching that is aligned with MSTI strategies
     6. Manage teacher recruitment and selection process by working closely with local education leaders in the Recovery School District (RSD), Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB), charter schools and Jefferson Parish Public Schools (JPPS)
     7. Facilitate interaction between Xavier faculty and New Orleans School Systems’ Teachers and Administrators
  2. Marketing and Outreach Responsibilities
     1. Develop MSTI marketing strategy and relevant marketing materials
     2. Implement marketing strategy by making presentations in schools to increase awareness of MSTI’s services
     3. Recruit teachers for participation in the MSTI with expansion to 80 teachers by 2010-2011
     4. Serve as the ‘face’ of the institute in external communications
        
  3. Financial and Fundraising Responsibilities
     1. Design and manage annual budget
     2. Develop fundraising strategy and work with Xavier Sr. VP for Resource Development to raise funds for the institute
     3. Perform grant reporting duties as needed
  4. Administrative Responsibilities
     1. Implement the MSTI business plan and modify as necessary to ensure the long-term strategic direction of the MSTI is aligned with the MSTI’s goals
     2. Oversee and direct all institute activities, with overall responsibility for staff, program, and budget management
     3. Provide supervision to all professional and support personnel in the office; provide leadership to staff for meeting annual goals
     4. Develop external advisory board of local education leaders and communicate regularly with external advisory board
     5. Perform other related duties as assigned

  Qualifications Desired

  Successful candidates will have:

  1. Strong management, organizational and communication skills with sensitivity, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to improving student outcomes in the New Orleans region
  2. Previous experience managing a non-profit organization, or in an administrative role in a school or district (five or more years of progressive management experience)
  3. Strong background in math/science is preferred and the ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree, but a Ph.D. preferred.
  4. Successful experience teaching math/science in grades 4-8 is preferred with some experience leading other teachers
  5. Previous experience marketing a program and conducting recruitment and outreach activities
  6. Previous experience developing and managing budgets
  7. Sense of pride in the University, its mission and traditions
  8. Master’s degree is required with a terminal degree preferred

  Special Requirements

  Must be able to be flexible in work schedule.  Schedule may include some travel, as well some weekend and evening meetings. 

  Interested Applicants

  Applicants should send a complete resume, including educational history, teaching history and other pertinent work experience along with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references to: Doug Athey; 1 Drexel Drive Box 59; New Orleans, LA 70125; dathey@xula.edu. Review of applicant materials will commence as soon as received and will continue until the position is filled.