Executive Director of Innovation, Strategy, and Partnerships

Executive Director of Innovation, Strategy, and Partnerships Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Lincoln Center - Chapel Hill, North Carolina This job is also posted in North Carolina School Jobs Job Details

Job ID:

5782853

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Jun 16, 2026 2:02 AM (UTC) Job Description Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools Job Description

Job Title:

Executive Director of Innovation, Strategy, and Partnerships

Salary Schedule:

Local Administrator Salary Schedule; CHCCS Salary Page

Reports To:

Superintendent Salary Grade:

Executive Director

Work Location:

Lincoln Center FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Schedule:

12 Month Position Summary The Executive Director of Innovation, Strategy, and Partnerships serves as a senior advisor to the Superintendent and assists with the district's efforts to envision, design, and advance the future of public education in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. This position is responsible for identifying transformative opportunities, cultivating strategic partnerships, fostering organizational alignment, and accelerating innovative practices that enhance student outcomes, strengthen community engagement, and improve organizational effectiveness. The Executive Director operates across traditional organizational boundaries to connect people, ideas, resources, and systems in ways that create meaningful and lasting impact for students, staff, families, and the broader community. The Executive Director serves as the district's lead strategist for innovation and organizational transformation, helping move the district beyond incremental improvement toward meaningful and sustainable change. The position continuously scans educational, governmental, nonprofit, higher education, and private-sector environments to identify emerging practices, technologies, partnerships, and funding opportunities that can advance district priorities. Working directly with the Superintendent, Board of Education, district leaders, principals, students, families, and community stakeholders, the Executive Director helps translate vision into action by fostering coherence across strategic initiatives, strengthening organizational capacity for innovation, and ensuring transformative ideas move from concept to implementation. The Executive Director champions a culture of creativity, continuous improvement, collaboration, and possibility thinking while ensuring innovation remains grounded in the district's commitment to equity, excellence, belonging, and opportunity for every student. The position plays a critical role in positioning Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools as a regional and national leader in innovative public education. Essential Duties

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL ALIGNMENT

Serves as a strategic thought partner and advisor to the Superintendent. Assists in translating district vision and Board priorities into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes. Identifies opportunities to strengthen organizational coherence across departments, schools, initiatives, and stakeholder groups. Monitors implementation of strategic priorities and recommends adjustments to improve effectiveness and impact. Supports the Superintendent in advancing high-priority initiatives that require cross-functional leadership and collaboration.

INNOVATION & FUTURE READINESS

Leads districtwide efforts to identify, evaluate, develop, and scale innovative practices that improve student outcomes and organizational effectiveness. Continuously researches emerging educational models, technologies, partnerships, and practices that can strengthen district performance. Conducts environmental scans, site visits, and research activities to identify promising innovations locally, nationally, and internationally. Recommends and supports implementation of transformative initiatives that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. Promotes a culture of innovation, creativity, continuous improvement, and responsible risk-taking throughout the organization.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Supports the design, implementation, and expansion of innovative educational opportunities including dual language programs, world language programs, STEAM initiatives, early childhood programming, and other specialized learning experiences. Leads or supports strategic projects identified by the Superintendent and Board of Education. Ensures strategic initiatives move effectively from concept to implementation and long-term sustainability. Identifies opportunities to expand student access to academic, extracurricular, athletic, leadership, and enrichment experiences.

PARTNERSHIPS & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Cultivates and maintains strategic partnerships with universities, foundations, businesses, governmental agencies, and community organizations. Identifies and pursues opportunities that leverage community assets to benefit students and schools. Coordinates district efforts related to external innovation partnerships and collaborative initiatives. Researches and secures grants and other external funding opportunities aligned to district priorities. Supports long-term sustainability planning for innovative programs and initiatives.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & INFLUENCE

Designs and facilitates structures that amplify student, staff, family, and community voice in district decision-making around innovation and strategy. Coordinates Superintendent advisory councils and leadership engagement structures. Supports meaningful engagement with employees, families, community leaders, and advocacy groups around strategic priorities. Builds understanding and support for district initiatives through intentional communication and engagement strategies. Facilitates conversations around complex issues and helps build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

Promotes effective change management practices across the organization. Supports initiatives that strengthen district culture, organizational effectiveness, and employee engagement. Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent. Education/Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree in an educational related field Three years of district leadership experience required Masters in School Administration required, doctorate preferred Experience working with school and district leaders to identify challenges, develop strategic solutions, and build systems of support that improve academic, social, emotional, and organizational outcomes for diverse student populations. Physical Requirements Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA,FMLA and other federal, state and local standards Disclosure This document provides descriptive information about the above Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. An individual's ability to meet the qualifications and capabilities described in this document is not a guarantee of employment or promotion. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.

Position Type:

Full-time