Applications Project Manager, Office of Data and Accountability*

Openings (1)

Our public school students need your expertise, passion and leadership.
We are looking for highly motivated and skilled talent to join our team at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). We seek individuals who are passionate about transforming the DC school system and making a significant difference in the lives of public school students, parents, principals, teachers, and central office employees.
DCPS serves 45,000 students in the nation’s capital through the efforts of approximately 4,000 educators in 123 schools. As part of a comprehensive reform effort to become the preeminent urban school system in America, DCPS intends to have the highest-performing, best paid, most satisfied, and most honored educator force in the nation and a distinctive central office staff whose work supports and drives instructional excellence and significant achievement gains for DCPS students.

The Office of Data and Accountability (ODA) is focused on providing high quality data, information and analysis to enable the sweeping reforms currently underway at the District of Columbia Public Schools.

ODA serves as the analytic hub for the district by providing data to support policy and implementation goals as well as providing assistance in development and dissemination of all achievement related data and oversee and direct all research, evaluation, analytics and testing activities including all summative and formative assessment. ODA is also responsible for overseeing the data system functions at DCPS.

The guiding principle of ODA is to support decision-making in DCPS with accurate information about how our students are performing, and how the district as a whole is performing. ODA provides the DCPS community with streamlined data systems that place high quality, results-focused information at its fingerprints, and provide the supports to transform data into actionable information.

The Project Manager of Applications reports to the Deputy Chief of Data Systems, and is responsible for oversight of technical applications projects for select student information systems maintained by the Office of Data and Accountability. In addition, the Manager of Applications will develop and manage district-wide data governance protocols and processes.

* Manages the contractor team responsible for day-to-day operations of the DCPS’ student information system (SIS)
* Documents and analyzes current applications processes; interviews and surveys other colleagues and management teams to determine opportunities for applications improvements; researches specific issues and develops detailed recommendations and implementation plans to resolve
* Responds to requests for new applications and/or modifications to existing ODA applications
* Develops and executes a DCPS-wide data governance initiative
* Serves as the liaison between DCPS and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) for state-wide data management initiatives
* Develops overall program strategy and clear, specific, and ambitious performance measures for multiple projects and operational priorities; translates targets into individual work goals and deliverables for other team members
* Leads the implementation of program strategy; assesses and tracks project progress regularly using various computer programs and tools; drives project completion holding others accountable for responsibilities and deadlines
* Assigns, directs, and evaluates the work of direct reports; guides and supports the professional development and training of reports; helps implement team’s HR needs such as hiring, performance evaluation, and team structure
* Determines resource needs for program success within context of broader DCPS strategy and initiatives
* Anticipates, identifies, and resolves complex obstacles to success of overall program as well as specific projects
* Builds relationships and liaises with various internal departments to drive collaboration and project success; interacts with and responds effectively to urgent requests from multiple internal and external DCPS stakeholders
* Identifies and systematizes successful operational and project management methods across the department; develops and strengthens resources for program evaluation and support
* Stays closely aware of progress of projects, high-level initiatives, and emerging issues across DCPS organization and pro-actively helps to adjust program approach based on changes in direction, priorities, and resources
* Stays aware of innovations, developments in policy, and research and advises DCPS senior management team on proposed legislation, policies, procedures, and directives affecting the specific department and projects assigned
* Supports and carries out the Chancellor’s mission to transform DC Public Schools and close the achievement gap
* Performs other related duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years work experience required, with master’s degree and specific experience managing others preferred.

Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.

* Commitment to Equity: Passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, receives an excellent education.
* Leadership: Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles and challenging situations.
* Focus on Data-Driven Results: Relentlessly pursues the improvement of central office performance and school leadership, instruction, and operations, and is driven by a desire to produce quantifiable student achievement gains.
* Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative problem solving; takes initiative to explore issues and find potential innovative solutions.
* Adaptability: Excels in constantly changing environments and adapts flexibly in shifting projects or priorities to meet the needs of a dynamic transformation effort; comfortable with ambiguity and non-routine situations.
* Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning and supporting others; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others
* Dependability: Does whatever it takes to consistently deliver with high quality under tight deadlines; successfully manages own projects through strong organization, detailed workplans, and balancing of multiple priorities.
* Communication and Customer Service Skills: Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders in both oral and written forms; anticipates and responds to customer needs in a high-quality and courteous manner. TWP

Bachelor's Degree Required

Notice of Criminal Background Check. In accordance with the Criminal Background Checks for the Protection of Children Act of 2004, this position has been designated and identified as one which requires a criminal background check and/or traffic record check. If you are tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check and/or traffic record check (for positions which require the operation of a motor vehicle) will be conducted. A final offer of employment is contingent upon the receipt of a satisfactory criminal background check and/or traffic record check.

Notice of Non-Discrimination. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, District of Columbia Official Code Section 2-1401.01 et seq. (Act), the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) does not discriminate (including employment therein and admission thereto) on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, status as a victim of an interfamily offense, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited. Discrimination in violation of the aforementioned laws will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action. Inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies of DCPS will be handled as follows:

Employees with inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies related to employment and employees should contact:
Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist
Office of Labor Management & Employee Relations
District of Columbia Public Schools
1200 First St, NE, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20002
(202) 442-5424

Students, parents and/or guardians with inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies related to students and student activities, including Section 504, should contact:

Director of Targeted Student Support
Office of Youth Engagement
District of Columbia Public Schools
1200 First St, NE, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20002
(202) 442-5099