Black Studies Program Manager at Seattle Public Schools in Seattle, WA

This position functions as a part of the Department of Racial Equity Advancement (DREA) and the Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction (CAI) directors and managers team.

The Black Studies Program Manager position, is responsible for managing the development of Black Studies curriculum and instructional materials. The development and expansion of the teaching of Black studies is a central component of District Goal #2, "Eliminating Opportunity Gaps - Create Safe and Healthy School Climates where Students are Supported and Engaged". This position coordinates the implementation of developed and acquired curriculum and instructional materials into the schools and has overall responsibility for professional development to facilitate effective use of the instructional materials. The position collaborates with the other members of the Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction department, the Department of Race and Equity Advancement, and other central office departments in order to advance the effective utilization of Black studies instructional materials, to increase teacher capacity to address the depth of the complex issues of race and racism that are a part of curriculum content. Additionally, this position facilitates the process of adoption of Black studies instructional materials by the Seattle School Board.

The program manager understands how to effectively facilitate difficult/sensitive conversations about Black studies and related issues of race that results in deeper learning.

The position requires a strong background in Black studies content, knowledge of contemporary and historical issues of race and racism, knowledge of culturally relevant instruction, experience in instruction of Black studies and experience in promoting the use of Black studies curriculum materials at the school level by other staff members.

Essential Functions

30%

• Providing project management facets of planning, timeline, deliverable and budget as pertains to planning and coordinating activities of committees and individuals to develop Black studies curriculum and identifying support needs for instructional materials.

20%

• Providing project management facets of planning, timeline, deliverable s and budget as pertains to planning and coordinating activities of committees and individuals to develop Black studies curriculum and identifying support needs for instructional materials.

10%

• Working collaboratively with Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction department, the department of Race and Equity Advancement and other departments' staff to facilitate Black studies implementation and professional development around a common set of strategies to teach Black studies.

10%

• Ensuring project materials are complete, current, appropriately formatted and prepared for teacher use.
• Reviewing completed materials to insure quality of work and that it is electronically accessible for Seattle Public Schools' staff.

10%

• Partnering with internal and external stakeholders. This includes: Engaging higher education faculties, utilizing their expertise to improve the quality of ethnic studies content. Conducting engagement activities with internal and external stakeholders for the implementation of Black studies. Stakeholders include, but are not limited to, Seattle Education Association (SEA), Principals Association of Seattle Schools (PASS), Seattle Public Schools' student population and members of the Seattle community, especially from the communities of color.

10%

• Communicating and assisting with the chief of curriculum, assessment and instruction in the reporting of project status, relevant project information.
• By direction of the Chief, communication with the associate superintendent for teaching and learning, superintendent and school board is also necessary.

10%

• Working with the district's communications staff to raise awareness of the district's Black studies work to the Seattle community and stakeholders

5%

• Performing a variety of Black studies related special projects as directed by the chief.

5%

• Identifying opportunities for program improvements and makes creative suggestions for change

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Communicates verbally in face to face settings and also in email and phone communication with district staff, parent groups, and the public
• Participates in on-going training to enhance professional skills
• Performs related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring efficient and effective functioning of the Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction department
• May perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position

RELEVANT COMPETENCIES:

Drive for Results

Pursues everything with energy, drive, and a need to finish; does not give up before finishing, even in the face of resistance or setbacks' steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

• Sets and maintains high performance standards for self and others.Motivates others to convert ideas into actions and results.• Recognizes and takes advantage of opportunities to deliver results.
• Has a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and getting things done.

Strategic Agility & Innovation Management

Anticipates future consequences and trends accurately; brings creative ideas to market; recognizes strategic opportunities for change; creates competitive and breakthrough strategies.

• Sees ahead clearly and accurately anticipates how potential ideas may play out.
• Thinks holistically by combining ideas in unique ways or making connection between different ideas.
• Examines and evaluates potential solutions to determine where the greatest gain can be achieved.
• Creates new ways of thinking to address complex issues

Managing Through Processes & Systems

Designs practices, processes, and procedures necessary to get things done; simplifies complex processes; gets more out of fewer resources; creates systems that manage themselves.

• Sets clear, well-defined outcomes for desired results and tracks progress.
• Breaks down objectives into actionable steps with targeted deadlines.
• Leverages and uses resources efficiently and creatively to achieve desired outcomes.

DISTRICT-WIDE CORE COMPETENCIES:

Collaboration

Develops cooperation and teamwork while participating in a group, working toward solutions which generally benefit all involved parties.

• Is seen as a team player who encourages efficient and effective collaborations.
• Works skillfully in difficult situations with both internal and external groups.
• Represents his/her own interests while being open-minded to other groups.
• Builds respectful and productive relationships internally and externally.

Getting Results (Action Oriented)

Performs work with energy and drive; values planning, but will take quick, decisive action when an opportunity presents itself.

• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and getting work done.
• Focuses on achieving the goal even in the face of obstacles.
• Assumes responsibility for starting and finishing work with minimal supervision.
• Strives for new levels of performance.

Decision Quality & Problem Solving

Uses analysis, wisdom, experience and logical methods to make good decisions and solve difficult problems with effective solutions; appropriately incorporates multiple inputs to establish shared ownership and effective action.

• Weighs the consequences of options before making a decision.
• Applies appropriate criteria to situations for the purpose of making decisions.
• Displays self-confidence in own judgment.
• Focuses in the facts and solutions instead of opinions and problems.

Integrity

Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; presents truthful information in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.

• Deals with people and situations in an honest and forthright manner.
• Represents information and data accurately and completely.
• Represents the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others.
• Takes ownership if a mistake is their own and does not blame others.

Accountability

Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely and cost-effective results; determines objectives, sets priorities and delegates work; accepts responsibility for mistakes; complies with established control systems and rules.

• Takes responsibility and action as if the risks (financial or otherwise) are his or her own.
• Holds individuals and team accountable for their actions and results.
• Initiates action even if outcome is uncertain and is willing to accept the consequences of failure.
• Aligns own activities and priorities to meet broader organizational needs.
• Demonstrates courage and confidence in his or her own ability.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience or proven ability to facilitate committees and guiding the completion of work products.
• Familiarity with district, federal and state policies and procedures regarding curriculum materials.
• Knowledge, intermediate or higher, of the principles and practices for budgeting, data management and human resource functions within a school district.
• Experience or proven ability to monitor, control and communicate with management on status of project.
• Experience in resource utilization, project cost control and risk management as it pertains to a variety of projects and assignments
• Intermediate or higher skills in Microsoft Office; including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and SharePoint
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Experience or proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district staff, administrators, students, parents or guardians and community partners.
• Demonstrated skills in interpersonal and support relationships with educators.
• Demonstrated ability for working in a setting of diverse teams
• Ability to facilitate collaborative processes
• High degree of ability to multi-task, organizational skills, flexibility and meet tight timelines and immediate needs as they arise.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for monitoring, controlling and communicating to higher management.
• Demonstrated ability for working in a setting of diverse teams
• Ability to facilitate collaborative processes
• High degree of ability to multi-task, organizational skills, flexibility and meet tight timelines and immediate needs as they arise.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for monitoring, controlling and communicating to higher management.
• Demonstrated skills in interpersonal and support relationships with educators.
• Demonstrated ability for working in a setting of diverse teams
• Ability to facilitate collaborative processes
• High degree of ability to multi-task, organizational skills, flexibility and meet tight timelines and immediate needs as they arise.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for monitoring, controlling and communicating to higher management.
• Able to type 50+ words a minute
• Ability to organize work, timelines and materials
• Ability to read, understand and apply information garnered in manuals, webinars and trainings
• Ability to effectively synthesize and communicate to a variety of age groups and culturally diverse audiences; including teachers, administrators, parents or guardians, staff and supervisors.
• Ability to obtain, maintain and communicate the dissemination of up to date current trends and national successes within the scope of ethnic studies.

Typical Qualifications

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Three (3) years of teaching; three (3) years of relevant and related teaching experience preferred; Bachelor's degree in Education; Degree in ethnic studies related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Experience:

• Personal and professional connection to local Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities and Black, Indigenous and People of Color CBO’s
• Ongoing community partnerships and engagement with local Black, Indigenous and People of Color community members and CBO’s
• 3 years of experience teaching Ethnic Studies or related content
• 3 years of experience building curricula for Ethnic Studies or related content

Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the relevant knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work will be considered.

CERTIFICATION & LICENSES:

Washington State teacher certification, valid WA State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Project management experience; particularly in control concepts and methodology preferred

CLEARANCES:

Criminal Justice fingerprint and background check