Position Summary: The Senior Director, Program Strategy & Evaluation leads the work of providing content expertise in analytic and research based approaches to effectively support SEO in delivering access to and participation in high quality, inclusive education opportunities that ensure equitable access and strong achievement outcomes for all students with disabilities. In this role, the Senior Director, Program Strategy & Evaluation leads analysts in the development of systems to monitor implementation and impact, guiding data driven decision making, and supporting the SEO team in using evidence for continuous improvement. Key projects and initiatives to align data and analytics include, Specialized Programs, Preschool Specialized Programs, Central Funded Teacher (formerly IEP teacher), Disproportionality and key metrics of integration and suspension, and Inclusive Schools Learning Collaborative (ISLC). This role will coordinate cross functional teams, and ensure the alignment of research, program design, and implementation of activities in alignment with DIAL, SEO, and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) priorities. Performs related work.
Reports to: Senior Executive Director of Specialized Instruction and Program Development
Direct Reports : Associate Director, Research & Program Evaluation; Interns
Key Relationships: Works closely with the SEO Instructional Team, Policy Team, the Regional Partnership Centers (RPC), the Specialized Programs Teams, the MIS Data & Analytics team, and the Special Education School Support and Leadership Team in implementing rigorous program implementation, evaluation, and accountability. Builds and strengthens key partnerships with other NYCPS offices such as the Division of Instructional and Information Technology (DIIT), Office of Academic Policy and Support (OAPS), Office of Policy and Evaluation (OPE), Office of Periodic Assessment (OPA), Office of Safety and Youth Development (OSYD), Office of Student Enrollment (OSE), and Office of Multilingual Learners (OML).
Responsibilities - Directs Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement Work in SEO.
- Oversees and directs the design, development, and maintenance of data dashboards that track key program metrics including implementation, performance, and impact across schools and districts.
- Leads and directs the work of analysts in the design, collection, and analysis of surveys for school staff, families, and students to inform program evaluation and improvement.
- Partners with SEO teams to design, manage, and oversee systems of accountability that ensure program impact, support ongoing program evaluation, and promote continuous improvement across schools and districts.
- Manages the development and refinement of analytical models that integrate multiple data sources to assess program effectiveness, measure outcomes, and inform continuous improvement efforts.
- Directs analysts and staff on program teams in developing and delivering ad-hoc data reports and analyses related to program impact to meet the information needs of senior leadership and external stakeholders.
- Advises and briefs DIAL and SEO on program design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring strategic decisions are data driven and aligned with division goals.
- Represents DIAL and SEO in meetings to present findings as needed.
- Supports program implementation and evaluation work on the following SEO Initiatives: Inclusive Schools Learning Collaborative (ISLC), Specialized Programs and Preschool Specialized Programs, Centrally Funded Special Education Intervention Teacher Initiative, and Transition College and Access Centers.
- Directs cross functional teams in the design and implementation of critical strategic initiatives that address systemic challenges in special education.
- Facilitates and oversees the development of tools, processes, and guidance that promote equity, access, and independence for students with disabilities.
- Works collaboratively with program leaders to support coherence of systemwide initiatives.
- Oversees the planning, execution, and monitoring of high impact initiatives, ensuring project goals.
- Collaborates on communication of research and evaluation findings via accessible white papers and presentations that inform decision making by senior leaders, district staff, and schools related to program planning.
- Translates insights from research and data analysis into policy guidance and implementation frameworks, supporting SEO leadership and partner offices in adopting evidence based practices that advance equity and improve student outcomes.
Qualification Requirements: Minimum A master's degree from an accredited college or university in education, educational psychology, educational leadership, public administration, public policy, social work, or a closely related field, and two years of satisfactory, full-time progressively responsible professional experience in education administration, in such areas as: portfolio planning, educational grants/funding, student enrollment, assessment and accountability, youth development, special education, early childhood, program evaluation, policy research, college and career readiness, health and wellness, immunization, diagnostic and treatment services for parents and children, out of school programs, career and occupational education, curriculum development, evaluation and testing, educational planning, and educational statistics, or a related field, at least 18 months of this experience must have been in an executive, managerial, consultative, administrative or supervisory capacity in education administration; or A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four years of satisfactory, fulltime progressively responsible professional experience, in one or more of the areas as described in "1" above, at least 18 months of which must have been in an executive, managerial, consultative, administrative or supervisory capacity; or A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and six years of satisfactory, full time professional experience, in one or more of the areas as described in "1" above, at least 18 months of which must have been in an executive, managerial, consultative, administrative or supervisory capacity; or Education and/or experience equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above. Undergraduate education above the high school level may be substituted for professional experience, in the areas described in "1" above, at the rate of 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university for each year of experience, up to a maximum of 4 years. Graduate education in areas other than those mentioned above, may be substituted for the professional experience, at the rate of 15 graduate semester credits from an accredited college or university, for 6 months of experience, up to a maximum of 1 year of professional experience. However, all candidates must have a high school diploma or its educational equivalent and 18 months of experience in an executive, managerial, consultative, administrative or supervisory capacity in education administration as described above. Preferred - Familiarity with special education in NYCPS, and state and federal special education policy.
- Knowledge of NYCPS data systems and structures.
- Deep commitment to equity and dismantling disproportionality, using data to inform policy and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Experience in project and stakeholder management.
- Demonstrated experience both effectively directing cross functional teams and providing consultative partnership to teams and offices across a large organization.
- Strong knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Deep commitment to systems change efforts and the practical application of implementation science to translate policy into effective practice.
- Exceptional communication and data storytelling skills, with experience making research and policy insights accessible to diverse technical and non technical audiences.
- Creative problem solver , with the ability to perform independent, thoughtful analysis around important educational issues .
- Expertise in data analysis and visualization using tools such as SQL, R, Power BI, or similar statistical and business intelligence software.
- Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, and anticipate issues needing resolution.
- Strong attention to detail, extremely well organized , and able to meet frequent and changing deadlines.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications.
- Experience automating critical program functions using Microsoft Power Automate or similar tools.
Salary : $140,000 - $150,000
(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding. * New York City Residency is NOT Required * We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply. 
