Program Director for Innovative School Models; Industry + Performing Arts

The Program Director for Innovative School Models provides strategic leadership for the design, development, launch, and implementation of new school models across Atlanta Public Schools. This role translates the district's vision into innovative, sustainable educational models that provide students with rigorous academics and high-quality preprofessional learning experiences.

The Program Director leads the design and implementation of innovative school models, including curriculum, partnerships, facilities, recruitment and admissions, staffing, budgeting, communications, and performance monitoring. The role collaborates with district and community partners to ensure successful implementation and establish innovative models as high-quality district wide educational options.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field required
• Master's degree in education preferred

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation or the ability to travel to off-site meetings

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• 6 years of progressively responsible experience in K-12 education, student services, enrollment management, educational administration, or a closely related field
• 3 years of supervisory or management role required
• Experience in K-12 education or public sector preferred

• Knowledge of strategic planning, program development, project management, and organizational implementation
• Knowledge of K-12 academic programming, curriculum development, and applicable state and national standards
• Knowledge of student recruitment, enrollment, audition, and selection processes, including equitable access practices
• Knowledge of budget development, resource allocation, grant funding, and long-term program sustainability
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple work streams, timelines, deliverables, risks, and competing priorities
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with organizations, cultural institutions, colleges and universities, and industry professionals
• Ability to analyze enrollment, program, performance, and other data to evaluate progress, identify trends, and inform recommendations
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with district leadership, the Board of Education, staff, families, students, and community stakeholders
• Ability to translate strategic vision into actionable plans and lead complex initiatives from concept through implementation

• Lead the design, planning, development, and phased implementation of innovative school models aligned with the district's strategic priorities, Graduate Profile, instructional vision, and commitment to equitable student opportunities
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, timelines, milestones, performance measures, budgets, deliverables, risks, and resource requirements
• Coordinate cross-functional implementation across academics, operations, facilities, finance, human resources, communications, technology, transportation, enrollment, and student support
• Lead the development of rigorous academic and specialized instructional programs, including pathways and interdisciplinary learning experiences aligned with Georgia standards, graduation requirements, industry expectations, postsecondary opportunities, and applicable national standards
• Establish high-quality student learning and career experiences, including performances, exhibitions, competitions, internships, apprenticeships, dual enrollment, work-based learning, and…