FY26: Executive Director, Chief of Staff, 1.0 FTE

Job Description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION:

Under direction of chief of the related functional area, acts for, represents, and exercises the authority of office leadership in engaging and developing strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Assists the Chief in the handling of responsibilities related to educational/operational leadership. Serves as the primary point of contact for community stakeholder engagement, and facilitates community meetings and conversations on critical initiatives. Manages and problem-solves day-to-day operational matters of the assigned office. Coordinates a variety of operational activities among central offices. Researches, writes, edits, and reviews correspondence, and prepares reports for the Chief. Collects and analyzes data to inform decisions and best practices. Provides direct support and assistance to directors and other staff reporting to the assigned office with Board of Education presentations, correspondence, responses to parents/families, citizens, and members of the community, and aligning work to the school system goals, strategic planning, and major initiatives. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) NA SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Extensive local and regional travel.

Job Specific Information for Executive Director, Chief of Staff

• Serve as the primary point of contact for constituent concerns, ensuring all inquiries are addressed in a timely, professional, and empathetic manner.
• Collaborate with school-level administrators and district department heads to investigate issues and implement sustainable resolutions.
• Proactively manage and resolve sensitive matters from the public and partners to prevent unnecessary escalation to the Office of the Superintendent.
• Develop high-level executive summaries and comprehensive reports that distill complex concerns or strategies for diverse stakeholder groups.
• Manage complaints and inquiries originating from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), ensuring the completion of accurate status reports within mandated timelines.
• Coordinate materials and responses for local and state governments such as County Council and General Assembly members and meetings.
• Conduct regular research and benchmarking against regional Local Education Agencies (LEAs) regarding district policies to provide data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Serve as a visible representative of the district at community events, scholarship committees, and civic gatherings.
• Supervise and execute special strategic projects as assigned by the Chief of Staff to support the evolving needs of the district.
• Exceptional ability to navigate emotionally-charged situations and find common ground among parties.
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with the Superintendent, Board members, and union leadership.
• Proficiency in translating dense data or contract language into actionable executive summaries and parsing out implications.
• Maintain absolute discretion when handling sensitive personnel files, OIG investigations, and student data.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of organization development and project management strategies, strategic planning, school administration, business operations, organizational and leadership theory, executive meeting facilitation design and delivery, human resource and people management skills required. Knowledge of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 instructional programs, policies and procedures. Proficiency in the use of computers and technology and common office software. Knowledge of public education issues and processes. Ability to quickly learn the unique environment and complexity of working in a public education institution. Strong presentation skills. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

Master's Degree preferred. Experience as a school-based administrator preferred; experience in government, K-12 or higher education, business, policy, nonprofit management, or another applicable field. Extensive experience in project management, solving problems, data analysis, making decisions, interpretation of policy and education law, and writing/editing reports. Management experience with driving to successful completion of complex joint programs preferred. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Varies; Education and/or certifications must correspond to the subject matter and functional area. Must meet Maryland State certification requirements for Administrator I if serving as an instructional leader.