Director of New Learning Models & School Redesign

Title: Director of New Learning Models & School Redesign

State Role Title: Education Administrator III

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept of Ed Central Operations

Location: RICHMOND 306

Agency Website: doe.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Education is seeking a strategic leader who can lead Virginia’s statewide efforts to transform public education through innovative, student-centered approaches that expand opportunity, increase flexibility, and deliver measurable outcomes for all learners.

This role drives the design, implementation, and scaling of new and redesigned school models—including small learning communities, schools-within-schools, and personalized, competency-based environments—that prioritize student engagement, mastery, and real-world relevance.

As a strategic leader, the Director cultivates partnerships with colleges and universities to develop and expand College Partnership Laboratory Schools, serving as hubs of innovation that pilot transformative practices for replication across the Commonwealth. The Director also champions practical, scalable solutions that empower local educators and remove access barriers for families.

Minimum Qualifications

•Deep understanding of innovative school design models, including personalized, competency-based, and project-based learning.

•Familiarity with the 3E Readiness Framework (Education, Employment, Enlistment) and its application in K–12 settings.

•Knowledge of state and federal education policy, accountability systems, and school improvement strategies.

•Awareness of current trends in education innovation, including College Partnership Laboratory Schools and work-based learning.

•Understanding of inclusive education models that address all student needs.

•Knowledge of cross-sector collaboration with higher education, workforce development, and military partners.

•Strategic planning and systems-level thinking; lead large-scale innovation initiatives.

•Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams.

•Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences, including educators, policymakers, and the public.

•Data analysis and interpretation skills to inform continuous improvement and policy development.

•Facilitation and professional development skills to support capacity-building among school and division leaders.

•Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms to support collaboration, communication, and reporting.

•Ability to lead and inspire innovation across diverse educational contexts.

•Ability to build and sustain partnerships with postsecondary institutions, employers, military branches, and community organizations.

•Ability to navigate complex systems and align multiple initiatives toward a shared vision.

•Ability to advocate for access and flexibility in public education.

•Ability to evaluate program effectiveness and make data-informed decisions.

•Ability to adapt to emerging trends and respond to evolving educational needs.

•Ability to articulate a compelling vision for future-ready education and mobilizes others to achieve it.

•Ability to build trust and consensus across the Department, sectors and stakeholder groups.

•Champions new ideas and approaches to transform learning environments.

•Ability to prioritize access and outcomes for all students.

•Ability to focus on measurable impact and continuous improvement.

•Ability to understand how policies, practices, and partnerships interact within the broader education ecosystem.

Additional Considerations

•Doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Innovation, or a closely related discipline.

•Virginia Postgraduate Professional License or equivalent.

•Experience designing or managing College Partnership Laboratory Schools or similar innovative school models.

•Background in policy development, strategic planning, or systems-level change in public education.

•Familiarity with Virginia’s education landscape, including the 3E Readiness Framework and state-level reform efforts.

•Certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), e