Executive Director, Office of Innovation

Title: Executive Director, Office of Innovation

State Role Title: Education Administrator III

Hiring Range: Exact Commensurate Based on Qualifications & Experience

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept of Ed Central Operations

Location: JAMES MONROE BUILDING

Agency Website: doe.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

As part of a team led by the Deputy Superintendent of Innovation, Student Pathways, and Opportunities, agency leadership, and external stakeholders to lead current and emerging innovative K-12 models and student-centered initiatives, with particular attention to:

Drive Systems-Level Innovation and Future-Ready Models: Lead the development, implementation, and scale-up of cutting-edge education models, including AI integration, virtual reality, microschools, and redesign of legacy systems to position Virginia as a national leader in modern, student-centered learning. This leader will galvanize the implementation of current educational research on emerging trends and innovative practices, including in instructional technology.

Expand Flexible, Competency-Based and Personalized Learning Pathways: Advance and implement policies such as Seat Time Flexibility and programs that move beyond seat-time compliance, empowering schools to adopt competency-based education, personalized learning plans, and locally driven innovations that put outcomes ahead of bureaucratic hoops.

Champion High-Quality Tech Integration and Digital Infrastructure: Oversee strategic adoption, training, and implementation of best-in-class computer science and Digital Learning standards, AI-powered tools, and online learning solutions, ensuring schools have access to safe, scalable, and effective technology for both instruction and operations without sacrificing student privacy or parental options. Lead the agency’s Open Education Resources and partner with the Division of Teaching and Learning to develop systems and processes for identifying high-quality instructional materials to make publicly available on GoOpenVA.

Remove Barriers to Innovation and Increase Local Autonomy: Work with the Office of Regulatory Management to identify and eliminate outdated regulations and red tape preventing schools from pursuing new models, giving local leaders the authority and flexibility they need to innovate, while maintaining clear accountability for student results. Launch intentional learning networks on Seat Time Flexibility and Transportation Modernization Networks in partnership with other offices to provide access to national and local proof points, industry technology, and effective best practices that will be captured in the Office of Excellence and Best Practices. Plan, implement, and oversee a comprehensive professional development plan to create pathways of implementation of educational technologies and new policies.

Lead Cross-Sector Collaboration to Scale What Works: Build partnerships with school divisions, tech leaders, private innovators, and other community partners to pilot, evaluate, and expand high-impact innovations focused on real-world outcomes, cost-efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Serve as agency liaison with association boards, educator committees, agency leadership, and divisions on innovation, virtual, and ed technology related items.

Minimum Qualifications

Ability to envision, articulate, and lead large-scale systems change in public education while preserving academic rigor and local control.

Understands how policies, technology, and instructional models intersect to impact students, families, educators, and divisions.

Strong grasp of emerging technologies (Virtual Reality, simulations, AI, computer science, open source) and their potential in education balanced by clear guidelines for privacy, quality, and local flexibility.

Ability to vet, pilot, and scale innovative solutions without chasing fads or sacrificing accountability.

Deep understanding of how to navigate state education policy, procurement systems, and regulatory environments to remove barriers to innovation.

Skilled at working within government systems to implement reform without adding more bureaucracy or regulatory overreach.

Strong project management and team coordination skills, especially for overseeing cross-functional pilots and learning networks, new school model designs and launches, or technology development rollouts.

Able to manage budgets, timelines, and outcomes with fiscal discipline and