Job Post: Executive/Sr. Director, Ready to Learn

FROM: Alicia Schoshinski
RE: Vacancy Announcement/Internal Posting Closes: February 13, 2009
Executive/Sr. Director, Ready to Learn
Educational Programming & Services/Ready to Learn
General Description
To provide the leadership and strategic direction for the Ready to Learn (RTL) initiative which is
focused on increasing reading achievement for children aged 2 – 8 who are from economically
disadvanged families through 1) the production of breakthrough literacy content for television
and internet platforms at home and in schools and 2) focused outreach employing those
platforms and content. Ensures that RTL’s operations and functions are aligned with and
support achievement of CPB’s overall education strategy and meet the requirements of the
programming and outreach awards provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Specific Duties
1. Establishes annual RTL operating plans with specific goals and objectives that align with
and support the achievement of the EP&S vision, as well as the objectives of the DOE
awards for RTL related to high quality public broadcasting digital learning content and
curricula, and educational outreach campaigns.
2. Leads the creation and implementation of operating processes and policies that define
standards and guidelines for RTL relative to programming development and outreach, as
well as other operational and financial activities. Ensures that RTL projects and grants
are executed according to these processes and policies, and that all relevant components
are performed appropriately and defined outcomes are relevant and measurable.
3. Oversees the planning, execution, and application of research, including social market
research, as well as other studies that informs RTL decision-making on program content
and outreach activities. Establishes measurable outcomes for RTL investments, monitors
the performance of RTL in achieving these outcomes, and applies this information to
future decisions.
4. Directs tracking and reporting activities to reflect RTL’s progress and outcomes relative
to objectives and projects, information such as financial indicators, adherence to
timelines and budget, stakeholder feedback, and other relevant data. Monitors and
analyzes information/data to ascertain trends, and recommends and implements changes
in direction, new approaches, and/or procedures to improve operational efficiency and
effectiveness, as appropriate, as well as to ensure achievement of established objectives.
5. Ensures that proper tools are in place to communicate and disseminate critical RTL
information to stakeholders and partners (internal and external to CPB), ensuring that
communications are ongoing and focused to ensure the effective development of support
and buy-in for RTL initiatives, as well as the swift resolution of problems and issues that
could hinder achievement of objectives or otherwise obstruct the successful operations of
RTL.
6. Works with other senior management to communicate RTL’s strategic direction
throughout CPB, particularly with the Executive Office and, as necessary, with the CPB
Board or Education Committee of the Board, providing data, materials, and any other
relvant information to educate, secure support, and establish a shared understanding
related to RTL.
7. Creates effective partnerships and builds and fosters alliances with other organizations in
support of RTL objectives. Reinforces integration of activities and identifies
opportunities for economies of scale and alignment of actions to present a united team in
securing progress and positive outcomes through RTL’s efforts.
8. Conducts required/effective staff management responsibilities and ensures that all
activities are performed in compliance with budget, procurement, and other CPB policies,
standards, and procedures.
Other Duties
1. Participates with other EP&S senior management to set the overall strategic direction of
the department to include establishing policy, goals, and objectives necessary to ensure
that the department achieves CPB’s mission related to educational programming &
services.
2. Keeps abreast of activities in the marketplace related to RTL, particularly those activities
that may present opportunities for RTL to enhance its efforts in development and
outreach initiatives.
3. Represents RTL at internal meetings, with stations and other stakeholders, at coalitions,
and at public broadcasting-related events as required.
Required Qualifications
1. Masters Degree or in Education or a related field, or equivalent experience.
2. Ten years of work experience reflecting progressively responsible teaching and/or
administrative roles in education.
3. Knowledge of and experience with grants-making processes and requirements.
4. Understanding of and familiarity with child development and childhood literacy.
5. Prior management experience, with demonstrated experience developing and
implementing strategies and processes for achieving business objectives.
6. Demonstrated experience planning, organizing and managing multiple priorities,
projects, and activities as well as critical deadlines, while being flexible to addressing and
responding to changing needs.
7. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and lead others, resolve conflicts, and
ensure the achievement of results.
8. Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as advanced capabilities relative
to collaboration, negotiation, persuasion, and making effective presentations.
9. A high level of confidence, integrity, can-do attitude and a hands on approach to
problem-solving as well as an executive presence for interacting with and influencing key
leadership and stakeholders. Excellent interpersonal skills for building and fostering key
relationships internal and external to CPB.
10. Critical thinking, sound judgment and problem analysis/resolution capabilities at both the
strategic and operational levels.
11. Project management expertise, particularly an understanding of project planning,
budgets, and financial/performance tracking.
12. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related software.
Desired Qualifications
1. A doctorate degree
2. Experience with instructional/innovative learning media
3. Familiarity with the public broadcasting system and CPB.
Other Important Information
• This position operates under minimal supervision and minimal instruction – with the
incumbent setting his/her own standards, plans and procedures for accomplishing
individual objectives. Also, handles and/or provides guidance to others for handling
problems and questions.
• The work environment is one with significant volume and multiple demands.
• Direct budget accountability: $51M for RTL programming and $20M for RTL outreach
• Travel requirement: 25-30%
Reports to: VP, Educational Programming & Services
Supervisory Responsibility (by title and total number of each):
Direct (includes hiring and firing authority):
Director, RTL Community Engagement
Director of Research and Evaluation
RTL Project Director
Administrative Assistant
Indirect: Coordinator, Local Impact
Interactions
Internal: Interacts with staff throughout CPB, particularly with the Office of Business
Affairs (OBA), the Executive Office, and CPB’s Communications and Government
Relations staff.
External: Interacts with various external RTL partners and stakeholders, including the
U.S. Department of Education (DOE), PBS, PBS stations, fellow grantees, and teams of
researchers, social marketers and producers to ensure that RTL objectives are achieved.
Hiring Range: $91,500 to $125,800 Level: 9 Exempt: Yes
NOTE: In filling a position vacancy, CPB will make no commitment for a minimum
period of ten working days from the date the position is posted in order to
permit active consideration of CPB employees, female and minority candidates
in particular. This position will be posted from February 2, 2009 to February
13, 2009. If recruitment is ongoing after this date, resumes will continue to be
accepted until a selection is made.
Send resumes to:
jobs@cpb.org
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
401 Ninth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Attn: Human Resources Office