Agenda Item
c. PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources , 678.676.1200.
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Dr. Yolanda Williamson to the position of Chief Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships.
Details: Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources , 678.676.1200.
Contact: Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources , 678.676.1200.
Effective: Effective after Board approval.
DeKalb County School District
Position Specification
Title: Chief Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships
DIVISION: Superintendent’s Office GRADE: DPC
DEPARTMENT: Superintendent’s Office WORK DAYS: 246
REPORTS TO: Superintendent FLSA STATUS: Exempt
RETIREMENT: Teachers Retirement System APPROVED (HR): July 1, 2020
General Statement of Job
Under limited supervision of the Superintendent, oversees comprehensive strategy and
implementation of all community partnership and engagement initiatives on behalf of the District.
Creates a collaborative team based approach to enhance community engagement and lifelong
learning in DCSD. Develops strategies for utilizing a wide array of partnerships with community-
based organizations, programmatic partners, corporations, governmental agencies and cultural
institutions to further the Districts goals towards improving student outcomes.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
The following duties are representative for this position. The omission of specific statements of
duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical
assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Serves as primary liaison in supporting, nurturing existing and creating new
partnerships between DCSD and the community (businesses, nonprofits, other
organizations
• Develops, guides, and monitors implementation of comprehensive strategy for
community partnerships and engagement initiatives on behalf of the District’s
schools and programs to include: direct family outreach programming; support for
school-based family outreach; coordination of partnerships; and parent leadership,
empowerment, and advocacy
• Serves as primary partner liaison for principals in schools and programs, engaging
in constant dialogue to ensure that the Districts’ community partnerships and
engagement strategies reflect the needs of schools
• Provides leadership for the development, management, implementation and
evaluation of a comprehensive community engagement strategy that supports
achieving the mission, vision and strategic direction outlined by the Superintendent
in the District’s Strategic Plan and in a manner consistent with the District’s Core
Values
• Maintains relationships with community stakeholder organizations including but
not limited to; community-based organizations, advocacy organizations, Parent
Advisory Council (PAC) and other critical internal and external stakeholders
• Develops district community empowerment policy and communication strategies
which includes regular updates to parents and community members on system-
Disclaimer: Information contained within this position specification only summarizes information for interested individuals. The statements herein are intended to describe
the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and
skills required of a person in this position. If there is a discrepancy between the information in this position specification, the current documents obtained in the Division of Human
Resources will always govern. The DeKalb County School District reserves the right to modify, alter or discontinue these reference materials for any reason.
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Chief Community Empowerment, Innovation & Partnerships
wide initiatives
• Serves as a conduit to address emerging stakeholder issues, and improve
coordination and communication between the district and external partners to
ensure key issues are resolved in a timely and effective manner
• Provides oversight and direction, ensuring that adequate translation and
interpretation is provided throughout the district to support Multilingual Learner
families and communities
• Evaluates the design, development and readiness of all new, innovative school
models and programs while ensuring that the District adheres to any and all legal
and regulatory requirements
• Expands or initiates and formalizes school-based activities that increase student
and family engagement through relationship and community building which are a
crucial element in fostering trust and a sense of purpose
• Directs and assists district leadership, department leaders and school principals in
developing community engagement plans and activities.
• Assists community representatives with connecting with DCSD information,
resources and personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned
Education and/or Experience
Master’s degree from a Professional Standards Commission approved accredited college or
university is required.
Minimum ten (10) years of professionally responsible experience in internal and external relations,
partnership development, parent and community advocacy, communications and marketing, or in
other closely related fields; or a satisfactory equivalent is required.
Certificates, Licenses, Permits
Valid Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved certificate in educational leadership at
level L-5, NL-5, PL-6 or above required. If a level L-5, NL-5, PL-6 or above certificate is not held, the
individual must be eligible for the NPL certificate in educational leadership or Support Personnel
License from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of design and the implementation of innovations, learning strategies, instructional
models across a school system; principles of effective communications and mass media;
community and economic development, and governmental relations; DeKalb County School
District’s (DCSD) policies and procedures.
Skill in high level communication to include but not limited to public speaking, writing and editing,
telecommunications, conventional and social media; coordinating and collaborating with federal,
state, regional and local organizations and departments to establish and execute responsibilities;
administration and management skills gained through increasingly responsible management
positions; recruiting, training and motivating employees; strategic planning; research design;
Disclaimer: Information contained within this position specification only summarizes information for interested individuals. The statements herein are intended to describe
the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and
skills required of a person in this position. If there is a discrepancy between the information in this position specification, the current documents obtained in the Division of Human
Resources will always govern. The DeKalb County School District reserves the right to modify, alter or discontinue these reference materials for any reason.
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Chief Community Empowerment, Innovation & Partnerships
systems analysis; data interpretation; data collection and retention; problem solving; negotiating;
and conflict resolution.
Ability to think strategically to design and implement large-scale organizational initiatives plan,
organize and effectively present ideas and concepts to groups; coordinate the programs and
services of a non-profit educational and/or service organization; assimilate information from a
variety of sources; analyze information and recommend courses of actions to be taken;
demonstrate patience while working with children and adults; properly store, use and maintain
equipment; use relevant computer applications; prioritize assignments; and manage multiple tasks
simultaneously
ADA Requirements:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of
force frequently or constantly to lift carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the
human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and
standing are required only occasionally and all sedentary criteria are met.
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the
whole hand or arm as in handling.
Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. One must have the ability
to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
Hearing: Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication; and to make fine
discrimination in sounds, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts with or
without correction.
Vision: The ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Acuity (near and far vision), depth
perception (three dimensional vision), accommodation (adjustment of lens to eye to bring an object
into field of vision (area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are fixed on
a given point) and color vision (ability to distinguish and identify colors) are required factors.
Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
sharp focus),
Performance Factors:
Interaction with Others: Ability to maintain, on a regular and consistent basis, relationships that
are not characterized by high levels of hostility, social withdrawal or failure to communicate. Ability
to be flexible in situations relative to daily routines. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the
differences among diverse populations.
Concentration: Ability to maintain workflow and thought processes in the presence of frequent
distractions. Ability to ignore irrelevant sights or sounds and intrusive thoughts or stimuli. Ability to
manage multiple tasks simultaneously with only few or no errors.
Stressful Circumstances: Ability to produce quality work when short or unexpected deadlines are
presented. Ability to adjust work processes without incident when new and unexpected directions
are given relative to a project that may be in process. Ability to maintain composure and not
Disclaimer: Information contained within this position specification only summarizes information for interested individuals. The statements herein are intended to describe
the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and
skills required of a person in this position. If there is a discrepancy between the information in this position specification, the current documents obtained in the Division of Human
Resources will always govern. The DeKalb County School District reserves the right to modify, alter or discontinue these reference materials for any reason.
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Chief Community Empowerment, Innovation & Partnerships
compound a situation when interacting with persons who may be angry, demanding or otherwise
less than polite.
Independent Judgment: Ability to complete work tasks without being given procedure directions
relative to works steps or the final project.
Decision Making: Ability to make appropriate business decisions.
Organizational Skills: Ability to establish priorities; simultaneously manage multiple tasks; and
deliver a quality work product by a designated deadline.
Attention to Detail: Ability to recognize errors or layout features that detract from the physical
attractiveness or accuracy of a work product.
Public Contact: Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, both verbally and in writing,
with superiors, colleagues, and other individuals within and external to the school system. Ability to
demonstrate professionalism while interacting with others and to maintain constructive working
relationships.
Attendance and Dependability: Ability to be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time
and to seldom be absent from work. Ability to complete work in a timely, accurate manner and to
be conscientious about work performance.
Disclaimer: Information contained within this position specification only summarizes information for interested individuals. The statements herein are intended to describe
the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and
skills required of a person in this position. If there is a discrepancy between the information in this position specification, the current documents obtained in the Division of Human
Resources will always govern. The DeKalb County School District reserves the right to modify, alter or discontinue these reference materials for any reason.
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