Agenda Item
d. 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 Mr. Elijah Palmer to the position of Director of Organizational Effectiveness.
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: Director, Organizational Effectiveness
DIVISION: Superintendent’s Office GRADE: 132
DEPARTMENT: Superintendent’s Office WORK DAYS: 246
REPORTS TO: Chief of Staff FLSA STATUS: Exempt
RETIREMENT: Teachers Retirement System APPROVED (HR): August 1, 2021
General Statement of Job
Under limited supervision, responsible for designing and executing organizational effectiveness
programs and district-wide key initiatives. The Organizational Effectiveness Director will be a liaison
between division leadership and stakeholders to understand the needs and opportunities for
district improvement.
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.
• Leads and/or participates in cross-functional teams to: diagnose organization
effectiveness issues, collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data as part of
that analysis, generate recommendations to address performance gaps, and
develop high-impact implementation plans
• Executes critical cross-functional projects that advance the Superintendent’s
agenda, including developing strategic recommendations, creating and managing
work plans, conducting research and analysis, and helping to define and track
success metrics
• Acts as an advisor, coach, and consultant to the cabinet members and develops
widespread programs, processes and methodologies to identify, assess and develop
future leaders of the district
• Presents progress reports, spreadsheets, presentations, data, board documents,
executive summaries and other documents requested by the Superintendent
• Directs the strategic planning, development, and implementation of district-wide
programs initiated by the Superintendent
• Supervises and assists with the evaluation of assigned personnel
• Strategizes with the Chief of Staff and Cabinet members to cultivate and manage
the Superintendent’s relationships with key stakeholders, including schools,
parents, community groups, principals, and teachers, as well as with external
organizations, in order to build broad support for the Superintendent’s agenda and
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.
Page 1 of 3 Reviewed/Revised: β7.9.2023
Director, Organizational Effectiveness
advance the Superintendent’s strategic priorities
• Develops and implements project schedules, resource allocations and budgets for
approval of senior management
• Coordinates the management of the project as assigned and facilitate meetings,
stage work and timelines, provide status reports, and organize the project
• Collaborates with departments and school leadership to develop, implement, and
interpret district-wide policies and guidelines
• Stays abreast of new and evolving Organizational Effectiveness strategies, trends,
best practices, tools and industry specific information through research and
networking
• Performs other duties as assigned
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree from a Professional Standards Commission approved accredited college or
university in Education, Business, Organizational Development, Project Management, Human
Resources, or closely related area is required. Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum five (5) years relevant work experience in strategic planning, project management or
other related program experience, is required.
Certificates, Licenses, Permits: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Project
Management Professional (PMP), or closely related certification approved by PMI is preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of the project management processes according to the industry standards set by PMI;
all related and established policies and procedures of the district; RFP and Bidding process; vendor
management; federal, state and local laws and regulations governing school districts
Skill in effective oral and written communication; project management practices, principles, and
tools; strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving skills; Office 365 Suite; MS Project
Professional, Project Online, Project for the Web and SharePoint; time management; record
keeping—electronic and manual; management of projects across multiple teams or stakeholders
Ability to build relationships with project stakeholders, use relevant computer applications; make
appropriate business decision, use independent judgment; maintain confidentiality; prioritize
assignments; manage multiple tasks simultaneously; and meet all safety regulations
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. Fifty percent of the job requires
documentation which sitting at the computer is necessary. The remaining 50% will be visiting
project sites, facilitating meetings, and supervising project deployments all requiring standing or
physical mobility
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.
Page 2 of 3 Reviewed/Revised: β7.9.2023
Director, Organizational Effectiveness
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Fingering: Typing or using touch screen devices.
Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Participating in activities in
which one must convey detailed or important verbal instructions to others accurately, loudly, or
quickly.
Hearing: Ability to send and receive detailed information through oral communication.
Vision: 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 sharp focus), 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.
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 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
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 precise directions
relative to work 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.
Page 3 of 3 Reviewed/Revised: β7.9.2023