Agenda Item
a. PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Summary: 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. Loukisha Walker as our new Executive Director of Student Mentorship and Partnership in the Division of Equity and Inclusion.
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: Upon Board approval
DeKalb County School District
Position Specification
Title: Executive Director, Student Mentorship and Partnerships
DIVISION: Equity GRADE/SCHEDULE: 134
DEPARTMENT: Equity WORKDAYS: 246
REPORTS TO: Chief Officer FLSA STATUS: Exempt
RETIREMENT: Teachers Retirement System APPROVED (HR): November 2023
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under limited supervision, plans develop, and oversees the DCSD Mentorships and Partnerships Programs,
parenting student initiatives, as well as other programs at DeKalb County School District that support
underserved, under-resourced, and underrepresented youth. Develops special programs, including
management, reporting, and evaluation that support the enrollment, persistence, and success of DCSD
students through these programs.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions:
The following duties are representative of 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 the full implementation of mentorship and innovative programs for all DCSD students including
setting up new programs, recruiting volunteer mentors to partner with DCSD to offer student
opportunities, and providing leadership and support to DCSD schools.
Develops programs to ensure underserved, under-resourced, and underrepresented youth connect with
mentors and build positive relationships to support their high school experience, gain an understanding
of workplace expectations and networking to increase their likelihood of participating in post-secondary
opportunities.
Oversees the FACE Advocates program and ensures training and development for mentors and
liaisons to support he success of dysregulated youth.
Facilitates the implementation of the My Brothers’ Keeper, My Sister’s Keeper (MBK/MSK), and 100
Black Men programs to address opportunity gaps affecting DCSD students
Builds and orchestrates a robust community outreach program to create partnerships with the county
government, businesses, faith-based organizations, stakeholder groups and foundations to connect
DCSD youth to mentoring, support networks, and workforce development programs.
Collaborates and communicates with a wide range of stakeholders including students, families,
volunteer mentors, institutions, businesses, and organizations to secure resources and support for
mentorship programs.
Conducts outreach to engage the community, stakeholders and business partners in the mentoring
process and solicit feedback and recommendations through monthly/quarterly meetings
Provides ongoing training and support to mentors and develops process for recruitment and
screening DCSD mentors to ensure student safety and appropriate mentoring relationships.
Develops and utilizes evaluative tools to determine impact on mentoring outcomes within the District;
compiles key findings to capture trends to inform and drive continuous improvement.
Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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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Executive Director, Student Mentorships and Partnerships
Master’s degree from a Professional Standards Commission approved accredited college or university
is required.
Minimum of seven (7) years previous experience with demonstrated successful advancement through
the teaching and/or school or school system administrative hierarchy required.
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.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of organizational and department planning and operational procedures; the organization
of specifically assigned areas; budgeting and spending, labor issues, and efficiencies.
Knowledge of DCSS policies and procedures; manpower and facilities requirement forecasting; all
relevant available public and private resources and services
Knowledge of curriculum guidelines for the school system and state requirements; standardized
testing in accordance with school system policies and state laws
Knowledge of school system policies, programs, and procedures pertinent to learning disabilities, child
and substance abuse, and social adjustment.
Demonstrated excellence in training, public speaking and effective communications (written and
verbal).
Broad knowledge and experience in youth development and programming and the development and
administration of ongoing professional leadership activities.
Proficiency with data management and technology applications, including Salesforce and Microsoft
Office Suite.
Self-motivated, organized and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Commitment to DEI and ensuring programmatic services are inclusive.
Skilled in oral, written, and interpersonal communication; coordinating and collaborating with federal,
state, regional, and local organizations and departments to establish and execute responsibilities
Skilled in administration and management skills gained through increasingly responsible
management positions, recruiting, training, and motivating employees
Skilled in delegations; planning; public relations; public speaking; budgeting; conflict resolution; and
mediation
Ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers and collaborators from diverse backgrounds, with
education and supervisory experience to manage the effectiveness of trainers, consultants and other
agency representatives
Ability to direct and administer the programs and services of a non-profit educational and/or service
organization; establish objectives and procedures governing the performance of assigned activities
among employees
Ability to develop and understand financial and/or operating reports; maintain confidential
information; learn and use relevant computer applications
Ability to prioritize assignments; and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
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.
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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Executive Director, Student Mentorships and Partnerships
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 using the spoken word. Those activities in which one must convey
detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
Hearing: Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and 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 with the eye. Acuity (near and far vision), depth perception
(three-dimensional vision), accommodation (adjustment of lens to the eye to bring an object into sharp focus),
the field of vision (the 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.
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 4 Reviewed/Revised: β11.21.2023
Executive Director, Student Mentorships and Partnerships
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 a 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 people 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 4 of 4 Reviewed/Revised: β11.21.2023