The Director of Strategic Initiatives under the direction of the Mayor and in coordination with the Chief of Staff shall help to identify, investigate, and assess community needs, formulate creative strategies to address them through the development of significant projects, programs and collaborations using various available resources, be responsible for helping to advance the City's vision on an approach to education, serve as a liaison between the City and the Warrensville Heights School District (the "District"), be instrumental in strategic planning and implementation of the same for key organizational initiatives for the District and various City departmental Directors, and research and report on impactful projects, programs, and collaborations that are/will benefit the City. Subject to the direction and approval of the Mayor, the Director of Strategic Initiatives shall:
(a) Lead selected program based special projects that require cross-functional engagement with key staff across the organization and with external supports.
(b) Coordinate the District in federal, state, and special programs. Collaborate with staff and outside personnel to formulate, develop, implement, and evaluate federal, state and special programs.
(c) Research, identify, profile and develop new partnerships and expand existing partnerships based on fit and alignment with the City's growth strategy and program vision.
(d) Proactively reach out to potential partners to understand opportunities for collaboration with ability to effectively manage twenty to thirty (20 - 30) partner opportunities in various stages in the pipeline.
(e) Have the ability to understand and articulate the strategic direction of new and existing partners' business models, needs and advantages and alignment to the vision and direction of the City and the District, and articulate the City's overall value proposition, solutions and services.
(f) Work cross functionally with City internal operations, management and marketing teams.
(g) Track and report partner performance on an on-going basis
(h) Work with the District's Superintendent or designee, the City's Chief of Staff and Community and Economic Development Director on strategy and best practices to assess, engage and develop new partnerships.
(i) Oversee execution of a network of partnership services within the District in collaboration with the District's leadership.
(j) Develop and nurture positive relationships with the District's administrators and relevant community agencies to optimize the partnership.
(k) Participate in strategic planning with the District and community stakeholders; identify, develop and implement programming that supports the collective vision of the District; outline and promote service direction.
(l) Identify and recruit external program partners and organizations that aim to increase educational opportunities and social connections for the students of the District.
(m) Oversee that the external partnerships meets all City licensing, security, contractual, quality management and outcome standards and requirements.
(n) Develop and regularly monitor the budget of each funding source and corresponding service array.
(o) Coordinate billing and budgeting with the Finance Department when applicable.
(p) Represent the City at pertinent meetings and functions which may be held during evenings, weekends or holidays as directed by the Mayor or Chief of Staff.
(q) Participate in fundraising and grant writing activities.
(Ord. 2016-005. Passed 1-5-16.)