Executive Director of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Practice

About the Job

Department: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development

Job Code: 9743CB

Job Title: Executive Director of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Practice

The position of Director of Educational Leadership is intended to provide internal and external leadership regarding the development of K-12 school and system leaders, and statewide policy agendas for higher education. This person leads multiple programs within the University that directly impact the development of Minnesota's K-12 school leaders. They also interface with and advance partnerships with senior leaders of the many educational leadership organizations in the state of Minnesota including but not limited to The Minnesota Department of Education, The Minnesota School Boards Association, The Minnesota Association of School Administrators, The Association of Metropolitan School Districts, The Minnesota Rural Education Association, The Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association, The Minnesota Secondary School Principals Association, Education Minnesota, and legislators and philanthropic organizations.

Location and Work environment: (hybrid note) The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work–life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Educational Policy & Leadership Program Alignment and Growth (40%)

• Develop new audiences, directions, and opportunities for both graduate education programs in Educational Policy and Leadership, and sponsored professional development programs for regional K-12 schools
  • Collectively set the vision of EPL for the next 5 years
  • Articulate a sense of coherence among faculty contributions to serve students and K-12 systems in Minnesota and beyond
  • Determine courses needed to achieve the vision in the PhD and professional development offerings
  • Collaborate with existing faculty and potential instructors to embed a three‑course writing sequence to support the Executive PhD program
  • Grow the MEd program into an online offering that is the premier offering in the state in educational leadership
  • Undertake student recruitment efforts that elicit a diverse and excellent applicant candidate pool
  • Support potential students through the application process, in collaboration with fellow EPL faculty and coordinators

Leadership of Professional Development Activities, including Minnesota Principal Academy and Survey, Minnesota Instructional Leadership Academy, etc. (25%)

• Oversee all aspects of externally sponsored educator professional development activities, including Minnesota Urban Leadership Academy
• Recruit participants
• Set schedule and logistical details (site, space, time) in collaboration with other project staff
• Establish and foster relationships with faculty across the college to engage them in professional development efforts
• Advise participants through relevant professional development plans
• Coordinate a culminating symposium for projects
• Promote the University and its offerings to PK‑12 schools and other audiences as appropriate
• Allocate at least 25% effort to these projects; additional time may be assigned as opportunities arise

Education Policy and Leadership Advising and Teaching (15%)

• Work with faculty to establish the Executive Systems PhD cohort curriculum, Traditional PhD curriculum, MA/MEd offerings, or potential future undergraduate offerings
• Teach one three‑credit course per year (across Fall, Spring, and Summer offerings). Additional courses can be taught on an overload basis
• Advise or co‑advise students in MA, MEd, and PhD programs, as determined in admissions meetings

LEAD Conference Planning and Facilitation (10%)

• Form and lead a content team that meets throughout the spring term and into the summer to plan all aspects of the two‑day summer LEAD conference
• Identify key topics connected with the overarching leadership conference and relevant to pre‑K‑12 school leaders, policymakers, and university researchers
• Launch an RFP process and establish a review process and committee to identify appropriate breakout sessions; communicate with RFP submitters about acceptance
• Identify local and national keynote speakers for the conference
• Identify relevant policymakers for invitations and potential policy panel participation
• Serve as the emcee or identify appropriate podium speakers for the conference
• Conduct or participate in post‑conference evaluation meetings to identify successes and plan for next year

Department/University Engagement (10%)

• Attend EPL program meetings, OLPD Department meetings, and College of Education meetings and events
• Support university, collegiate, and departmental shared governance work as determined with the Department Chair and EPL colleagues

Please note, this position is not eligible for H‑1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work‑life balance for employees.

CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location.

Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer from management or HR before a final job offer is extended.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree plus six years of related experience, or master’s degree plus at least eight years of related experience, or BA/BS degree plus at least ten years of related experience
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, both written and oral
• Evidence of experience in developing high‑quality professional development for adult learners
• Deep knowledge of the processes of educational research, use of and translation of research for practitioner use, and the role of research in program development within the university setting
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring, developing, or advising school leaders
• Demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation at a system level
• Demonstrated experience in understanding Minnesota educational policy and navigating the legislative process to secure support of needed policies, including but not limited to legislator relationship development, policy language drafting, and mobilizing educational leaders

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD or doctoral degree in education or a related field
• Experience as a school or school system leader for five or more years with demonstrated effective system leadership
• Higher education teaching and advising experience
• Experience convening leaders from across organizations and sectors
• Proven record of securing grant funding

About the Department

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University’s third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We believe diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. The CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty.

Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD) studies how systems and policies are shaped by culture and power. We prepare leaders and researchers to transform education and organizations for the better.

We teach students how to design, test, implement, and revise institutional strategies in both the public and private sectors, from the international to the local level.
Students gain practical experiences in creating approaches to increase social and economic development, foster human flourishing, disrupt power structures, and promote a more just society.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $100,000-$120,000 per year ; depending on education, qualifications, and experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Acad Prof and Admin (non‑teaching)

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight counseling sessions at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.

You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Resume and Cover Letter are required.

This position will remain open until filled.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on April 15, 2026.

To request an accommodation during the application process, email or call 612‑624‑8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience and supporting the academic mission. It is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

UMTC is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant and diverse metropolitan communities, students on the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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