Title: Executive Director, Office of Innovation

State Role Title: Education Administrator III

Hiring Range: Exact Commensurate Based on Qualifications & Experience

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept of Ed Central Operations

Location: JAMES MONROE BUILDING

Agency Website: doe.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

As part of a team led by the Deputy Superintendent of Innovation, Student Pathways, and Opportunities, agency leadership, and external stakeholders to lead current and emerging innovative K-12 models and student-centered initiatives, with particular attention to:

Drive Systems-Level Innovation and Future-Ready Models: Lead the development, implementation, and scale-up of cutting-edge education models, including AI integration, virtual reality, microschools, and redesign of legacy systems to position Virginia as a national leader in modern, student-centered learning. This leader will galvanize the implementation of current educational research on emerging trends and innovative practices, including in instructional technology.

Expand Flexible, Competency-Based and Personalized Learning Pathways: Advance and implement policies such as Seat Time Flexibility and programs that move beyond seat-time compliance, empowering schools to adopt competency-based education, personalized learning plans, and locally driven innovations that put outcomes ahead of bureaucratic hoops.

Champion High-Quality Tech Integration and Digital Infrastructure: Oversee strategic adoption, training, and implementation of best-in-class computer science and Digital Learning standards, AI-powered tools, and online learning solutions, ensuring schools have access to safe, scalable, and effective technology for both instruction and operations without sacrificing student privacy or parental options. Lead the agency’s Open Education Resources and partner with the Division of Teaching and Learning to develop systems and processes for identifying high-quality instructional materials to make publicly available on GoOpenVA.

Remove Barriers to Innovation and Increase Local Autonomy: Work with the Office of Regulatory Management to identify and eliminate outdated regulations and red tape preventing schools from pursuing new models, giving local leaders the authority and flexibility they need to innovate, while maintaining clear accountability for student results. Launch intentional learning networks on Seat Time Flexibility and Transportation Modernization Networks in partnership with other offices to provide access to national and local proof points, industry technology, and effective best practices that will be captured in the Office of Excellence and Best Practices. Plan, implement, and oversee a comprehensive professional development plan to create pathways of implementation of educational technologies and new policies.

Lead Cross-Sector Collaboration to Scale What Works: Build partnerships with school divisions, tech leaders, private innovators, and other community partners to pilot, evaluate, and expand high-impact innovations focused on real-world outcomes, cost-efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Serve as agency liaison with association boards, educator committees, agency leadership, and divisions on innovation, virtual, and ed technology related items.

Minimum Qualifications

Ability to envision, articulate, and lead large-scale systems change in public education while preserving academic rigor and local control.

Understands how policies, technology, and instructional models intersect to impact students, families, educators, and divisions.

Strong grasp of emerging technologies (Virtual Reality, simulations, AI, computer science, open source) and their potential in education balanced by clear guidelines for privacy, quality, and local flexibility.

Ability to vet, pilot, and scale innovative solutions without chasing fads or sacrificing accountability.

Deep understanding of how to navigate state education policy, procurement systems, and regulatory environments to remove barriers to innovation.

Skilled at working within government systems to implement reform without adding more bureaucracy or regulatory overreach.

Strong project management and team coordination skills, especially for overseeing cross-functional pilots and learning networks, new school model designs and launches, or technology development rollouts.

Able to manage budgets, timelines, and outcomes with fiscal discipline and data-informed decisions.

Ability to take initiative, solve complex problems, and lead with creativity.

Sees constraints as opportunities to think differently and unlock potential across traditional and nontraditional models.

Confident, clear communication who can articulate innovation goals to Edtech vendors, national partners, policymakers, division leaders, principals, parents, and the public.

Able to defend ideas with data and principle, not jargon or ideology.

Builds a culture of urgency, innovation, and strategic discipline.

Effective at building partnerships

Passionate about and has experience working for or designing innovative and/or competency-based learning models.

Understands and appreciates the value of public-private partnership in designing innovative models.

Demonstrates ability to think outside the box and troubleshoot barriers with thoughtful solutions.

Highly effective communication (both written and oral) and organizational management skills.

Strong attention to detail and demonstrates ability to oversee and monitor multiple projects at once.

Ability to utilize various software platforms to provide project management updates and information to the Superintendent, Secretary of Education and Governor’s Office.

Research, analyze, and prepare information and make recommendations to senior leaders and appointed officials.

Additional Considerations

Bachelor’s degree and experience in K12 education; master’s degree or above preferred.

7+ Years of demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following areas:

Education innovation, digital learning, or school redesign;

Policy implementation or systems-change leadership;

EdTech or instructional technology at scale;

Management of large-scale educational programs or cross-sector partnerships

Demonstrated success leading strategic initiative, managing budgets, and teams, and delivering measurable outcomes.



Preferred Certifications:

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification

Microcredential(s) in AI in Education, Personalized Learning, or Competency-based Education

Data privacy or cybersecurity credentials



Other Qualifications:

Deep understanding of:

The intersection of technology, innovation, and education policy

Strategies for cutting through bureaucracy to drive real change

Proven ability to work across silos with a mindset on getting to yes

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Pursuant to Sections 2.2-3114 and 2.2-3115 of the Code of Virginia, this position has been designated as requiring you to disclose your financial interests. Financial interests shall be disclosed as a condition of employment and thereafter as required. The mechanism you will use to disclose these interests is called Statement of Economic Interests.

A résumé will be accepted in lieu of a completed state application. Applications submitted via e-mail, postal service, fax or hand-delivered will not be considered. Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check. Commonwealth of Virginia employees may have teleworking options available. Final teleworking agreements will be reviewed and approved upon hire.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process:
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to prove their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs.cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process. For assistance call: (804) 225-2021, [TTY: 786-8389]

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and the VDOE that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. The Virginia Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: humanresources@doe.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.