Coordinator, School Modernizations

Role Overview

The Facilities Planning and Design division includes two main teams: Modernizations and Small Capital Projects. The Modernizations team, part of the Facilities Planning and Design division within the Office of Operations, handles all aspects of school modernization, additions, and expansions. This team plans and identifies project priorities for the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and collaborates with schools, contractors, and the Department of General Services (DGS) to ensure DC Public Schools facilities are safe, functional, and conducive to learning.

The Coordinator for Modernizations serves as the primary liaison for schools and their communities throughout the modernization process. This position involves managing multiple school projects by overseeing project-specific workgroups and facilitating School Improvement Team (SIT) meetings. The Coordinator acts as the Facilities Planning and Design representative, supporting school leadership and community engagement to promote successful modernization and addition projects. Close collaboration with school leaders, DGS, and the DCPS central office is essential to managing tasks and implementing the SIT framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the creation of school-specific Educational Specifications for each modernization, which guide the design process.
• Collaborate with school leadership to lead the SIT in planning and designing modernization efforts.
• Communicate the DCPS Capital Improvement Plan clearly and respond to stakeholder inquiries.
• Coordinate with DCPS Central Office departments to align site-specific program goals with project plans.
• Act as the community-facing representative for modernization projects, ensuring transparent communication.
• Develop and nurture relationships with stakeholders involved in school modernizations.
• Establish effective mechanisms to gather input and provide updates on planning, design, and construction phases to the SIT.
• Organize and lead SIT meetings by preparing agendas, materials, minutes, and coordinating follow-up activities.
• Engage in project meetings with DGS and the DCPS Facilities Modernization team to remain informed on design and implementation progress.
• Provide regular project status reports to the DCPS Facility Initiatives team and the Office of the Chief Operating Officer.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree with two to four years of relevant experience; Master's degree preferred.
• Experience or familiarity with the education sector is advantageous.
• Proven abilities in public speaking and meeting facilitation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills adaptable to diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal capabilities, with an emphasis on building rapport and attentive, speaker-centered listening.