Executive Director, HeartSpire Initiative and Strategic Partnerships (ID TBD) - PROMOTIONAL ONLY

Job Summary

The San Diego County Office of Education is recruiting for an Executive Director, HeartSpire Initiative and Strategic Partnerships for the Student Services & Programs division. Under administrative direction, the Executive Director, HeartSpire Initiative and Strategic Partnerships provides executive-level leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for the HeartSpire Initiative and related countywide whole-child systems and strategic partnerships; leads the development, implementation, scaling, and sustainability of integrated school-based mental health, wellness, community schools, and student and family support systems; develops and maintains high-level partnerships among school districts, public agencies, health and behavioral health providers, philanthropic organizations, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders; and provides strategic consultation and technical assistance to local educational agencies.

Please note that this is a grant-funded position through June 30, 2033.

***TENTATIVE INTERVIEW DATE(S)***
Monday, November 23, 2026 (1st & 2nd rounds)

ABOUT HEARTSPIRE INITIATIVE
SDCOE has developed the HeartSpire Initiative as a proactive strategy to strengthen and sustain Community Schools infrastructure while advancing a countywide model that integrates education, health, behavioral health, and community-based services to meet the needs of students and families, particularly those experiencing the greatest barriers to success. HeartSpire is grounded in the belief that human connection, relational trust, and equitable access to comprehensive support systems are essential to student success. Through a coordinated approach, the initiative will bring together local educational agencies (LEAs), the County of San Diego, community-based organizations (CBOs), health providers, and other partners to develop an integrated continuum of services that supports the whole child and family.

Requirements / Qualifications

This position requires the following Education and Experience and Certificates, Licenses, and Credentials:

Education and Experience:

Education: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in education, educational leadership, school counseling, social work, psychology, public health, or a related field; and,

Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience at the school site, district, county, state, or comparable organizational level. Qualifying experience should include progressively responsible experience supervising personnel and leading complex, multi-stakeholder, systems-level initiatives involving community schools, school-based mental health, behavioral health, wellness, student support systems, educational systems improvement, or related whole-child initiatives. Experience developing strategic partnerships, managing grants and programs, aligning multiple funding sources, and implementing continuous improvement strategies is highly desirable.

Certificates, Licenses, and Credentials:

• Valid California Administrative Services Credential
• Valid California Driver’s License

To be considered for this position, you must individually attach the following items to your completed EDJOIN Application:

• Resume, detailing education and experience as it relates to this position
• Letter of Introduction
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation written for this specific position
• Copy of valid California Administrative Services Credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
• Copy of transcript(s) verifying the required degree.*
• Any certifications you would like considered

*Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. If applicable transcripts are already on file with Human Resources, applicants do not need to resubmit them. Human Resources may contact applicants if additional documentation is needed to verify minimum qualifications.

Comments and Other Information

**Learn more about the HeartSpire Initiative here.***

For inquiries regarding this position, please reach out to the Human Resources contact listed on this posting. To maintain a fair and consistent process, please do not reach out to the hiring department or its staff.

Join our amazing team!
The San Diego County Office of Education is a collaborative organization
that works toward a future without boundaries for our students.
We are passionate about equity for students and employees, support innovative learning,
offer great employee benefits, and professional growth opportunities!

*Note: Valid California credentials are a requirement at the time of hire. If you do not possess the required California credentials, you may go to the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing website https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/out-of-state-app for details on meeting California’s requirements.

Please note that your completed online application must include all the required supplemental documentation. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Employment with SDCOE is contingent upon the successful completion of a post-offer background check and physical exam, which includes a drug screening. All required California Credentials (if applicable, as issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing) must be confirmed prior to employment with SDCOE.

Diversity Statement: Because each person is born with inherent worth and dignity, and because equitable access and opportunity are essential to a just, educated society, SDCOE employee commitments include being respectful of differences and diverse perspectives, as well as being accountable for their actions and their impact.

The San Diego County Office of Education is an equal opportunity employer.

About SDCOE
The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) serves the region's most vulnerable students, and supports school leaders, teachers, and students across the county. We support about 780 schools and nearly 500,000 students, including the children we educate each year through our Juvenile Court and Community Schools. SDCOE provides a variety of services for the 42 school districts, 129 charter schools, and five community college districts in the county.

Our mission is inspiring and leading innovation in education and our North Star goal over the next several years is to reduce the percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch as part of a larger effort to elevate the needs of historically underserved students and families.

To learn more about SDCOE and the North Star Goal, please visit: https://www.sdcoe.net/about-sdcoe

To learn more about working at SDCOE, please visit: https://www.sdcoe.net/work-sdcoe

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