Assistant Executive Director na Blast Intermediate Unit 17

Position Summary

The Assistant Executive Director is the second-highest-ranking administrative officer at BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 and operates under the direction of the Executive Director. This role provides senior leadership and oversight for student services, educational planning, mental and behavioral health programs, and organizational initiatives. Additionally, it supports entrepreneurial activities, strategic planning, and partnership development at regional and state levels.

The Assistant Executive Director acts on behalf of the Executive Director in their absence, as authorized and required by law, ensuring operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Intermediate Unit policies.

Essential Functions

(These duties are fundamental to the position and must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.)

• Executive Leadership
• Provides overall direction for the administrative and day-to-day operations of the Intermediate Unit, ensuring that employees perform their jobs properly and in accordance with Applicable Law, Intermediate Unit requirements, and program regulations.
• Acts on behalf of the Executive Director in their absence, exercising delegated authority consistent with applicable laws and Intermediate Unit policies and needs, and must be able to perform all essential functions of the Executive Director position, with or without reasonable accommodation, during such times.
• Assists the Executive Director in advancing the Intermediate Unit’s strategic initiatives.
• Expand partnerships with community, university, and state agencies.
• Monitors the fiscal health of BLaST IU 17 by gaining firsthand knowledge of funding arrangements, budgets, and fiscal resources related to educational programming.
• Researches and develops new services and programs.
• Develops, sustains, ensures, monitors, and evaluates organizational culture.
• Supervision – Directly supervises assigned department directors, the Marketing Specialist, and other staff, including performance evaluations, goal setting, and professional development, as determined by the Intermediate Unit based on organizational needs. The Intermediate Unit retains the authority to modify supervision assignments and may temporarily assign supervision of other staff as necessary to meet operational requirements. Indirectly supervises other employees in the Intermediate Unit.
• Compliance Oversight – Serves as Safety and Security Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, ensuring compliance with applicable law and Intermediate Unit requirements.
• Policy and Procedure Development – Develops or oversees the development of Intermediate Unit policies, administrative regulations, and operational procedures in assigned areas.
• Budget and Fiscal Management – Collaborates with the Director of Management Services to prepare, monitor, and analyze program budgets, ensuring fiscal accountability and alignment with Intermediate Unit goals.
• Program Development and Evaluation – Leads the creation, evaluation, and enhancement of educational, mental health, and behavioral health programs, including pricing structures and service expansion.
• Strategic Initiatives – Assists in advancing the Intermediate Unit’s strategic initiatives, including new revenue generation, entrepreneurial ventures, and regional leadership efforts.
• Partnership Development – Expands and maintains partnerships with school districts, community organizations, universities, and state agencies to enhance services.
• Representation – Represents the Intermediate Unit at forums, conferences, legislative events, and other public functions, which may require travel and overnight stays.
• Change Leadership – Leads change management efforts, promotes systems thinking, and fosters an organizational culture that supports innovation and continuous improvement.
• Decision-Making – Makes informed decisions that positively impact policy development, resource allocation, and educational outcomes.
• General Compliance – Complies with all applicable laws, Intermediate Unit policies, Intermediate Unit Administrative Regulations, applicable Codes of Conduct, and contractual provisions, license agreements, and any other requirements applicable to the position or the performance of these functions.
• Regular and Reliable Attendance – Maintains an in-person work schedule of 260 days per year, five days a week, eight hours a day, in accordance with Intermediate Unit policies and subject to lawful leaves of absence. Regular and dependable attendance is essential to:
• Fulfill leadership responsibilities that require in-person decision-making and oversight.
• Provide timely supervision, guidance, and support to staff.
• Ensure consistent presence for meetings, stakeholder engagement, and crisis response.
• Maintain continuity of operations and organizational stability.
• Meet legal, contractual, and operational obligations of the position.

Additional Duties

(These duties may not be essential  as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, but  may be assigned without altering the fundamental nature of the position.)

1. Researches and develops new service opportunities.
2. Participates in special projects or committees as assigned.
3. Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Pennsylvania Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility (or eligibility within one year of hire).
• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of administrative leadership experience in an educational setting, including responsibility for program oversight and budget management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal education laws and program development requirements.
• Demonstrated success in staff supervision, organizational leadership, and strategic planning.
• Strong interpersonal, communication (oral and written), and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands

(Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable law to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Ability to travel between multiple locations within and beyond the Intermediate Unit.
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods during meetings or desk work.
• Communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via written or electronic correspondence.
• Operate a computer and standard office equipment for prolonged periods.
• Frequently move about office and school facilities to observe programs and meet with staff or stakeholders.

Work Environment

• Work is typically performed in an office environment, with visits to schools and community locations.
• Noise levels vary from quiet (office) to moderate or loud (school or event settings).
• Position requires evening or weekend work, travel, and overnight stays.

Compensation

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, in accordance with Intermediate Unit  policies.