Project Director III - Comprehensive Health

The Project Director III - Comprehensive Health will lead the Physical Education, Comprehensive Health, Nutrition and Wellness, and Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) programs in the Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services. This role provides forward-thinking leadership and comprehensive oversight to coordinate programs, services and technical assistance across content areas, ensure intentional program integration, promote effective curriculum alignment, and support student health education, wellness, and academic success. The Project Director III will ensure intentional alignment with both the California Health Education Framework and the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model to enhance health education and learning outcomes. Critical to this position is providing guidance to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in integrating equitable health education and wellness initiatives into the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), fostering inclusivity and cultural responsiveness to support diverse student populations. In alignment with both the California Health Education Framework and the WSCC model, this position oversees the implementation of a comprehensive, integrated framework that promotes equitable, research-based strategies by connecting wellness initiatives with educational goals. The Project Director lll will assist LEA administrators in navigating education priorities and compliance requirements, leveraging overlaps between wellness programs and accountability goals to enhance a culture of care. Additionally, the role involves building capacity within and across LACOE units to embed WSCC strategies, fostering partnerships among internal programs, schools, and community organizations, and using data-driven evaluation to refine and improve health and wellness outcomes continuously.  The Project Director III will make critical decisions that impact the goals, organization, and administration of educational programs across LEAs. This position will engage regularly with educational leaders, California Department of Education staff, and policymakers. Critically, the Project Director III collaborates with internal teams to assess unit needs and develop plans to strengthen and coordinate programs, including those focused on at promise learners and addressing the achievement gap. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Leadership and Oversight: Provide strategic leadership and management for the Physical Education and Comprehensive Health, Nutrition and Wellness, and TUPE programs. Ensure these units function cohesively around the California Health Education Framework to achieve the division's objectives of promoting student well-being, preventing chronic diseases, in order to enhance academic success and increased student outcomes.
• Professional Development: Coordinate and evaluate professional development and technical assistance for LEAs in Comprehensive Health, aligned with current standards, Framework, and best practices.
• Equity in Health Education: Provide expert guidance to LEAs on integrating equitable health education and wellness initiatives into the LCAP. Support LEAs in developing and implementing strategies that address health disparities, promote inclusivity, and ensure all students have access to high-quality, culturally responsive health and wellness programs. Ensure alignment with state priorities and the California Health Education Framework to foster equitable outcomes for diverse student populations.
• California Health Education Framework Implementation: Lead the implementation of the comprehensive and integrated Health Education Framework that integrates content-specific skills and strategies to improve student outcomes and align health education and wellness initiatives with educational goals.
• Guidance on Education Priorities and Compliance: Support LEA administrators in understanding and navigating state, local, and federal education priorities as they relate to health education and wellness initiatives. Identify and communicate key areas of overlap between wellness programs and compliance requirements, demonstrating how these intersections can enhance a culture of care and well-being within schools. Provide strategic insight on integrating wellness initiatives in ways that support accountability goals, align with funding opportunities, and foster a supportive, health focused learning environment for all students.
• Capacity Building: Build capacity within the programs to effectively integrate and implement the Health Education Framework and WSCC strategies and practices, ensuring they are embedded within the curriculum to foster a holistic approach to student health and learning.
• Collaboration and Partnership Development: Foster collaboration among internal programs, LACOE Units, schools, community organizations, and families to support student success. Build strong partnerships to enhance program effectiveness and reach.
• Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Use data-driven insights to evaluate the effectiveness of Health Education Framework and WSCC initiatives and refine strategies to enhance student health and educational outcomes continuously.