Career and Technical Education SME (Perkins V)

Safal Partners

21h • Remote

About The Position

Safal is seeking an experienced, recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) subject matter expert to support business development, corporate strategy implementation, and project delivery. The role will contribute to growth in the Postsecondary Education and Work-Based Learning practice by identifying and building approaches for federal- and state-level work involving secondary and postsecondary CTE strategic planning, implementation, and cross-system alignment. The position calls for significant expertise in Perkins V implementation, ideally gained as a state CTE director or leader, a U.S. Department of Education Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) program officer, a technical assistance provider, or a leader in a national CTE organization.

The CTE SME will serve as a technical lead in business development capture efforts, develop differentiated approaches and thought leadership, build relationships with partners and sector stakeholders, and produce publications and presentations on postsecondary education, CTE, and work-based learning. The position is a 1099 contractor role, remote within the United States, with the Washington, DC metro area preferred. Travel may be needed, not to exceed 20–30%, for conferences, client meetings, and site visits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education, public policy, workforce development, or a related field.
• 10 or more years of progressively responsible experience in CTE at the state, federal, or national level.
• Deep working command of Perkins V, including statutory and regulatory requirements, state plan structure, community local needs assessments, secondary and postsecondary performance indicators, allowable use of funds, and reserve fund strategy.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or capturing federal contracts, cooperative agreements, or grants; familiarity with federal procurement processes and proposal development.
• An established professional network among federal and state CTE leaders, with the ability to convene stakeholders.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to draft persuasive technical content under proposal deadlines.
• Willingness to travel if needed, not to exceed 20–30%, for conferences, client meetings, and site visits.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree.
• Prior service as a state CTE director, deputy, or senior state agency official, or prior federal service at OCTAE or a comparable Department of Education office.
• Working knowledge of adjacent policy areas: WIOA Title I/II, Workforce Pell, dual and concurrent enrollment policy, career pathway development, and industry-recognized credential frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the CTE technical lead on business development capture efforts for federal and state opportunities, including pre-RFP intelligence gathering, opportunity qualification, and win strategy development.
• Translate agency priorities, Perkins V statutory requirements, and current policy signals into differentiated business development approaches and thought leadership content.
• Engage potential teaming partners and identify partner organizations, institutions, and individual experts to inform business development and corporate strategy implementation.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with OCTAE leadership and program staff, state CTE directors, and industry leaders, including state boards of education, community college systems, and industry associations.
• Produce publications, webinars, and conference presentations on postsecondary education, CTE, and related work-based learning models.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Paid federal holidays.
• Generous paid time off and dedicated sick leave.
• 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and competitive company matching.
• Access to courses and certifications, with pathways supporting advancement, mobility, and long-term development.
• Opportunities to contribute to innovative, mission-driven projects with impact at the federal, state, and national levels.
• Collaborative environment grounded in continuous improvement and shared purpose.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior