EDUCATION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division. The Education Program Administrator is responsible for managing and coordinating the administrative functions of educational programs within the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). This role involves overseeing program development, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting the achievement of educational goals. The administrator will collaborate with educators, administrators, and a variety of assorted personnel in an attempt to enhance the quality of education and promote student success.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Education, Educational Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of 12 years of experience in educational administration or a related field, including at least 6 years in a supervisory or administrative role.
Comprehensive knowledge of educational principles, practices, and program development.
Proven experience in managing budgets and resources.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of assorted personnel, including educators, administrators, policymakers, and community partners.
Familiarity with state and federal regulations related to education.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with best practices in educational administration.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Empathy and patience in working with educators, students, and colleagues.
Proficiency in using administrative and educational technology tools and software.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based food and nutrition education programs or initiatives.
Experience partnering with federal nutrition programs to expand educational outreach and improve food security.
Proven track record leading teams or collaborating with public health agencies, schools, nonprofits, and/or Extension services to achieve nutrition education goals.
Experience designing and delivering training or educational content for diverse audiences including adults, youth, and underserved populations.
Expertise in evidence-based nutrition education practices, curriculum development, and impact evaluation.
Strong understanding of state and federal guidelines related to nutrition assistance programs and food policy.
Proficiency with data collection tools and evaluation frameworks to measure program performance and outcomes.
Experience managing grants, budgets, and contracts related to education or food security programs.
Exceptional leadership skills with a history of supervising staff, mentors, or volunteers in educational or community health settings.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills with experience presenting to diverse stakeholders, advisory boards, or policymakers.
Ability to cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships with community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and government agencies.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement educational programs, policies, and procedures in alignment with agency goals and objectives.
Oversee the daily operations of educational programs, including curriculum development and course scheduling.
Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, agency policies, and state and federal regulations.
Monitor and evaluate program quality and effectiveness, making recommendations for improvements.
Manage program budgets, allocate resources, and ensure efficient use of funds.
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise subordinate program personnel, providing support and professional development opportunities.
Maintain accurate records and documentation related to program activities and student progress.
Cultivate a learning environment that supports student engagement and success.
Collaborate with academic leaders and external partners to support program goals and initiatives.
Conduct research and analysis to identify trends, best practices, and areas for improvement in educational programs.
Advocate for policies and initiatives that support the growth and development of educational programs.