Education Program Consultant (Accreditation)

State of Iowa • Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Education's mission is ensuring all students experience a world-class education. To accomplish our mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to build an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. This role provides guidance and support to schools and providers related to federal and state programs, specifically accreditation compliance with Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 41. It also involves serving as a member of a team establishing accreditation processes and standards for private special education providers in Iowa.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in one or a combination of the following areas: Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting; Professional administrative experience in an educational setting; Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements; Professional experience in a major technical program area housed within the Iowa Department of Education; Professional data integration, data analysis, and statistical analysis experience; Professional communications experience, including public relations, marketing, or journalism; Professional school safety and emergency preparedness experience.
• A combination of a total of five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience (as described above), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited post-graduate college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree, possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution.
• Possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements.

Nice To Haves

• Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Strong technical skills
• Strategic and analytical mindset
• Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines while leading teams as a non-traditional leader (no supervisory authority)
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical or regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner
• Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and support to schools and providers related to federal and state programs, specifically accreditation compliance with Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 41.
• Provide technical assistance aligned to special education accreditation requirements, including annual special education desk audits and intensive on-site visits.
• Serve as a member of the team that will establish a process and standards for private special education providers to become accredited in the State of Iowa.
• Participate in comprehensive efforts of the Department, division and bureau, including Department, Division and Bureau meetings and assigned work teams.
• Participate in special education accreditation visits to Iowa districts/schools.
• Support process and procedures outlined in Iowa Code.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the state and federal policy and the impact of proposed legislation on the bureaus and the programs it oversees.
• Support the Department priorities through performing other duties as assigned by the Bureau Chief or Administrative Consultant.

Benefits

• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities
• Collaborative, positive work environment
• Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow
• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country
• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors
• Competitive salary and benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level