Education Program Consultant (Continuous Improvement) - Keystone

State of Iowa•Elkader - 52043 - Clayton County, IA

4d•Remote

About The Position

At the Iowa Department of Education, our mission is to ensure every student experiences a world-class education. To achieve that mission, we need passionate professionals who are ready to make a meaningful difference for students, educators, and communities across Iowa. We are seeking an Education Program Consultant (Continuous Improvement) to support schools and districts across Northeast Iowa, including the communities of Dubuque, Delaware, Clayton, Fayette, Chickasaw, Howard, Winneshiek, and Allamakee counties. This region offers something unique: vibrant river communities, historic towns, strong local schools, scenic bluffs, outdoor recreation, and close-knit communities where education truly matters. From the Mississippi River corridor to the rolling hills of Decorah and beyond, this is an opportunity to build your career while supporting students in one of Iowa’s most distinctive and beautiful regions. In this role, you will help strengthen special education systems, improve student outcomes, and partner directly with educators to implement evidence-based practices that support learners with academic and behavioral needs.

Requirements

Passion for public service and improving outcomes for students
Ability to lead teams and initiatives without direct supervisory authority
Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills
Conflict resolution and interpersonal effectiveness
Confidence working in complex environments and meeting deadlines
Desire to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders
Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time postgraduate 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; or 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

Ability to learn

Responsibilities

Lead Professional Learning & Systems Improvement: Provide professional learning to support statewide implementation of evidence-based practices for Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). Facilitate development and delivery teams that improve instructional systems. Provide technical assistance focused on instructional design, implementation, and student outcomes. Support schools in moving from exclusionary discipline practices to safe, predictable, student-centered learning environments. Use implementation science to scale successful practices across districts and schools.
Support Educators & Student Success: Design, develop, implement, and evaluate professional learning in areas such as: Literacy, Postsecondary transition, Work-based learning, Career and technical education, Related components of IDEA.
Ensure Compliance & Program Effectiveness: Support monitoring of IDEA implementation, including self-assessments and data collection. Identify commendations, areas of noncompliance, and needed corrective actions. Assist districts with audit findings and improvement planning. Help develop and communicate policy, regulations, and statewide guidance.
Collaborate Across Iowa: Serve on statewide teams focused on improving learning opportunities for students with disabilities. Build partnerships with educators, administrators, families, and community stakeholders.