Education Program Consultant (Career and Technical Education)
About The Position
The Iowa Department of Education is hiring an Education Program Consultant in its Career and Technical Education Bureau. The role supports Iowa schools and community colleges in strengthening programs that connect classroom learning with practical skills and career opportunities. The consultant works directly with educators in classroom settings to support and improve applied science programs, with an emphasis on engineering, manufacturing, architecture and construction, or transportation. The position also contributes to program development and statewide coordination to help prepare students for future education and career steps. The consultant provides technical assistance and professional learning, builds relationships with educators and institutions, guides CTE programming and related administration and finance, and supports grant applications, reviews, expenditures, and payment requests. The role helps schools align with federal Carl D. Perkins legislation by translating technical and regulatory information into practical guidance. It also contributes to Department, Division, and Bureau initiatives and work groups. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some evening and weekend work is required, as well as occasional in-state and out-of-state travel. The role includes direct work with educators in classroom settings.
Requirements
- Applicants must meet at least one of the listed minimum qualification pathways: an accredited four-year degree plus five years of qualifying full-time postgraduate work experience; a combination totaling five years of postgraduate education and qualifying full-time experience, with 24 semester hours of accredited postgraduate coursework equaling one year of experience; an accredited college or university Master’s degree, a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of PK–12 and/or post-secondary teaching or administrative experience; or School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of qualifying full-time finance, accounting, or auditing experience.
- Applicants must meet all applicable selective requirements listed in the posting, including one of the listed education-policy, secondary-or-higher-education, teaching/training, education, instructional-design, competency-based-education, or curriculum-and-instructional-design experience or coursework options.
- Commitment to public service and improving educational opportunities for Iowa students.
- Strong technical skills and a strategic, analytical approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to guide collaborative work and lead teams without direct supervisory authority.
- Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical or regulatory information.
- Strong organization, prioritization, and time-management skills.
- Ability to navigate complex situations, resolve conflicts, and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and interest in working with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Availability for some evening and weekend work and occasional in-state and out-of-state travel.
Nice To Haves
- Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators.
- Experience interpreting and implementing state or federal education law.
Responsibilities
- Partner with educators in classroom settings to strengthen applied science instruction and CTE programming.
- Provide technical assistance and professional learning to support program development and improvement.
- Build working relationships with educators, school districts, and community colleges across Iowa.
- Provide leadership and guidance on CTE programming, administration, budgets, finance, and accountability.
- Coordinate with K–12 schools and community colleges to develop and improve CTE programs, services, and activities.
- Support programs focused on engineering, manufacturing, architecture and construction, or transportation.
- Assist schools and community colleges with developing grant applications.
- Review grant applications and support the approval process.
- Review expenditures and requests for payment to ensure they meet applicable requirements.
- Support alignment with federal Carl D. Perkins legislation.
- Translate technical and regulatory information into clear, practical guidance for educators and administrators.
- Contribute to Department, Division, and Bureau initiatives, meetings, and assigned work groups.
- Assist with additional CTE responsibilities that support the Department’s mission.
Benefits
- Employee discounts from a variety of vendors.
- State of Iowa benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional learning and growth.
- Collaborative, positive work environment.
- Opportunities to collaborate with education experts from across the country.
