Education Program Consultant (Charter School Program Co-Director)

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

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About The Position

The Education Program Consultant – Iowa Charter School Program (I-CSP) provides statewide leadership, coordination, and operational oversight to support implementation of Iowa’s federal Charter School Program grant. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator and Co-Project Director, the position strengthens charter school authorization, monitoring, and continuous improvement practices across Iowa. The consultant leads grant administration, budgeting, evaluation, and reporting; supports professional learning and technical assistance; and fosters collaboration among charter schools, districts, and community partners. The role advances equitable educational opportunities through strong charter oversight, evidence-based practices, and alignment with state strategic priorities.

The role manages grant operations and compliance, tracks deliverables, maintains documentation for reporting and audits, and oversees evaluation and reporting to the U.S. Department of Education. It also develops and implements charter authorization, application, renewal, monitoring, and closure practices; manages grant contracts; and designs professional learning and technical assistance. The position establishes and maintains the Iowa Charter School Network and supports collaboration, family and community engagement, and coherent supports with the Iowa Coalition.

The stated schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends and occasional in-state and out-of-state travel.

Requirements

• Meet at least one of the following minimum qualification pathways:
• 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 qualifying areas: professional training, teaching, or counseling in an educational setting; professional administration in an educational setting; professional finance, accounting, or auditing, including 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; professional communications, including public relations, marketing, or journalism; or professional school safety and emergency preparedness.
• A combination totaling five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience in the qualifying areas described above, with 24 semester hours of accredited postgraduate coursework equaling one year of full-time experience.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree, 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 preparation or analysis of financial statements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in grant administration, budgeting, and federal reporting.
• Knowledge of charter school authorization, monitoring, and accountability systems.
• Strong project management, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze data and use findings to guide program improvement.
• Experience designing and delivering professional learning.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including state agencies, school leaders, families, and community partners.
• Knowledge of education policy, compliance, and continuous improvement frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication and collaboration across grant-related teams and promote clear roles, responsibilities, timelines, efficient workflow, accountability, and alignment with grant goals and federal expectations.
• Coordinate meetings and activities with internal and external partners, including federal and state stakeholders.
• Manage grant operations, including budgeting, expenditures, procurement, and compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Monitor progress toward deliverables and maintain documentation for reporting and audit purposes.
• Support cost allocation, contract development, and monitoring of grant-funded activities.
• Oversee project evaluation and ensure timely, accurate reporting to the U.S. Department of Education.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize program data to support continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with evaluation partners to establish performance measures and communicate outcomes.
• Establish, refine, and implement charter authorization and monitoring practices aligned with Iowa Code and national best practices.
• Strengthen charter application, review, and renewal processes to incorporate I-CSP expectations and high standards of quality.
• Conduct application and renewal reviews to assess performance, compliance, and accountability.
• Develop and implement Iowa’s High-Quality Monitoring Review process for charter renewals and closures.
• Manage I-CSP grant contracts and align contractual obligations with program goals.
• Design and deliver research-based professional learning and technical assistance to support charter school quality, sustainability, and compliance.
• Collaborate with the Iowa Coalition, the professional development partner, to ensure coherent and aligned supports.
• Establish and maintain the Iowa Charter School Network to promote ongoing, needs-based support.
• Foster peer collaboration among charter schools and between charter and traditional public schools.
• Strengthen family and community engagement to support equitable and inclusive learning environments.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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