Education Program Consultant (Special Education Finance)
About The Position
The Iowa Department of Education is hiring an Education Program Consultant (Special Education Finance) to serve in the Bureau of School Business Operations. The consultant provides technical assistance and guidance to school districts on school finance matters relating to special education, including state and federal laws and regulations, allowable uses of funds, and regulatory reporting. The role also requires maintaining professional competency, participating in bureau, division, department, and professional organization activities, and contributing to meetings, work teams, and other assigned duties. The successful candidate will be able to work with fiscal data and spreadsheets, communicate technical and regulatory information clearly, analyze complex situations, meet deadlines, prioritize work, and collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders. The position’s 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
- Applicants must meet at least one of the stated minimum qualification pathways: a four-year degree plus five years of qualifying full-time post-graduate experience; a combination of five years of post-graduate education and qualifying full-time experience, with 24 semester hours of post-graduate coursework equaling one year of experience; a master's degree, 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 full-time professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience involving preparation or analysis of financial statements.
- Ability to create and manipulate spreadsheets, including using formulas and functions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strategic and analytical mindset, including the ability to collect, analyze, and review fiscal data.
- Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines.
- Ability to interpret and explain highly technical and regulatory language in an understandable manner.
- Ability to prioritize work and manage time.
- Conflict-resolution and interpersonal skills.
- Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with special education finance.
- Experience with special education programs.
- Experience with special education applications, including special education supplement and special education billing.
- Experience reviewing special education program audit findings.
- Strong communication, mathematical, and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in spreadsheets.
- Governmental accounting experience.
- Experience interpreting code and regulation.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical assistance and guidance to school districts on state and federal laws and regulations, allowable uses of funds, and regulatory reporting related to special education finance.
- Maintain professional competency by reviewing publications, participating in professional development, and staying current with statutory and industry changes.
- Participate in professional activities of the Bureau, Division, Department, and national and state organizations.
- Regularly participate in bureau and division meetings, school business operations activities, assigned work teams, and other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Employee discounts from a variety of vendors.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities.
- Collaborative, positive work environment.
- Talented and passionate colleagues who will help employees learn and grow.
- Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
