EDUCATION PROGRAM SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

43d

About The Position

As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division. SGS10: Education Program Manager – provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for statewide nutrition outreach and agricultural market development initiatives. This position oversees Nutrition Services outreach programs, including supervision of distribution and audit teams to ensure effective program delivery, accountability, and compliance. The role manages key market expansion initiatives such as Arkansas Rice in Schools and the Arkansas Plate program, strengthening connections between Arkansas producers and institutional markets. The position also directs the Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made branding programs to enhance market visibility and integrity for Arkansas products, while providing administrative and strategic oversight for all six Arkansas Research and Promotion Boards to ensure statutory compliance, financial accountability, and alignment with department priorities. This role serves as a central coordinator between producers, schools, commodity groups, industry partners, and department leadership to expand in-state demand, support market access, and promote Arkansas agriculture through structured, measurable, and accountable programs. The Education Program Supervisor / Expert is a highly specialized and knowledgeable professional responsible for providing advanced expertise and leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs. This role involves designing innovative curricula, conducting research, offering guidance to educators, and ensuring best practices in education. The supervisor / expert collaborates with multiple educational agencies, policymakers, and a variety of assorted personnel in an attempt to enhance the quality of education and promote effective teaching and learning.

Requirements

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Empathy and patience in working with educators, students, and colleagues.
Proficiency in using educational technology, research tools, and software.
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in educational administration or a related field.
Extensive knowledge of educational principles, practices, and curriculum development.
Proven experience in conducting research, data analysis, and program evaluation.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of assorted personnel, including educators, administrators, policymakers, and community partners.
Experience in designing and delivering professional development and training programs.
Familiarity with state and federal regulations related to education.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with best practices in education.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of agricultural market development, commodity promotion, institutional procurement systems, and Arkansas agricultural industries and markets.
Understanding of public program administration, compliance requirements, auditing practices, and management of state or federally funded programs.
Experience working with commodity boards, research and promotion programs, and school nutrition or institutional food procurement initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously while maintaining accountability and measurable outcomes.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including staff management and cross-functional coordination.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build effective partnerships with producers, schools, commodity organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement advanced educational programs, curricula, and instructional strategies.
Conduct research and analysis to identify trends, best practices, and areas for improvement in education.
Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to educators, helping them enhance their teaching skills and knowledge.
Evaluate and assess the effectiveness of educational programs and initiatives, making recommendations for improvements.
Collaborate with multiple educational agencies, policymakers, and a variety of assorted personnel in an attempt to promote best practices and policies in education.
Design and deliver professional development workshops and training sessions for educators.
Advocate for policies and initiatives that support the advancement of education and student success.
Maintain accurate records and documentation related to educational activities and research findings.
Cultivate a learning environment that supports the academic, social, and emotional development of students.
Stay current with the latest research, trends, and developments in the field of education.