ESEA Programs Specialist (Education Specialist III)

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ESEA Federal Programs Office is seeking an Education Specialist to support Local Education Agencies across the state. This role involves building strong relationships with school personnel, providing guidance and technical assistance related to federal education programs, helping schools navigate program requirements, supporting continuous improvement efforts, and contributing to initiatives that positively impact students and educators throughout Nebraska. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to build rapport with a variety of stakeholders, and comfort presenting to diverse audiences.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in the field of education or related subject area
• Two years of successful preK12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school, or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country
• Eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807
• A Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per 92 NAC 21 must be possessed by the time the candidate begins employment at the Nebraska Department of Education and an active certificate maintained while in the Education Specialist position.
• Possesses a valid driver’s license
• The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree and at least two years of successful PreK-12 experience working with educationally disadvantaged youth.
• Direct involvement in the Continuous Improvement Process.
• Experience working with federal programs and developing and delivering professional development.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates requirements for assigned federal grants (e.g., Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Grant, Comprehensive School Improvement (CSI) plan and grant, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER) grants), develops and reviews applications, and reviews reimbursement for compliance and allowability.
• Responds to inquiries and provides consultative services and technical assistance to school district administrators, Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and non-public school districts.
• Serves as Nebraska’s Neglected and Delinquent Education contact for the United States Department of Education (USDE), and Nebraska Homeless Liaison Coordinator.
• Represents the Nebraska Department of Education at national meetings for the Neglected and Delinquent program and the McKinney Vento program.
• Conducts program visits, determines program approval, regulatory compliance, and program quality related to administration of federal programs, analyzes results and writes review reports, and monitors corrective action plans.
• Serves as liaison between Nebraska school districts and the United States Department of Education (USDE) regarding federal grants assigned and required reporting.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI).
• Collaborates with other programs and agencies to promote program continuity, improve program quality, and foster professional development.
• Assists with development and implementation of internal procedures for grants management and program implementation.
• Attends and participates in state and national meetings and conferences.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
• 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!
• Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types
• 156% state-matched retirement for state plans, or 101% state-matched retirement for school plans
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

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