Multilingual Programs and Grants Specialist

Position:                   Multilingual Programs and Grants Specialist
Posting Dates:         5/27/26� Until Filled
Reports To:              Associate Superintendent of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction/Director of EL and Bilingual Programming                               
Beginning:               Jul 1, 2026

The Multilingual Programs & Grants Specialist is a full-time, dual-role position designed to support West Ottawa Public Schools in strengthening systems, compliance, and instructional services for students who qualify for specialized programming.

The role is evenly divided between coordinating state and federal grants and supporting district initiatives for multilingual learners (MLs), which may include dedicated instructional coaching at Los Lagos Bilingual Academy. This position works collaboratively with district leadership, building administrators, teachers, counselors, and families to ensure full compliance with state and federal requirements while advancing high-quality programming that supports student success.

Education, Certifications, and Experience

• Certification: Valid Michigan teaching certificate (Required).
• Endorsement: ESL (English as a Second Language) or Bilingual endorsement (Required).
• Experience: * Minimum of 5+ years of successful educational experience working directly with multilingual learners.
  • Proven experience coordinating and/or coaching EL & Bilingual programs.
  • Experience coordinating educational programs and grants, specifically including Title I, II, III, IV, and Section 41.

Key Skills and Knowledge

• Language: Proficiency in Spanish
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of WIDA standards, multilingual learner programming models, and state/federal compliance requirements.
• Data & Instruction: Ability to analyze student data to drive program improvement and facilitate impactful professional learning for staff.
• Collaboration: Strong communication, collaboration, and organization skills; comfort working with diverse communities and leading family engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

1. Fiscal and Grant Management (Title I, II, III, IV, & Section 41)

• Grant Application & Budgeting: Plan, develop, and submit the district's Title I financial application (as part of the Consolidated Application), managing all required budgets, amendments, and grant-funded requests within Michigan's electronic grant system.
• Fund Allocation & Tracking: Apply required formulas to determine Title I fund allocations based on district poverty data (e.g., Free/Reduced lunch data). Track expenditures to ensure they are reasonable, necessary, allowable, and supplemental (not supplanting local funds).
• Compliance & Financial Reporting: Complete and submit timely financial reports, grant claims, contract amendments, and the annual Comparability Report.
• Time and Effort Documentation: Oversee and maintain signed Time and Effort records (including PARS, semi-annual, and fixed certification reports) for staff members funded through federal grants.

2. Program Development, Evaluation, and Compliance

• Comprehensive Needs Assessment: Lead the collection, analysis, and synthesis of student academic data. Complete the District Annual Comprehensive Needs Analysis, Program Evaluation (PET), and Program Needs Assessments.
• Liaison & Regulatory Oversight: Serve as the primary contact between the district and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Stay current on all legal requirements governing Title I and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), communicating impacts to staff.
• Compliance Monitoring: Monitor Title I and EL schools to ensure adherence to federal and state assurances, parent engagement requirements, and data entry guidelines.
• Special Populations & Private Schools: Consult with eligible nonpublic schools to ensure equitable services. Coordinate documentation and services for special student populations, including serving as the Homeless Liaison and managing programs for neglected/delinquent facilities (Title I, Part D).

3. Multilingual Program & Instructional Coaching (Los Lagos Bilingual Academy)

Provide specialized instructional coaching and unique support distinct from traditional elementary environments, focusing on:

• Curriculum & Assessment: Guide implementation of Benchmark Education Curriculum, mClass DIBELS 8, and Lectura.
• Teacher Onboarding: Lead the onboarding and support for three new teachers in Fall 2026, as well as additional new teacher cohorts over the following three years.
• Bilingual Instructional Frameworks: Drive the Language Allocation Plan, bilingual instructional strategies, Cross-Linguistic Transfer, and differentiation for language arts (outside of standard SAIL structures).
• MTSS Language Integration: Integrate language-specific unique materials within the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.

4. District-Wide Multilingual Learner (ML) Support

• Literacy & MTSS Integration: Direct MTSS and literacy initiatives for MLs in alignment with PA 146. Aggregate MTSS reports and data for building and district-level meetings.
• Special Education Integration: Partner on Special Education (SPED) and EL integration through the CAIT / Child Study processes.
• EL Coaching & Professional Development: Lead learning labs, develop accommodations for common assessments, provide school-level instructional support, and design/facilitate professional development during half-days.
• Staff Training: Train front office and secretarial staff to ensure compliance with EL data entry requirements and reporting protocols.

5. Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

• Policy & Compacts: Meet quarterly with district leadership and Title I principals to review and revise the Parent and Family Engagement Policy. Oversee the joint development and distribution of the School-Parent-Student Compact.
• Required Notifications: Coordinate mandatory parental notifications, including "parents' right to know" letters regarding teacher qualifications and academic progress.
• Leadership & Engagement Activities: Attend and support annual Title I meetings. Establish school-level parent leadership teams for both EL and Title I supports, collect strategic feedback, and provide training materials to help parents support learning at home.

POST IMMEDIATELY

Apply online at the official West Ottawa Public Schools portal.

The West Ottawa Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, height, weight, marital or family status, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The District's Compliance Officers shall handle inquiries regarding the Board's non-discrimination policies and address any complaint of discrimination.