Education Associate, Title I Programs, Rural Education, and Special Projects

Position Title: Education Associate, Title I Programs, Rural Education, and Special Projects

Reports To: Director, Title Programs & Grant Support

Description of Position: The Education Associate, Title I Programs, Rural Education, and Special Projects position will plan, direct, and coordinate all activities, programs, and project components that provide financial assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.   

Major Responsibilities:

• Coordinate Title I Programs by providing program and financial training and technical assistance to the State's LEAs as they prepare their funding applications and school-wide plans, consistent with Title I.
• Coordinate the Rural Education Assistance Program (REAP) by providing program and financial training and technical assistance to the State's LEAs as they prepare their funding applications and financial plans, consistent with Rural Education grants.
• Assist the Student Support Directors in support of Title Programs and school improvement initiatives.
• Review and recommend approval of LEA funding applications, school wide plans, and waivers.
• Monitor and manage the SEA and LEA Title I Program budgets for compliance with Federal statutes; monitor LEA financial compliance and spenddown and provide technical assistance as needed.
• Complete procurement procedures and corresponding financial transactions using the State's online accounting system as needed.
• Represent the Department on committees and at conferences and internal and external meetings.
• Provide recommendations with rationale to leadership for structural and content changes to improve regulatory compliance controls and integration of Federal and State requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and execute LEA monitoring protocols for desk audits and on-site reviews.
• Help ensure Department and LEA adherence to Federal law, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinate activities funded under Title I, Part A with other Federal programs as appropriate, with particular focus on other Title I programs (e.g., Title I parts C & D) and educational stability requirements for students experiencing homelessness or enrolled in foster care with the goal of maximizing impact of the Department's technical assistance.
• Develop and maintain a monthly calendar of LEA compliance activities, deadlines, and reporting requirements.

Essential Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field required. Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of school and/or district administration experience or leadership experience in a related field.
• Experience with schools that effectively serve high minority and high poverty populations is preferred.
• Experience in leading school improvement activities resulting in improved student achievement preferred.
• District office experience in supporting instructional programs in schools preferred.
   

Skills:

• Knowledge of ESEA as amended by ESSA statute and Title I Program practices.
• Knowledge of the LEA Consolidated Grant Application and administrative process.
• Significant knowledge of LEA and school finance, budgeting, and fiscal processes as they relate to Title I and Rural Education Programs
• Effective leadership, planning, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to establish collaborative relationships in pursuit of goals common to both the Department and LEAs.
• Strategic mindset, including demonstrated ability to problem-solve effectively and efficiently.
• Understanding of educational equity and culturally responsive education.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in performing responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Skilled in setting priorities, working under pressure, and working in collaboration with others.
• Able to proactively solve problems with professionalism.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with staff in a tactful, congenial, and personal manner.
• Understanding of the Department's organizational aims and objectives.
• Experienced in exercising discretion and confidentiality in all professional duties.

Salary:  
Salary Range: $93,698.82-$143,867.10 annually. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's education and experience in accordance with the Department of Education's compensation policy.  The position includes a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, participation in the state retirement program, annual, sick, and personal leave, and supplemental benefits options. Direct deposit of payroll checks is a condition of state employment, and employees are paid on a lag pay schedule with the first payment made after approximately one month of employment.

Notes:  
A criminal background check is required. The successful candidate must demonstrate during the interview process an understanding of diversity, educational equity and multicultural education. This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. The selected candidate should expect to perform any other related activities needed to deliver the position's key duties and responsibilities and follow any other instructions as defined by his/her supervisor.  

The Delaware Department of Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment practices or educational programs, services or activities based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran's status or any other legally protected category. Inquiries should be directed to the Human Resource Office, 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901.  Phone: 302-735-4030.