Education Program Consultant (Accreditation)

Iowa Department of Education’s mission is ensuring all students experience a world-class education. To accomplish our mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to build an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

Your Responsibilities:

Provide guidance and support to schools and providers related to federal and state programs, specifically accreditation compliance with Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 41.

Provide technical assistance aligned to special education accreditation requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, annual special education desk audits and intensive on-site visits.

Serve as a member of the team that will establish a process and standards for private special education providers to become accredited in the State of Iowa.

Participate in comprehensive efforts of the Department, division and bureau, including Department, Division and Bureau meetings and assigned work teams.

Participate in special education accreditation visits to Iowa districts/schools. Support process and procedures outlined in Iowa Code.

Maintain a working knowledge of the state and federal policy and the impact of proposed legislation on the bureaus and the programs it oversees.

Support the Department priorities through performing other duties as assigned by the Bureau Chief or Administrative Consultant.

Candidates are encouraged to include detailed information about their relevant experience in their application, or submit a cover letter and resume in addition to their application.

If you wish to review a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, please contact .

Hours: 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M., Monday – Friday; some nights and weekends, occasional in-state and out-of-state travel

A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn:

Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service

Strong technical skills

Strategic and analytical mindset

Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines while leading teams as a non-traditional leader (no supervisory authority)

Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators

Ability to interpret and break down highly technical or regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner

Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management

Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills

Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities

Collaborative, positive work environment

Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow

Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country

Employee discounts from a variety of vendors

Competitive salary and benefits package:

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Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in any one or a combination of the following areas:

a. Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting;

b. Professional administrative experience in an educational setting;

c. Professional personnel administration including such areas as job analysis, performance appraisal systems, selection devices, or labor relations;

d. Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience including the preparation or analysis of financial statements;

e. Professional experience in a major technical program area utilized by the Iowa Department of Education or Board of Educational Examiners.

2) A combination of a total of five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited post-graduate college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree, possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution.

4) Possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.