Program Manager, College and Career Readiness

Idaho Department of Education

This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department's employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.

The College and Career Readiness Program Manager provides leadership and coordination for initiatives that help Idaho students prepare for postsecondary education and careers. The position develops and manages resources, partnerships, and professional learning opportunities that support college and career readiness throughout the K-12 education system.

The Program Manager leads the development, implementation, and management of the federally funded Career Pathways Exploration Grant; develops training and resources for the Idaho Career Readiness Competencies; and supports Department initiatives that integrate digital skills, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies into college and career readiness. The position also assists the Director of K-12 Initiatives by coordinating team projects and workflows, supporting team members, and helping manage budgets.

This is a full-time position serving under an appointment of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The incumbent is part of the College & Career Readiness and K-12 Initiatives Team at the Idaho Department of Education.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and coordinate college and career readiness initiatives that connect K-12 education with postsecondary education and workforce opportunities.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, communities, industry, and other agencies to expand educational and career-connected learning opportunities.
• Provide leadership for the implementation of the Idaho Career Readiness Competencies and career exploration across the K-12 education system.
• Develop and coordinate professional learning, resources, and tools for school personnel and other partners.
• Manage the implementation and administration of the Career Pathways Exploration Grant, including applicable program activities and reporting.
• Track college and career readiness indicators and monitor progress toward program goals and objectives.
• Oversee program reporting, budget planning, and expenditure tracking.
• Develop and distribute program guidance, resources, and communications to school personnel and community and industry partners.
• Coordinate Department priorities with related state, federal, and local initiatives.
• Monitor contracts and coordinate timely payment to vendors and partners.
• Provide recommendations to the Director of K-12 Initiatives on policies and potential policy changes affecting program initiatives.
• Represent the Department on state boards, committees, and other workgroups, as assigned.
• Coordinate projects and workflows across the College and Career Readiness team, providing guidance and support to team members to advance shared priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field.
• Experience implementing federal programs and working with applicable federal regulations and guidance.
• Knowledge of effective college and career readiness strategies and supports for schools and families.
• Organizational leadership and management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience or demonstrated ability in budget, grant, and contract administration.
• Experience or demonstrated ability in program development.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws and regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use standard office equipment and software, including word processing and spreadsheet applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (with or without reasonable accommodation)

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical and job-related tasks:

• Operate standard office equipment such as a computer, telephone, copier, and scanner.
• Perform general administrative duties including typing, filing, answering phones, processing paperwork, and assembling office materials.
• Read, review, and process both printed and digital documents.
• Navigate websites and online systems; identify and respond to safety concerns; greet and assist visitors.
• Maintain focus and attention to detail for extended periods.
• Understand, communicate, and follow through on program support tasks and responsibilities.
• Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at a desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time.
• Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, or kneeling.
• Occasionally lift items, typically weighing under 5 lbs., and occasionally up to 20 lbs.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in education or a related field.
• Five years of experience in college access programming, college and career advising, grant management, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating projects and supporting the work of a team.

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

This position requires approximately 30% travel time throughout Idaho and occasional national travel for training and monitoring.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency.

Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized cover letter, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Please upload your resume, cover letter, reference list, and any additional supporting documents in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

Your cover letter should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a cover letter, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your cover letter. A resume does not substitute for a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be accepted.

EEO/ADA/VETERAN:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.