EDUCATION ADMINISTRATOR I

State of California; California; Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California is seeking an Education Administrator I to lead the Program Quality Implementation South Office. The role focuses on CSPP oversight, policy guidance, and collaboration with California early education partners.

The position is based in Southern California with hybrid work options and requires travel within the region. Final filing date is 10/29/2026, and new hires are placed at the minimum of the salary range.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of California's CSPP, UPK, and continual quality improvement initiatives.
• Experience in policy guidance development and regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities for varied audiences.
• Proven leadership, supervision, and quality management skills.
• Ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders in education.

Responsibilities

• Manage the PQI-South Office under EED leadership.
• Represent the EED with local education agencies, contractors, and partners to promote collaboration.
• Oversee CSPP contractor monitoring throughout Southern California.
• Coordinate travel for staff oversight and site visits, including occasional Sacramento trips.

Skills

CSPP knowledge

Regulations & guidance

Communication skills

Leadership & supervision

Collaboration & partnerships

Education

Education Administrator I

Job description

Monitoring Administrator
EDUCATION ADMINISTRATOR I

$9,428.00 - $11,808.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/29/2026

Are you interested in becoming a member of a collaborative and innovative leadership team dedicated to advancing Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) and strengthening California's early education system? The Early Education Division (EED) at the California Department of Education (CDE) supports California's early learning and care system by promoting equitable opportunities that help children, families, and communities thrive through the implementation of high-quality early education programs. By providing statewide leadership, oversight, technical assistance, and continuous quality improvement, the EED helps ensure early education providers have the tools and resources necessary to deliver high-quality services that prepare children for lifelong success.

Under the general direction of the Associate Director of the EED and the general direction of the Deputy Superintendent of the Opportunities for All Branch, the Education Administrator I (EA I) manages the Program Quality Implementation (PQI) - South Office. The PQI-South Office is one of three PQI offices responsible for providing leadership and oversight of California State Preschool Program (CSPP) contractors statewide.

The incumbent represents the EED with local educational agencies, county offices of education, community-based organizations, contractors, professional organizations, and other governmental partners to promote collaboration, provide policy guidance, strengthen statewide implementation efforts, and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality early education programs.

This position is based in Southern California and will oversee program monitoring of CSPP contractors throughout Southern California.

Frequent local travel in Southern California is required for staff oversight and program monitoring, along with occasional travel to the CDE Headquarters in Sacramento.

Personal Leave Program 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.

CDE is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Additionally, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

HYBRID

This position isheadquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. Currently, the hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and working a minimum of two days per week in the office.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• EDUCATION ADMINISTRATOR I

EDUCATION ADMINISTRATOR I $9,428.00 - $11,808.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of California's early education system, CSPP, UPK, and continuous quality improvement initiatives
• Programmatic knowledge and expertise, with an emphasis on regulations and guidance development
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, in small and large group settings
• Ability to cultivate strong rapport and collaborative partnerships with staff, colleagues, and the early education community, as well as individuals and groups possessing varied backgrounds and perspectives
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, quality management practices, and supervision skills
• Experience facilitating and collaborating with a variety of internal and external groups
• Demonstrated initiative, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure
• The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include: Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.