Education Program Consultant (Accreditation)

State of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Collaborative environment

Learning and growth opportunities

National collaboration with experts

Competitive compensation

Job summary

The State of Iowa invites applications for a role within the Iowa Department of Education focused on accreditation and special education program support. You will guide schools and providers on federal and state accreditation standards, perform audits, and contribute to the development of accreditation processes.

The position emphasizes strong technical skills, strategic thinking, and collaboration with diverse teams to uphold high-quality education for Iowa students.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in related areas.
• Combination of post-graduate education and full-time experience may apply as per policy.
• Master’s degree + PK-12/college admin experience or School Business Official Authorization are acceptable pathways.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and support to schools and providers on accreditation compliance with Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 41.
• Provide technical assistance aligned to special education accreditation requirements and conduct desk audits and on-site visits.
• Help establish processes and standards for private special education providers to become accredited in Iowa.
• Participate in Department and bureau meetings and cross-functional work teams.
• Assist in accreditation visits to districts and schools and support processes as outlined in Iowa Code.
• Maintain knowledge of state/federal policy and the impact of proposed legislation on programs.
• Support Department priorities and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Technical skills

Strategic mindset

Analytical thinking

Public service passion

Technical assistance to educators

Time management

Conflict resolution

Diversity & teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree + 5 years post-grad experience

Master’s degree or Iowa teaching certificate (bonus)

Job description

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.

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:

https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/employment/Benefits_Beyond_the_Paycheck.pdf

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

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 finance, accounting, or auditing experience, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements;
• d. Professional experience in a major technical program area housed within the Iowa Department of Education;
• e. Professional data integration, data analysis, and statistical analysis experience;
• f. Professional communications experience, including public relations, marketing, or journalism;
• g. Professional school safety and emergency preparedness experience.

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.