Montana Autism Education Project Coordinator (00178)

Socket.dev; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Office of Public Instruction seeks a Statewide MAEP Coordinator to plan, implement, and sustain training, consultation, coaching, and resource development for autism education.

The role requires balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution, mentoring MAEP consultants, and managing statewide professional development while aligning with OPI priorities and regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in special education or related field.
• Experience leading complex projects and delivering adult professional development.
• Must reside in Montana and collaborate with state education partners.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and sustain a statewide MAEP training and coaching system.
• Mentor MAEP consultants and coordinate statewide professional development.
• Manage MAEP budget and ensure alignment with OPI priorities.

Skills

Autism knowledge

ABA techniques

Policy & regulations

Leading & mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in special education or related field

Job description

Why you would enjoy working here;

Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200+ unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI's purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview:

The Statewide Montana Autism Education Project (MAEP) Coordinator provides statewide coordination and operational oversight for MAEP. The Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive system of training, consultation, coaching, and resource development that supports Montana schools serving students with autism and other neurodiverse needs. The role requires a balance of strategic planning and hands‑on execution, with significant responsibility for supporting and mentoring MAEP consultants, managing statewide professional development services and resources, and ensuring alignment with OPI priorities and state and federal requirements.

The Coordinator translates statewide needs, data, and priorities into actionable plans and deliverables; monitors progress across MAEP services; and ensures coherence across training, consultation, coaching, and content development. The Coordinator serves as the primary point of accountability for MAEP outcomes, manages operational systems and MAEP budget, and represents MAEP in statewide and regional collaborations and interagency partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge of autism spectrum and behavioral disorders, special education and autism and behavioral programs, teaching methodologies; principles of planning and organization.
• Knowledge of the theory, principles, and techniques of applied behavior analysis and other evidence‑based interventions necessary for educating students with neurodiverse learning needs or behavioral difficulties.
• Knowledge of philosophy, policy, rules, and regulations governing schools.
• Knowledge of developing, curating, and maintaining accessible web content, informational materials, and professional resources.
• Skills in effective leadership and teamwork, establishing and maintaining working relationships with co‑workers, technical personnel, diverse groups of professionals, and the public.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policy, and procedures, and apply them to the collection, analysis and evaluation of school improvement activities and the determination of program effectiveness.
• Ability to maintain a high level of technical and educational skills, providing leadership for policy.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others using verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan and direct an educational service program, to coordinate the work of others, to prioritize work and ensure completion of work plans.
• Ability to apply federal and state laws and regulations and OPI policy.
• Ability to present the overall goals and objectives of the Superintendent and the OPI.
• Ability to effectively establish and maintain professional interactions and communications with OPI staff and with educators and others in the field.
• Ability to understand and apply adult learning principles in training.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, autism intervention, education, applied behavior analysis, psychology, school psychology, speech‑language pathology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects, providing consultation or coaching, delivering professional development to adult learners, and working collaboratively within teams and systems.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

To be considered for this position, you must reside in Montana.

Preferred:

• Graduate degree in special education, autism intervention, education, applied behavior analysis, psychology, school psychology, speech‑language pathology, or a related field, with substantial relevant professional experience.
• Experience supervising or coordinating consultants, managing budgets and contracts, and developing evidence‑based resources and statewide professional development systems.

Does this sound like you?

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the TRS retirement system.