Public Service Executive (PK-12 Learning)

State of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Iowa is seeking a Division Administrator in the PK-12 Learning Division within the Iowa Department of Education. This non-merit, exempt leadership role reports to the Director and participates in executive decisions.

The candidate will oversee PK-12 Learning Bureaus, coordinate standards, accreditation, federal programs, STEM initiatives, and personnel management, while guiding strategic priorities and stakeholder communications.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college and seven years of relevant management-level work.
• Eleven years of full-time management-level work in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.
• Seven years of management-level experience plus a total of four years of education and experience.
• Five years of management-level experience plus four years of education and two years of graduate study.
• Current state executive-branch experience including one year as Public Service Manager 1 or 2.

Responsibilities

• Oversee PK-12 Learning Bureaus and direct division work to implement standards and professional learning.
• Oversee school accreditation processes and support improvement in achievement and graduation rates.
• Oversee administration of ESEA funds to support disadvantaged students and program learning.
• Lead statewide STEM initiatives including STEM BEST, STEM Scale-Up, Teacher Externships and partnerships.
• Lead hiring, management, and evaluation of division staff and administer personnel policies.
• Coordinate communications with the DE Executive Leadership and stakeholder groups.

Job description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the 'To Apply' section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

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.

The Division Administrator serves at the pleasure of the Department of Education (DE) Director. This position is a key member of the DE Executive Leadership Team and regularly participates in executive decisions.

Your Responsibilities:

Oversee and direct the work of PK-12 Learning Bureaus, including the Academics, Standards and Learner Supports, School Improvement, and Federal Programs, to:

1. 1) Ensure the development and implementation of world-class standards and coordinate and provide professional learning on the implementation of standards, in each academic area, and to support positive student behaviors.
2. 2) Oversee meaningful school accreditation processes and partner with schools identified as Comprehensive and Targeted Support and Improvement to improve student achievement and growth, narrow and close achievement gaps, reduce chronic absenteeism, improve graduation rates, and improve postsecondary readiness.
3. 3) Oversee the administration and accountability of all ESEA federal funds to support students who are educationally disadvantaged, migrants, English learners, neglected and delinquent, and/or experiencing homelessness, to support evidence-based teacher learning, and to support out-of-school programs and student support and academic enrichment.
4. 4) Oversees statewide STEM initiatives that expand career-connected learning, strengthen school-business partnerships, and connect educators and students with industry. This includes STEM BEST®, STEM Scale-Up, Teacher Externships, and partnerships that support Iowa's PK-12 STEM talent pipeline.
5. 5) Lead the hiring, management, and evaluation of the Division team. Administer personnel policies and procedures.

Facilitate communications among the Division and, in coordination with the DE Executive Leadership team, with key stakeholder groups, including administrators, school leaders, educators, education associations, and postsecondary education institutions.

In partnership with the Director, Deputy Directors, Division Administrators, and Bureau Chiefs, direct the Division of PK-12 Learning’s work to advance the Department’s top four priorities:

1. 1) Support a strong teacher pipeline through recruitment and retention;
2. 2) Strengthen early literacy and evidence-based reading instruction;
3. 3) Narrow and close achievement gaps through accountability and support; and
4. 4) Empower students with multiple pathways to postsecondary success.

Support the Director in carrying out the Department’s mission, accomplishing the goals of the strategic plan, and meeting agency performance targets. Effectively communicate with the Director, Deputy Directors, Division Administrators, and Bureau Chiefs.

In coordination with the DE Executive Leadership team and the State Board of Education, administer the Department’s core functions within the Division to:

1. 1) Implement all state and federal law, including the development and implementation of administrative rules;
2. 2) Administer funds and programs;
3. 3) Ensure compliance and accountability;
4. 4) Identify and support the replication of best practices; and
5. 5) Build and sustain strong relationships with all education stakeholder groups.

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 [e-mail].

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:

• Lead diverse teams and systemic change at the state level
• Passion for accomplishing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Knowledge and experience with coordinating the development of legislation, administrative rules, and legislative proposals
• Ability to work collaboratively on, and provide leadership for, high-performing teams
• Ability to work independently, moving projects forward with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical and regulatory language
• Ability to synthesize and present information
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Desire to partner with diverse 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. 1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to seven years of full-time management-level work in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.
2. 2) Eleven years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.
3. 3) All of the following (a and b): a. Seven years of full‑time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full‑time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full‑time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full‑time experience or education.
4. 4) All of the following (a, b, and c): a. Five years of full‑time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full‑time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full‑time experience; and c. A combination of a total of two years of graduate‑level education and full‑time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service‑related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full‑time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full‑time experience or education.
5. 5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full‑time work as a Public Service Manager 1, Public Service Manager 2, or comparable specific management‑level position.

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