Education program specialist

• Serves as a liaison between the Department and community school stakeholders, including sponsors, operators and school leaders to ensure excellent customer services while providing needed information, resources and directives.
• Provides training and professional development to community school sponsors, operators and school leaders on improvement strategies, compliance and best practices
• Interprets and applies to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and state foundation funding guidance to support school improvement initiatives.
• Review all components of the Department’s “Ed Steps” to monitor and ensure continuous improvement and alignment to state initiatives
• Review education plans for inclusion of evidence-based strategies that promote school improvement within all subgroups.
• Monitor the implementation of action steps and funding allocations to support school improvement
• Tract and analyze performance and compliance data to identify trends that inform improvement planning
• Review federal allocations and collaboration with grants management team to ensure funds are utilized and aligned with school improvement efforts and state initiative and federal identifications
• Reviews financial data and school budgets for accuracy and alignment with improvement goals.
• Provides technical assistance to internal Departmental staff and external stakeholders to clarify office policies, procedures and expectations
• Offers technical support to schools, sponsors and operators in preparation and submission of documentation to data collection system
• . Collaborate with State Support Team consultants to align services and support for federally identified schools and sponsors
• Facilitate and support the continuous improvement planning process for schools identified under federal accountability (e.g. CSI, ATSI and TSI)
• Review compliance documentation submitted by schools and sponsors for completeness and accuracy
• Understands how to access the State System of Support to connect stakeholders to appropriate statewide and regional resources
• Participates in job related professional development opportunities and required trainings
• Serve on Department committees related to community school performance and improvement.
• Develop and share tools, reports and resources to support evidence-based decision making and strategic planning
• Create newsletter articles, provide training and represent the Office at community school related functions

Self-motivated and able to excel in a fast paced environments

Committed to delivering excellent customer service with timely follow-up

Resourceful and adaptable when handling diverse responsibilities

Skilled at collaborating effectively within team-oriented setting

Performs other related duties as assigned:

• Occasional travel throughout the state of Ohio (must be willing and able to secure a valid Driver’s License).

Job Skills: Educational support, communication, understanding complex system structures, complex problem solving, comprehension, critical thinking and decision making, data collection and analysis, monitoring, Microsoft Office, writing, presentations, initiative, independent working, problem sensitivity, data analysis

Knowledge: Administration and management, agency policies and procedures, customer and personal service, education and training, law and government, Ohio's ED Steps

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

• Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

6 years' experience in a specific or related content area, educational program or service; current valid driver’s license or ability to secure transportation when travel is required.



Preferred Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Proven experience in educational administration with a strong understanding of Ohio’s educational options in education.\
• Familiarity with federal and state laws applicable to community schools, including ESEA, the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), and Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).
• Experience working with or within community school sponsor organizations or similar regulatory entities.
• Demonstrated success in leading or supporting school improvement initiatives, preferably in underperforming or at-risk schools.

Essential Skills and Responsibilities

• School Improvement Planning and Support :
  • Provide targeted guidance to sponsors and schools on implementing evidence-based school improvement strategies.
  • Work collaboratively with the Ohio’s State System of Support
  • Analyze school performance data to identify needs, set goals, and develop action plans for improvement.
  • Support schools in meeting accountability measures and improving student achievement.
• Training and Technical Assistance :
  Deliver professional development and technical support to community school sponsors, operators, and school leaders with a focus on instructional leadership, compliance, and improvement planning.
• Regulatory and Compliance Oversight :
  Assist stakeholders in interpreting and applying education laws and policies related to school operations, funding, and improvement.
• Document Review and Evaluation :
  Review sponsor applications, contracts, governance documents (e.g., bylaws), and academic plans to ensure compliance and alignment with school improvement priorities.
• Grant and Financial Oversight :
  Collaborate with grant teams to ensure federal and state funds are allocated strategically to support school turnaround and improvement goals.
• Program Monitoring and Evaluation :
  Monitor school improvement implementation and progress, offering feedback and support based on data and outcomes.
• Stakeholder Communication and Collaboration :
  Engage in regular collaboration with sponsors, school leaders, internal teams, and external partners to promote transparency and drive continuous improvement.
• Professional Development and Learning :
  Remain informed on best practices in school turnaround, instructional improvement, and educational equity through ongoing professional learning.

Additional Competencies

• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices and systems-level improvement approaches.
• Effective project management and organizational skills.
• Data literacy and the ability to use data to drive decisions and measure results.
• Legislative knowledge and practical application in school settings.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Record keeping, tracking of data and outcomes
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Resourceful and adaptable when handling diverse responsibilities

• Skilled at collaborating effectively within team-oriented setting

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check as well as other investigative reviews. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position, unless restricted under state or federal law or federal restrictions. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

Only For Unclassified Positions: The final applicant for this position will be required to submit urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to an appointment. The State will decline to extend a final offer of employment to any applicant with a verified positive test result. Also, an applicant with a positive test result will not be considered for any position with the State of Ohio for a period of one year.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that values diversity and seeks talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Office of Human Resources ([email protected]).

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.