Program Specialist, College & Career Readiness

Career Readiness Program Specialist

The Career Readiness Program Specialist is part of the School Choice and Student Engagement team. The program specialist is positioned to support the following programs : Advanced Opportunities, GEAR UP, college and career readiness and school choice initiatives that align to student engagement at the Idaho Department of Education. The program specialist supports a team who is focused on student preparedness post high school.

The program specialist is tasked with promoting and supporting student career readiness through support program funding in compliance of rules and policies, supporting outreach and communication strategies, supporting the logistics of events and staff professional development, as well as supporting internal processes for day-to-day operation.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer support for Advanced Opportunities, GEAR UP and other career readiness programs.
• Support schools, students, and families by providing access to and help troubleshooting secure information portals.
• Manage multiple projects and resources assisting program coordinators.
• Assist in supporting yearly conferences, workshops, and other events.
• Review and verify funding documentation for programs.
• Assist coordinators with communication, contracts, and execution of program objectives.
• Draft correspondence and provide technical support to working partners, local education agencies, students, and families.
• Manage monthly newsletters providing timely communications outreach.
• Assist in the creation of tools and documents for working with partners, districts, students, and families.
• Collaborate with program coordinators to improve efficiency and effectiveness of college and career readiness programs.
• Maintain school lists and information for the SDE websites.
• Format any public documents for ADA accessibility per SDE policies and procedures.
• Organize and maintain electronic documents.
• Research and synthesize other state and national programs, standards, or legislation related to college and career programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical and job-related tasks :

Travel Required

This position requires approximately 10% travel time throughout the state and nationally for training and monitoring.

Benefits

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year.

Additional benefits include vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) : All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency. Tuition Fee Waiver : All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

To Apply

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application. Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted.

EEO / ADA / VETERAN : The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY / TTD : 711), or email [email protected]. Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.