Job Specification Details

Responsible for oversight and management of the fiscal and programmatic requirements of the US Department of Education’s Office of School Support and Accountability, Elementary and Secondary Education, and Title I and Low Performing Schools, Vermont's Every Student Succeeds Act plan (ESSA), components of Vermont's Education Quality Standards, and state statute pertaining to rule 2200 for Independent Schools. Collaborates with local, state and federal partners to ensure the successful implementation of federal and state statutes and regulations governing school improvement efforts. Leads a team of 6 and is part of the Education Quality Division of the Agency of Education. Duties are performed with significant independence under the general direction of an Agency Director.

Oversee the application of state and federal law and policy regarding School Improvement and Independent Schools, including supervision of statewide implementation of federal and state school improvement and Independent School practices, and procedures. 
Manages the Agency’s annual determinations about the performance of each of its LEAs, Vermont's Annual Snapshot, and enforces ESSA federal requirements in collaboration with state requirements. 
Directs the provision of field support to address statewide programmatic priorities identified each year because of engaging in cross-division data analysis and problem-solving, as well as the monitoring of ensuring corrective actions are completed. 
Manages the Agency’s annual review and completion of EdFact files, Use of Title I School Improvement Funds reporting, Resource Allocation Reviews, and monitoring of schools eligible for school improvement to the US Department of Education. 
Ensures appropriate use of relevant data to make decisions and evaluate results related to budget recommendations, improvement strategies, grants and staffing. 
Acts as lead expert for the State of Vermont in continuous improvement, Every Student Succeeds Act, and best practices for school improvement. partners. 
Manages Title I School Improvement federal funds. 
Collaborates effectively with local, state, and federal partners; Must understand and address the school improvement needs, and support and share this knowledge with staff within the AOE and as part of state/national outreach efforts. 
Serves as the state liaison to national and state school improvement initiatives, which includes participating in state committees and representing Vermont in regional and national discussions, as requested/required. 
Supervises and manages AOE's Education Quality Assurance and Independent School team(s), inclusive of daily management and strategic planning for workload allocation/staffing.

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting, but some travel will require private means of transportation.  Incumbents must be able to interact, work, and deal with Agency staff, educators, state, federal, and local officials, and the general public. Duties may require some time outside of normal work hours. Incumbent may be expected to testify before the Legislature and/or assist department/agency leadership in doing so.

Thorough knowledge of program evaluation concepts and practices, including establishment of program goals, evaluation criteria, and management techniques.

Ability to communicate complex and detailed concepts to various partners in an understandable manner.
Thorough knowledge of the educational or technical requirements of areas managed.
Considerable knowledge of the field of education in general and of developments and programs in other states and regions as well as the directions of the federal government.
Considerable knowledge and skill in the development of management processes and systems and the operation of those systems to meet the needs of the Agency core mission and additional federal and state requirements.
Considerable knowledge and skill in planning, developing and coordinating programs, initiatives, and in management of the change process.
Ability to coach, motivate, develop a varied staff, to develop grants, contracts and relevant budgets.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work as an effective member of a team.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in education or related field.

Master’s degree in education or related field. 
Demonstrated experience or certification in continuous improvement and education policy.