Director of IDEA Initiatives
Classification: Education Programs Manager 3
Monthly Salary - $7,806-$12,015 ($8,347-$12,851 PERS)
Application Deadline: 8/13/2023
APPLY HERE: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/...
Lead implementation of transformative special education legislation in Oregon (Senate Bill 819) to make a real impact in the lives of students experiencing disabilities! Join us in this role where you’ll champion equity and inclusion within school districts, directly improving outcomes for students. Transform lives, bring positive change, and experience incredible fulfillment along the way!
We are seeking a Director of IDEA Initiatives to lead our SB 819 Team within the Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities (OESO) at the Oregon Department of Education. This position is full-time, limited duration (through June 30, 2025), and may be extended or become permanent depending on funding. Limited duration positions are benefit eligible.
This role is a hybrid position, combining remote work with the need to report to the office or work in person when business or operational needs are dependent on on-site activities. Remote work is embraced to the fullest extent possible without interfering with business. Our team members most often work from home, but are on site in various locations throughout Oregon due to business need. This position may occasionally be required to work in person, either in Salem or in locations throughout the state (e.g., school districts, education service districts).
State Employees: We will consider job rotations in filling this position. If you are interested in applying as a job rotation candidate, you must currently work for the State of Oregon (including regular status and limited duration employees). Please attach your supervisor’s written approval, along with your resume and cover letter, when submitting your application.
***Questions and Answers Virtual Session***
Would you like to learn more about this position or how our application process works? Join our Recruitment team on July 25, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. to chat with us. We can assist you with all your application and agency questions!
Click here to register!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
About us:
The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system.
The Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities (OESO) supports educational facilities (schools, school districts, Education Service Districts, Long Term Care and Treatment Centers, Youth Corrections and Juvenile Detention Education Programs) by providing educational and technical assistance services, primarily for special education programs.
OESO seeks to build a culture of care and connection, one where people can help us make significant and important improvements in special education for the state of Oregon, while bringing their full, complicated human selves to the position.
Visit the OESO About Us page to learn more about the office’s teams and work units.
What you will do!
Senate Bill 819 (SB 819), passed by the 2023 Legislature, guarantees meaningful access to instruction and educational services for students with disabilities in schools.
As the Director of IDEA Initiatives, you will:
Collaboratively lead ODE’s implementation of SB 819, including working with other ODE offices and engaging with partners.
Supervise and support staff responsible for assisting school districts with SB 819 implementation.
Consult with school districts and develop resources.
Respond to complaints and conduct investigations.
Review, analyze, and ensure follow up on school district data about individual student placements.
Recommend changes to rules, policies, or legislation.
Please click here to view the full position description.
Minimum Qualifications (Need to have):
Seven years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience in Education or a related field; OR four years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in Education or a related field.
Desired Attributes (Nice to have):
Candidates who are the most competitive will possess a compelling combination of the following background, skills, and experience:
Demonstrate a strong commitment to equity and the ability to apply knowledge and skills to interrupt systemic oppression, particularly at the intersection of race and disability.
Deep understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) laws and their application within school districts.
Experience supervising staff, including planning and assigning work, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations; determining subordinates training needs and arranging for such training; motivating subordinates to work effectively; determining the need for disciplinary action and either recommending or initiative disciplinary action.
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, often under tight deadlines, with strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to collaborate with a variety of partners both in-person and digitally.
Excellent communication skills to convey ideas clearly both verbally and in writing, including the ability to speak confidently before large audiences and explain complex topics to diverse groups.
Strong leadership abilities to guide and facilitate diverse groups with differing opinions, requiring expertise in group dynamics, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Ability to analyze and evaluate public policy, offering recommendations for action, relying on strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of educational policy.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed.
Why us:
At ODE, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative atmosphere. Autonomy is supported while also being offered opportunities to work in dedicated teams or partnerships across the agency. Our office supports a healthy work/life balance and shows genuine care for team members, students, partners, and school leaders. Our team members share and educate with passion for equitable practices and sustainable development for leaders across Oregon. We maintain a constant learning and growing mentality to strive for optimum innovation and consistently applied equity practices.
Our amazing benefits:
Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
Paid days off –
11 paid holidays per year
3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year
8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month
Progressive vacation leave accrual with increases every 5 years
In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.
If you currently work at an Oregon school district or education service district, we may be able to transfer in your sick leave balance!
If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians, apply today!
Application Requirements:
Please upload a resume and cover letter.
In your cover letter, please include your qualifications relating to any of the desired attributes mentioned for this position (limit to no more than 2 pages). Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in the disqualification of your application.
Application Tips:
Your cover letter and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.
In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes and minimum qualifications listed under the “What we are looking for” section above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure the attributes and minimum qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your resume and cover letter.
Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after the initial application.
External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/CV. View this video for help.
Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this job aid for help.
Please contact ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov if you have any questions on the application process.
