Executive Officer 1 (PK-12 Learning)

Full Job Description

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 Executive Officer 1 (PK-12 Learning) will be an integral member of the Federal Programs Bureau, providing technical assistance, monitoring and support to school districts, Area Education Agencies, and non-public schools.

Your Responsibilities:

• Providing executive assistance for the PK-12 Division Administrator in fulfilling the responsibilities of the division by establishing priorities, plan work, following complex instructions, the ability to make decisions, and always maintaining confidentiality with personnel and sensitive issues.
• Attend and participate in all division administrative team meetings, keep accurate records of the meeting, and share information with division staff as appropriate.
• Monitoring reporting for legislative reports, fiscal notes from the Legislative Fiscal and Services Bureau, State Board agenda items, and Department strategic plan initiatives.
• Preparing materials and reports for the United State Department of Education.
• Review rules and policies affecting personnel issues.
• Serve as the division liaison between the Division administrator with division staff and others across the Department. Work closely with division administrators in scheduling and gathering data.
• Prepare contracts and monitor financial information for division administrators.
• Keep division staff informed of division goals/objects and ensures that new or revised procedures are implemented.
• Coordinate all division support staff including leave schedules and work schedules. Scheduling support staff time for department-wide assignments.
• Draft internal procedures for division staff. Inform and train staff on internal procedures.
• Coordinate office procedures for division staff.
• Independently answers questions and explains procedures requiring interpretation of the department and explanation of policy-making decisions.
• Prepare correspondence, minutes, and reports.
• Responsible for coordinating and administering the National Board Certification program.
• Serve as liaison between the Division Administrator and other staff.
• Work closely with the bureau chiefs as well as other Department staff in scheduling meetings, obtaining needed signatures, gathering data, and relaying messages.
• Schedule and arrange for conferences and meetings which would include transportation and make reservations for in- and out-of-state travel for Division Administrator.
• Maintain record of expenses incurred.
• Coordinate special projects as assigned.
• Research rules, policies, and regulations affecting program area.
• Contact presenters regarding fee, travel expenses, meeting arrangements, etc.
• Prepare contracts for payment, verify amounts claimed, and reimburse expenses.

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.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge:

• Administration and Management – Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Law and Government – Laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

• English Language – The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Customer Service – Principles and processes for providing customer services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluating customer satisfaction.

• Clerical Procedures – Word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Abilities:

• Law and Government – Understand and adhere to applicable laws, legal codes, administrative rules, and regulations.

• Oral Comprehension – Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Oral Expression – Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Written Expression – Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

• Written Comprehension – Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Deductive Reasoning – Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Inductive Reasoning – Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.

• Problem Sensitivity – Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Skills:

• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Active Learning – Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Judgment and Decision Making – Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Service Orientation – Actively looking for ways to help people.

• Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

If you wish to review a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, please contact idoe.hr@iowa.gov.

To ensure full consideration for this position, all requested materials must be completed and uploaded through the NEOGov online application process.

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:

• Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Strong technical skills
• Strategic and analytical mindset
• Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines while leading teams as a non-traditional leader (no supervisory authority)
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical or regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner
• Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Desire to work with diverse teams and 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:

Qualifications