Administrator for Special Projects & Development

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

Support existing and emerging initiatives and services within areas of expertise in the Behavioral Health & Prevention Services, Special Programs & Services, Teaching & Learning, and/or Administration departments. Serve as a liaison between the NWESD and regional school districts to regularly assess satisfaction with current programs and services; problem-solve any areas of dissatisfaction; develop and collect relevant data with regards to customer need assessments; bring visibility to existing NWESD programs and services that may be supportive of district priorities; and assess emerging district needs for potential NWESD future program and service development. Provide temporary or intermittent peak-load program and service support within areas of expertise as needed based on current district demand. Provide leadership to NWESD programs and districts through all phases of the program development process – including pursuing relevant grant opportunities, where applicable – that support regional interests and needs and align with NWESD mission, vision, values, and goals.

Essential functions:

• Coordinates strategic customer service audits and customer needs assessments.
• Anticipates needed services and researches revenue sources.
• Promotes the expansion of NWESD programs.
• Provides reliable, relevant, quality data and information to facilitate planning, budgeting, program evaluation, adjustments, and accountability.
• Supports NWESD departments as needed in the coordination and planning for new program development.
• Provides leadership to NWESD programs and districts through all phases of the development process including implementation and start-up.
• Implements a system-wide development plan consistent with NWESD mission, vision, values, and goals.
• Continues to support NWESD resource development activities by preparing and disseminating materials concerning available grants, awards, and related program opportunities.
• Supports the NWESD and districts with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as requested.
• Pursues ongoing professional development by attending conferences, reading, and performing extensive research.
• Performs agency-related activities; performs fiscal management tasks including budget preparation, tracking and management.
• Attends, assists with the coordination of, and provides input into agency meetings.  Coordinates with outside agencies where applicable representing NWESD and other ESDs.  Provides local education agencies (LEAs) links to other service providers in the role of a navigator or concierge.  Provides qualitative reviews for LEAs upon request.  Meets and serves on committees with professional groups.  Makes presentations and attends meetings and conferences.  Serves with job-alike colleagues on committees/task forces to develop and implement programs and services.
• Provide leadership and technical assistance as requested to LEAs, other agencies, and the community by serving as a clearing house and dissemination of relevant documents and resource materials to constituents.  Coordinates relevant meetings and events and serves as a resource for survey development and analysis of data to improve relevant systems.
• Perform related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• The field of assignment is sufficient to perform completely and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by the example in this position description.
• A general understanding of the following fields as they relate to PreK-12 education and demonstrated experience and expertise in at least five:
• Social/Emotional Learning
• Trauma informed practices
• Comprehensive counseling models
• Threat assessment
• Behavioral health
• Prevention services
• Early learning/early childhood education
• Multi-tiered systems of support
• Communications
• Cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusionary practices
• Title IX
• Human resources, including conduct of employee investigations
• Specific program requirements including pertinent RCW/WAC regulations and the ability to interpret and implement and communicate same.
• Pertinent state and federal requirements and regulations for grant management and oversight.
• Program administration and budgeting process.  Demonstrated skill in business and resource development, managing and monitoring pertinent program budgets, operations, and supervision of assigned staff.
• Effective leadership and supervisory techniques.
• NWESD member district goals and objectives and a general understanding of the various departments/components of an ESD.
• Continuous improvement philosophy and use in an educational setting.
• Employment law related to hiring, supervising, and evaluation.
• Computer hardware and software programs and application specific to the educational environment as well as skill in word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and data analysis software.
• Organizational development, task management, planning, and facilitation skills.
• Conference planning and execution at a management level.
• Effective teaching, presentation and training techniques and demonstrated use of such.
• Effectively participate as a team member with other groups or individuals when collaborating on joint projects.
• Respond to statewide mandates as resources allow.
• Secure funding for innovative programs.
• Perform skilled technical writing leading to effective outcomes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of a service delivery model and ability to make recommendations for restructuring or for alternative program design to promote greater success.
• Anticipate program needs and services desired by LEAs.  Ability to develop programs and services based on the needs of students and districts.
• Organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan ahead to meet future needs and goals.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written format.

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in education or a related field preferred, demonstrated experience in the developing, analyzing and using relevant data to improve educational systems. Minimum of five years of experience in the supervision/management of personnel preferably in an educational or non-profit system. Experience with statewide projects. Administrative certificate preferred. Valid Washington State driver’s license. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Working conditions/physical requirements:

Work is performed approximately seventy-five percent (75%) in an office environment and approximately twenty-five percent (25%) traveling to districts and affiliate agencies, as well as for workshops, committee representation, and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of forty (40) pounds.  Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Potential hazards are present based on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount.  Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.