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:

This role is at the center of advancing innovation at NWESD – transforming district needs into high-quality programs and services that support student success and educator effectiveness. It leads the full lifecycle of development, from identifying emerging needs and shaping ideas to securing funding through competitive proposals and launching new initiatives. By aligning strategy, data, partnerships, and resources, this position expands NWESD’s ability to grow and deliver impactful, equitable services across the region.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Lead all phases of program and service development, including needs assessment, planning, resource development, startup, and early implementation.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, support resource development through grant research, proposal writing, budget development, and submission coordination.
• Conduct customer service audits and needs assessments to identify priorities, anticipate emerging needs, and inform program expansion.
• Support departments in the design, coordination, and development of new programs and services aligned with agency priorities.
• Implement and support a system-wide development plan aligned with NWESD mission, vision, values, and goals.
• Collect, analyze, and apply data to inform planning, budgeting, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Promote and expand NWESD programs and services through strategic communication and engagement with districts and partners.
• Manage assigned budgets, including development, tracking, and fiscal oversight.
• Serve as a liaison to districts, agencies, and partners – facilitating collaboration, providing technical assistance, and connecting LEAs to relevant resources and services.
• Represent NWESD in meetings, committees, and professional groups; contribute to regional and statewide efforts.
• Advance equitable access by identifying and prioritizing strategic resources, programs, and partnerships that expand high-quality services for students and educators.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, events, trainings and presentations; support survey development and data analysis to improve systems and services.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning to stay current on trends, funding, and best practices.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of PreK–12 education systems.
• Understanding of applicable state and federal regulations related to program requirements and grant management.
• Experience in program development, administration, and budgeting, including resource development, securing funding, and managing program operations.
• Ability to interpret data, evaluate program effectiveness, and recommend improvements or redesigns to services.
• Ability to manage multiple, deadline-driven projects, including grant and innovation proposal development.
• Skills in identifying needs, anticipating trends, and developing responsive programs aligned with district and student priorities.
• Strong leadership, supervision, and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication skills, including technical writing, presentations, facilitation, and training.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including school districts, community partners, and internal teams.
• Proficiency with technology tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and data analysis systems.
• Skills in planning and coordinating meetings, events, and conferences.
• Knowledge and application of continuous improvement practices in an educational setting.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and contribute effectively as part of a team.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in education, public administration, business, or a related field. Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in grant writing and the development and management of grant-funded programs and services. Experience in program development, project coordination, and managing multiple deadline-driven initiatives. Experience using data to inform decision-making, program improvement, and reporting. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed approximately seventy-five percent (80%) in an office environment and approximately twenty-five percent (20%) 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. This position may be telecommute-eligible per Policy 5225.

Hazards: Potential hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.  

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.