Education Manager

The State of Connecticut Department of Education (SDE) is recruiting for an Education Manager position.  This individual will provide supervision for the Child Nutrition Unit in the administration of the federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, Food Distribution Program, After-school snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Programs. This individual will provide direction and oversight to comply with obligations under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and related state and federal requirements.  This includes:  ensuring compliance with federal regulations by sponsors of the Child Nutrition Programs (school districts, residential child care institutions, child day care providers, etc.) developing and implementing related policies and procedures; interpreting and administering pertinent federal regulations and guidance and state statutes and policies; managing and evaluating staff; developing and maintaining partnerships with federal, state and local agencies and organizations to provide outreach, education/training and implementation of Child Nutrition Programs; overseeing fiscal and grant management functions including preparation and monitoring of spending plans and budgets and overseeing the processing of monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement for meals served; ensuring the accurate and timely submission of federal programmatic and financial reports; participating in agency strategic planning and implementation; providing expertise and consultation regarding state legislation and policies impacting Child Nutrition Programs; serve as the agency liaison to state task forces and councils.

*New State Employees start at minimum salary range.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Debra Paradis at debra.paradis@ct.gov or (860) 713-6695.

In the Department of Education this class functions as an assistant to a Division Director or Bureau Chief.

Directs the staff and operations of a unit within a Education division or bureau; coordinates, plans and manages unit activities; formulates unit goals and objectives which support educational initiatives and agency mission; assists in developing budget; maintains contact with individuals both within and outside of unit who might impact on educational program activities; assists in development of educational division or bureau policies and procedures and drafting of statutes and regulations; directs development of unit management systems to provide more effective functioning; directs complex research and planning activities; participates in total quality management and/or improvement activities; prepares comprehensive written or oral reports; evaluates staff; manages special projects assigned; may direct preparation of division or bureau strategic plan; may direct development and maintenance of performance measures and standards for all departmental functional units; may serve as assistant to the Division Director or Bureau Chief; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of philosophy and methods of education with emphasis on educational administration and management; knowledge of objectives and purposes of educational programs within area of specialty; knowledge of principles and techniques of budgetary preparation and fiscal management; knowledge of principles of professional management; knowledge of public school administration; ability to plan, organize and direct work of a large scale educational program; decision making ability; ability to prepare and present clear and concise written and oral reports; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with departmental professionals and administrators, administrative staff or higher education institutions, local school systems, other state and federal agencies, businesses, industry and labor; administrative ability.

An advanced degree and seven (7) years of professional experience in the field of education or related areas.

An appropriate combination of education and professional experience as determined by the Appointing Authority.

1) Master’s Degree in a related field;

2) Bachelor’s Degree in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, or nutrition education;

3) 10+ years successful and specific experience working in or directly with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition programs in a leadership, supervisory or management capacity;

4) 5+ years experience supervising, evaluating and managing staff;

5) Extensive relevant knowledge and experience in institutional food service operations, management, and/or nutrition programs and education;

6) Extensive experience and understanding of federal Child Nutrition Programs and the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010;

7) Considerable knowledge  and experience in preparing and monitoring of spending plans and budgets;

8) Considerable knowledge  and experience with federal and state contracting and procurement requirements and procedures;

9) Considerable experience in engaging partners, developing effective relationships and maintaining effective public and private partnerships to achieve program outcomes;

10) Demonstrated experience and ability to effectively develop and deliver presentations on complex topics to targeted audiences, stakeholders and in public forums;

11) Demonstrated Ability to work effectively and efficiently as a leader in a multi-tasked, large volume office;

12) Demonstrated Ability to manage multiple programs and competing priorities and projects;

13) Exceptional interpersonal skills, with demonstrated success navigating complex environments with multiple stakeholders, a wide array of divergent points of view, and the ability to build consensus and build /maintain productive working relationships.

Incumbents in this class in certain areas may be required to possess an appropriate certificate issued by the State Board of Education.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.