Education Consultant

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is currently recruiting for an Education Consultant in the Office of Strategic Planning and Partnerships (OSPP).  In the Greater Hartford Region, the state manages a comprehensive program of voluntary integration choice options pursuant to the Sheff v. O’Neill case that serve the educational interests of over 20,000 students. As part of that program, the CSDE maintains a Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) that manages one of the most comprehensive and intricate application and placement lotteries in the country and operates a parent information center as an information hub for families interested in school choice opportunities. The CSDE’s oversight extends beyond the Greater Hartford Region to the entire state through its school choice programming office.

The Education Consultant will support the office in a variety of financial and education-related duties such as:

• Producing and creating financial reports summarizing appropriation and grant budgets totaling over $500 million.
• Tracking contracts and budget expenditures;
• Issuing RFP’s and managing the RFP process;
• Communicating with grant applicants and school choice operators;
• Managing several education grant programs administered by the office; and
• The incumbent will also be responsible for collaborating with other members of the OSPP team in assisting districts and magnet school operators across Connecticut in the administration of the State’s Open Choice and Magnet School programs.

This position is located at the State of Connecticut office building at 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford.  This is a 35-hour position that operates Monday-Friday.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has permanent state status* and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualifications for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the hiring agency. However, there are no attachments required at the time of application.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE NOTE: Please note that the SPECIAL REQUIREMENT listed at the end of the job announcement for an appropriate certificate issued by the State Board of Education is NOT required for this position.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, the Bureau of Human Resources is unable to provide confirmation of receipt and/or the status of applications during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.  For all other inquiries, please contact Kim Barberi at kim.barberi@ct.gov.

In the Department of Education, plans and executes programs of extensive difficulty and scope for the improvement of education in the State; does related work as required.

Assists a Bureau Chief in supervising the broad educational programs and services offered by the State; develops and administers specific programs of major importance within the framework of policies outlined by the Bureau Chief; provides professional leadership and guidance to school authorities, professional organizations, students and various community groups and individuals; may assist in preparing and administering the allocated budget, and in directing the routine functioning of the bureau.

Thorough knowledge of the philosophy and methods of education with particular reference to the field concerned; teaching skill; considerable ability to deal effectively with others; considerable administrative ability; ability to prepare comprehensive written reports.

An earned advanced degree and eight (8) years of professional experience OR in lieu thereof an equivalent combination of experience and training as approved by the Board of Education.

Preference Experience and Training:

• Thorough knowledge of public sector accounting, finance, grant accounting and budgeting, along with all applicable laws and procedures;
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience creating reports summarizing budgets, expenditure and EOY balances, analyzing financial information and producing reports for communicating analysis results, and producing comprehensive and accurate forecasts;
• Experience working with programs in the areas of education and/or higher education;
• Experience working with state or federal grants;
• Extensive experience in the use of CORE-CT;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Familiarity with the RFP process and state contracting procedures; and
• Demonstrated skills in oral and written communication, and project management.

Must hold an appropriate certificate issued by 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.