Idaho Indian Education Director

Posting Begin Date: 2024/04/26

Posting End Date: 2024/05/10

Category: Education

Sub Category: K-12

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Boise, ID, United States

Minimum Salary: 42.50

Maximum Salary: 45.00

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Description

Idaho Department of Education

This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.

The Idaho Indian Education Director will lead the State Department of Education’s Office of Indian Education. The Office of Indian Education serves as the department expert for planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating opportunities to provide an inclusive educational landscape and intensify efforts to minimize the opportunity achievement gaps for tribal students in K-12 and higher education in Idaho.

The director actively assists the State Department and the Superintendent of Public Instruction in advancing initiatives to enhance academic achievement levels for Idaho’s Native American students. This role also supports the State Board of Education, as the State Education Agency (SEA), in staffing its standing Indian Education Committee and being a primary advisor to the Superintendent and Board members on tribal education issues.

This role would also coordinate with other staff in the Department and state government who work with at-risk populations and ensure alignment in policy and other initiatives.

The director fosters continuous communication with tribal, local, state, and federal entities to promote awareness and implement best practices that contribute to a well-rounded and comprehensive relevant education for Idaho’s Indian students.

This is a full-time position serving under an appointment of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Primary policy advisor to the Superintendent and State Board of Education members on issues related to supporting tribal students across Idaho.

· Serve as Idaho state government’s education representative with our tribal partners.

· Facilitate strategic alliances and foster collaboration among the Tribal Education Departments, LEAs, the SDE, and the SEA.

· Inter-governmental work, liaising and providing regular reports to tribal councils, LEAs and other entities.

· Maintains timely and effective communication with staff, SEA, community members, tribal councils, LEAs, post-secondary institutions, and others to accomplish department objectives and preserve positive public relations.

· Work in partnership with tribal education departments, along with local, state, and national educational organizations to address the education needs of tribal communities.

· Conducts semi-annual meetings with the five tribal councils and TED staff.

· Ensure that Idaho’s K-12 and post-secondary initiatives work for Idaho’s tribal students.

· Conduct data analysis and reporting of academic achievements of Idaho’s tribal students, with a Kindergarten through post-secondary focus.

· Identify, implement, and champion optimal pedagogical practices for Idaho’s tribal students.

· Be the point of contact for the State Department and State Board (SEA) in coordinating state efforts to support the five-year STEP Grant.

· Administer and monitor the Johnson-O’Malley (JOM) Program.

· Provide primary administrative support to Indian Education Committee including new committee member appointments.

· Plan, coordinate, and execute the annual Indian Education Summit.

· Collaborate with Elementary and Secondary Education Act teams in technical assistance for districts serving Native American Students.

· Coordinator with SDE departments to respond to public requests or other information and data for the office of Indian Education.

· Coordinates with other Department and state staff who work with at-risk student populations and ensure policy and initiative alignment.

· Perform additional work duties and activities in accordance with SDE and SEA initiatives.

· Direct and participate in the implementation of mandated programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

· Minimum of five years in a leadership role, particularly in the field of American Indian education or a related area.

· Extensive knowledge, understanding, and experience of collaborating and maintaining professional relationships with the leadership, departments, and programs of the five federally recognized tribes of Idaho.

· Extensive experience building strong inter-relationships with the tribal communities of Idaho.

· Good knowledge of and ability to interpret state and federal laws, policies, and procedures that relate to American Indian education.

· Some experience with K-12 and post-secondary education including curriculum, assessments, programs, trends, rules, and laws.

· Some experience interpreting and explaining educational data.

· Extensive experience effectively communicating information in a variety of formats and to diverse audiences at the tribal, local, state, and national levels.

· Some experience writing and editing a variety of forms, reports, and informational materials.

· Some experience interpreting government documents.

· Extensive experience working effectively in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

· Extensive experience communicating information clearly and concisely, particularly across differing cultures.

· Some experience speaking before groups.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Master's degree in education, school administration/leadership, or related fields.

· Certifications or training related to education policies, tribal relations, or program management.

· Demonstrated experience with cultural competence and sensitivity fostering inclusivity in educational programs.

· Extensive experience managing multiple projects and programs in a fast-paced environment.

· Some knowledge of grant administration, finance, and budgeting.

· Good knowledge of emerging trends and innovative practices in K-12 education

· Some experience with leadership and/or management, strategic thinking, and accountability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (with or without accommodation)

· Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time.

· Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, and kneeling.

· Occasional lifting may be required, frequently less than 5 lb, but may be up to 20 lb.

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

This position requires approximately 50% travel time throughout the state/nation for training and monitoring, JOM program activities, conferences, meetings, and tribal consultations.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency.

Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application.

Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted.

EEO/ADA/VETERAN:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email[email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.