Arizona Department of Education

Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Section
Phoenix Location 

Salary: $68,000 - $74,800 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 08/13/25

• This position will function as a lead for a project management position for a variety of federal initiatives that are facilitated through upcoming contractual agreements and grants.
• Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Work with ESS Directors and other stakeholders in scoping, generating, and writing contracts for ESS projects that provide a variety of supplemental services for entities across the state
• Collaborate and communicate with ESS staff to provide clean, translatable budgets and expense reports in order for ESS Directors and staff to make effective decisions regarding their projects or programs
• Work with the procurement office to ensure that all contracts, RFPs, and any other required documentation are processed timely and accurately
• Create and present accountable results to ESS Directors and stakeholders regarding the effectiveness of both ESS Projects, and ESS Program Management initiatives, and services provided by Exceptional Student Services
• Collaborate with multiple units and lead small teams throughout the year
• Work with the Finance Director, DAS and other ESS specialists on federal reporting, allocations and applications for the IDEA grant

Knowledge in:
• Financial System
• Processing of contracts, agreements, and procurement
• Experience consulting and providing training to adult learners
• Applicants must have experience in procurement and contracts and working in fiscal/funding environments and information management systems.

Skills in:
• Project and task management
• Budgeting, procurement, and accounting
• Public Speaking
• Project performance tracking and writing
• Analysis and problem solving
• Group dynamics, facilitation, and interpersonal relationships
• Evaluation and monitoring
• Intermediate skills in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Ability to:
• Attention to Detail
• Multiple project management
• Collaborative work

• Preference will be given to those applicants with Procure AZ or Arizona Financial Information System (AFIS) and State and Federal Laws, including The Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

To submit your resume, click the "APPLY NOW" button below.

Having trouble applying for this position?

Call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.