• This position is responsible for supporting schools, Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and Johnson O'Malley (JOM) grantees that serve Native American students by building organizational capacity and providing technical assistance, professional development, and program support.
• The specialist supports school improvement efforts in accordance with state requirements, assists JOM grantees in the effective implementation of grant goals and objectives, and oversees Title VI application support by providing guidance, technical assistance, and support to applicants across Arizona.
• Through these efforts, the position strengthens the capacity of educators, school leaders, and program staff to effectively serve Native American students and support positive educational outcomes.
• Occasional local/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.
• Maintain communication, provide support and technical assistance for JOM grantees.
• Plan, develop, and implement capacity-building professional learning for Indian Education Committees, JOM coordinators, and staff supporting JOM students.
• Become familiar with the JOM Act, regulations, history, eligibility, objectives, and documents.
• Collaborate and build supportive relationships/partnerships within ADE to coordinate technical assistance, professional learning, monitoring, and alignment of resources for LEAs and schools to close the achievement gaps and increase student academic outcomes.
• Provide coordination and support for Title VI Indian Education activities at the state level.
• Serve as a liaison among LEAs, charter schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools, Tribal partners, and state and federal agencies.
• Disseminate information regarding Title VI programs and requirements.
• Coordinate technical assistance and training opportunities, and supports relationship-building efforts that promote educational success for American Indian and Alaska Native students.
• Collaborate and build supportive relationships with external stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.
Knowledge in:
• Native American education programs, including Johnson O'Malley (JOM) Program and Title VI Indian Education Program.
• Federal, state, and local policies, regulations, and requirements related to Native American education and grant-funded programs.
• Professional development design, adult learning principles, and technical assistance practices.
• Knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, Tribal governments, Native American cultures, and effective approaches for collaborating with Tribal communities and partners.
• School Improvement principles, educational systems, and strategies that support organization capacity-building and student success.
• Concepts of School Improvement - Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) and Improvement Action Plans (IAPs)
• Professional experience at the federal, state, tribal, or LEA level (including work at community-based organizations) related to education of elementary, middle or high school settings.
• A Bachelor degree in education, a related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.
Skills in:
• Strong inter-personal, relationship-building, communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with educators, school leaders, Tribal partners, state and federal agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance, coaching, facilitation, and professional learning to diverse audiences.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and develop guidance materials, presentations, and correspondence.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives, trainings, and stakeholder engagements simultaneously.
• Data analysis and problem-solving skills to identify needs, monitor progress, and support program implementation.
• Use of technology and virtual platforms to facilitate meetings, training sessions, communication, and resource sharing.
• Team collaboration: establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships.
• Articulate and support the goals of the department to staff and external entities.
• Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to:
• Plan, develop, coordinate, and evaluate technical assistance, professional learning, and capacity-building activities.
• Work independently, prioritize competing responsibilities, and manage projects with minimal supervision.
• Analyze complex information and provide practical recommendations and support to stakeholders.
• Engage diverse audiences with cultural responsiveness, professionalism, and respect.
• Travel throughout Arizona to provide on-site support, professional learning, and program monitoring, as needed.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by fostering collaboration, resource alignment, and effective program implementation.
Preference will be given to those applicants with:
• Master's degree in education or a related field
• Principal/District leadership experience
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 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.