School Facilities Division (SFD)

This is a partially grant funded-position that offers the ability to work remotely, within Arizona,  with the requirement of regular travel to districts on or near Tribal Nations

Main Office Location: 100 N. 15th Ave, Suite 302, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: Up to $75,000.00 

Grade: 22

Open Until Filled  

The Arizona Department of Administration's - School Facilities Division (SFD) is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Liaison & Tribal Specialist. In November 2023, Arizona received a federal grant under the Supporting America's School Infrastructure (SASI) program to initiate The Arizona School Facilities Improvement (ASFI) Project. Over the next five years, this project aims to build state capacity to support traditional public-school districts or local education agencies (LEAs) with navigating complex school facilities needs and processes.

In this role, you will provide vital technical assistance and guidance to school districts, particularly those on or near Tribal Reservations in rural and remote areas. Your expertise will help in the preparation of applications, the development of efficient and cost-effective school designs, and the creation of multi-jurisdictional facilities. You will play a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity and timely completion of school facility projects. Additionally, you will engage with Tribal economic development agencies, provide customized training on the Arizona School Facilities Portal, and document best practices in school facilities management.

This position will also involve conducting consultations with tribal governments to build local capacity for maintaining and repairing school facilities, ensuring the health and safety of Native students attending Arizona public schools.

Join us in making a significant impact on the educational infrastructure for Arizona’s school districts and Tribal Nations.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Demonstrate a commitment to service excellence, innovation, student success, integrity, and diversity in the performance of job duties
• Provide technical assistance in preparing applications and developing school designs
• Guide preventive maintenance programs to extend building system lifespans
• Review design and construction drawings and initial review of financial reports
• Provide 1:1 training on the Arizona School Facilities Portal
• Assist school district users with Portal navigation issues
• Manage a portfolio of districts on or near Tribal Reservations
• Coordinate stakeholder forums for school districts on Tribal Nations
• Engage with Tribal economic development agencies to inform them of school facility policies
• Consult with school districts and Tribal Nations to identify and document best practices
• Collaborate with colleagues to offer technical assistance and outreach regarding facilities management
• Travel within the SFD service areas of Arizona Tribal partners to conduct training, attend meetings, and provide technical assistance as requested with minimal supervision
• Overnight stays are sometimes required
  

Knowledge of:

• Arizona Tribal Nations history, cultures, and governance structures
• School facilities and building renewal concepts
• Grants management

Skills in:

• Project and grant management skills
• Excellent communication; writing, telephone, webinar, and face-to-face
• Recommending and developing solutions
• Proficiency with Google Suite
• Influencing issue resolution

Ability to:

• Identify and analyze issues influencing SFD program-funded projects
• Learn other software as needed
  

• Experience working with school districts on or near Tribal Nations
• Experience with school facilities concepts
  

• Background and reference check, including a criminal records verification

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 Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
  

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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

• If you have any questions please feel free to contact Christopher Langseth at christopher.langseth@azdoa.gov for assistance
• The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer