The Specialist provides leadership, supervision, and direction for both the continuous improvement process and state and federal programs. For both areas of responsibility, the Specialist closely collaborates with school administrators, staff, and stakeholders to effectively and equitably develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate programs and systems to improve student learning and staff outcomes. The Specialist will work in alignment with the district vision: Lead with respect, trust, and courage. Ensure an equitable, collaborative, and inclusive culture. Enable all to achieve success.

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  Lead and oversee all aspects of state and federal programs and grants including but not limited to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs, activities, and budgets for Title IA, Title ID, Title IIA, Title III, Title IVA, Section 31a, Section 31n, ESSER, 35a(5), and additional grants the district may receive.
• Enact systems for planning, implementation, and monitoring programs, activities, and budgets in alignment with district goals and vision, equity for all, continuous improvement goals and process, and multi-tiered system of supports framework
• Ensure compliance with all related federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and local policies and guidelines
• Maintain all records required for monitoring, evaluation, and auditing of programs
• Monitor the time and effort reports/PARS, work certifications, and other required documentation for all grant-funded employees
• Collaborate closely with the business office staff through all phases of work to ensure the fiscal integrity of program funds in compliance with regulations governing expenditures
• Utilize state systems such as MEGS+, NexSys, and GEMS MARS for grant application, monitoring, evaluation, and compliance
• Represent the district at meetings related to state and federal programs
• Prepare reports for the purpose of providing information to the superintendent group, other staff, and the public and/or complying with regulatory requirements and budgets
• Stays current on relevant state and federal trends and requirements.

• Lead and oversee the district’s implementation of the Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process (MICIP) including but not limited to planning, implementation, monitoring, adjustment, and evaluation.
• Lead with a whole child perspective and a focus on improving student outcomes
• Support the district in aligning and integrating continuous improvement, MTSS, and the equity strategy through a systems approach to increase equity and improve student and staff outcomes
• Utilize data analysis, action research, implementation science, and other research-based practices to continue developing and improving the districts processes and systems
• Fosters positive and impactful relationships with all staff, students, families, and school community members
• Lead and facilitate district teams engaged in continuous improvement
• Provide guidance and support to school teams engaged in continuous improvement
• Utilize state systems such as the MICIP platform, MEGS+, NexSys, and GEMS MARS to accomplish work-related to continuous improvement including planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and compliance
• Prepare reports for the purpose of providing information to the superintendent group, other staff, and the public regarding continuous improvement.
• Represent the district at meetings and workshops related to continuous improvement
• Coordinate and lead the district English Learner Program and services.
• Coordinate and lead the district Immigrant Student Support Program.
• Oversee the district’s McKinney Vento Program and collaborate with the district enrollment specialist to support students experiencing homelessness or foster care.
• Participate and/or facilitate various district and school-level teams as requested.
• Provide leadership and oversight for processes related to state and local assessments and data collection, analysis, and utilization; and collaborate closely with the Data and Assessment Specialist.
• Other projects and tasks as assigned.

Required Skill Sets and Knowledge Base

• Possess knowledge of Title I, II, III, and IV, ESSER, ESSA Legislation, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and other guidance and regulations related to special populations.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in supporting Special Populations
• Demonstrated commitment to outcome-based accountability, data-informed decision-making, and continuous adult learning as drivers of improved student outcomes
• Strong service and support orientation towards schools and school communities
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and to elevating student voice in all facets of work
• Commitment to being open-minded, principled, caring, reflective, an inquirer, and a thinker
• Knowledge of implementation science, systems thinking and approaches, and change management theory coupled with a strong ability to make the work practical and real
• Commitment to work collaboratively with school principals, district administration, staff, students, and other members of the school community to share in accountability for student-level outcomes
• Demonstrated consultation, training, coaching, and group facilitation skills
• Strong analytical skills including knowledge of all data types
• Strong technical capacity to learn new computer applications and integrate into daily work
• Strong interpersonal skills to navigate diverse cultural environments and various team structures
• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills and presentation skills
• Ability to systematically manage a wide range of priorities in time-constrained contexts

Certification:

Must hold a valid Michigan School Teaching Certificate; Administratior Certificate perferred

Educational Background:

A bachelor's degree is required.