Education Program Consultant (Charter School Program Co-Director)

Education Program Consultant (Charter School Program Co-Director)

Salary

$68,057.60 - $105,206.40 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-01160

Agency

282 Iowa Department of Education

Opening Date

10/22/2026

Closing Date

11/5/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

idoe.hr@iowa.gov

To Apply

To ensure full consideration for this position, all requested materials must be completed and uploaded through the NEOGOV online application process.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Education's mission is ensuring all students experience a world-class education. To accomplish this mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to build an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

The Education Program Consultant - Iowa Charter School Program (I-CSP) provides statewide leadership, coordination, and operational oversight to support the effective implementation of Iowa's federal Charter School Program grant. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Project Director (Co-PD), this position plays a critical role in strengthening high-quality charter school authorization, monitoring, and continuous improvement practices across the state. This consultant leads key administrative and grant management functions, including budgeting, evaluation, and reporting; supports professional learning and technical assistance; and fosters collaboration among charter schools, districts, and community partners. A central focus of this role is advancing high-quality, equitable educational opportunities through strong charter oversight, evidence-based practices, and alignment with state strategic priorities.

Your Responsibilities:

Grant Coordination and Leadership

• Facilitate communication and collaboration across grant-related teams to ensure clarity of roles, responsibilities, and timelines.
• Promote efficient workflow, accountability, and alignment of activities with grant goals and federal expectations.
• Coordinate meetings and activities with internal and external partners, including federal and state stakeholders.

Administrative and Fiscal Management

• Manage grant operations, including budgeting, expenditures, procurement, and compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Monitor progress toward deliverables and maintain documentation for reporting and audit purposes.
• Support cost allocation, contract development, and monitoring of grant-funded activities.

Evaluation and Reporting

• Oversee project evaluation processes and ensure timely, accurate reporting to the U.S. Department of Education.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize program data to support continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with evaluation partners to establish meaningful performance measures and communicate outcomes.

Charter Authorization and Monitoring

• Establish, refine, and implement effective charter authorization and monitoring practices aligned with Iowa Code and national best practices.
• Strengthen charter application, review, and renewal processes to incorporate I-CSP expectations and high standards of quality.
• Conduct rigorous application and renewal reviews to ensure performance, compliance, and accountability.
• Develop and implement Iowa's High-Quality Monitoring Review process for charter renewals and closures.
• Manage I-CSP grant contracts and ensure alignment between contractual obligations and program goals.

Professional Development and Technical Assistance

• Design and deliver research-based professional learning and technical assistance to support charter school quality, sustainability, and compliance.
• Collaborate with the Iowa Coalition as the professional development partner to ensure coherent and aligned supports.
• Establish and maintain the Iowa Charter School Network to promote ongoing, needs-based support.
• Foster peer collaboration among charter schools and between charter and traditional public schools.

Strengthen family and community engagement to support equitable and inclusive learning environments.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A successful candidate will bring, or have the ability and desire to learn:

• Experience in grant administration, budgeting, and federal reporting.
• Knowledge of charter school authorization, monitoring, and accountability systems.
• Strong project management, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze data and use findings to guide program improvement.
• Experience designing and delivering professional learning.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including state agencies, school leaders, families, and community partners.
• Knowledge of education policy, compliance, and continuous improvement frameworks.

Candidates are encouraged to include detailed information about their relevant experience in their application or submit a cover letter and resume.

If you wish to review a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, please contact idoe.hr@iowa.gov.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday; some nights and weekends, occasional in-state and out-of-state travel

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities
• Collaborative, positive work environment
• Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow
• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country
• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors
• Competitive salary and benefits package:

https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/employment/Benefits_Beyond_the_Paycheck.pdf

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E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in any one or a combination of the following areas:

a. Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting;

b. Professional administrative experience in an educational setting;

c. Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements;

d. Professional experience in a major technical program area housed within the Iowa Department of Education;

e. Professional data integration, data analysis, and statistical analysis experience;

f. Professional communications experience, including public relations, marketing, or journalism; or

g. Professional school safety and emergency preparedness experience.

2) A combination of a total of five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited post-graduate college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience.

3) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree, possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution.

4) Possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree, or Higher? IF YES, how many years do you have of full-time postgraduate work experience in any one or a combination of the following areas: a. Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting; b. Professional administrative experience in an educational setting; c. Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements; d. Professional experience in a major technical program area housed within the Iowa Department of Education; e. Professional data integration, data analysis, and statistical analysis experience; f. Professional communications experience, including public relations, marketing, or journalism; or g. Professional school safety and emergency preparedness experience.

• Not applicable - I do not have a Bachelors Degree or higher with the identified areas
• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than two years of experience in the identified areas
• Two years to less than four years of experience in the identified areas.
• Four to less than five years of experience in the identified areas.
• Five or more years of experience in the identified areas

04

How many years do you have of a combination of post-graduate education and full-time experience (as described in number one, a-g), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited post-graduate college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience

• Not applicable - I do not have a post-graduate education with the experience in the identified areas.
• No post-graduate education or experience in the identified area
• Less than two years of post-graduate education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Two years to less than four years of post-graduate education and/or experience in the identified areas.
• Four years to less than five years of post-graduate education and/or experience in the identified areas.
• Five or more years of post-graduate education and/or experience in the identified areas

05

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Masters degree, or higher and have a valid possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate? IF YES, how many years do you have of full-time teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution?

• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than one year of experience in the identified areas
• One years to less than Three years of experience in the identified areas.
• Three or more years of experience in the identified areas

06

Do you have possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements?

• Yes - I have the possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and have the seven years of professional work identified
• No - I do not have the possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and the seven years of professional work identified

07

Do you have, or have had, a BoEE License?

• Yes
• No

08

Has there been probable cause, suspension, revocation or disciplinary action taken against you?

• Yes
• No

09

If any of the above apply to you, please describe:

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 282 Iowa Department of Education Address Grimes State Office Building

400 E 14th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://www.educateiowa.gov/