Alabama State Department of Education
Executive Director of Federal Programs
Alabama State Department of Education, Montgomery, Alabama, United States, 36117
Job Title
Qualifications: Current Alabama Teacher's Certification, Master's Degree or higher, with an endorsement in administration K-12. Three years of successful experience in a certificated position. Prior school administrative experience preferred. Essential Duties: Assists the Chief Academic Officer, Academics & Accountability staff, and school-based administrators in planning the wise utilization of funds available to the schools through the various federal programs. Directs and oversees activities associated with all federal programs available to the district, including charter and private schools. Keeps abreast of federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including student enrollment, and appropriately leads, trains, and communicates such to Executive Directors, school-based administrators, student support services, staff, and other stakeholders. Prepares and maintains budgets for all federal program fund sources including Title 1, 2, 3, and 4, local school, administrative set-aside, and competitive grant budgets. Works collaboratively with ALSDE Federal Programs, Custodian of Funds, and MPS Finance staff to ensure compliance with accounting laws and procedures. Prepares or oversees the preparation and timely submission of all required reports, proposals, plans, and compliance documents, and maintains records as required. Ensures the completion of required e-GAP applications, internal and external program evaluations and needs assessments. Coordinates plans for the utilization of funds and delivery of services, including the development of district wide school improvement goals and objectives consistent with the system and participating private school priorities. Supervises assigned personnel, conducts annual performance appraisals, and makes recommendations for appropriate employment actions. Trains and serves as advisor to principals and other program heads in the appropriate utilization and management of federal funds. Provides leadership in parent and community involvement to support increased student achievement. Recommends local and state policies in support of NCLB requirements. Attends local, state, and national conferences, training sessions, and workshops as appropriate to keep abreast of compliance and legal issues, and best practices. Leads and serves on system, state, and community committees as required or appropriate. Leads, trains, and oversees the process for processing and verifying Federal/State Reports using office software programs to increase efficiency in correspondence, communication and meeting deadlines. Works collaboratively with other department heads to implement NCLB Highly Qualified Teacher requirements, Public School Choice Requirements, Parents' Right to Know, and School Accountability and Student Assessment requirements. Studies all federal legislation, and programs for the possibilities they offer for educational grants, entitlements, and allocations offered relevant to the needs of the district. Informs, interprets, and recommends to the superintendent the effects of current and impending federal legislation. Considers and evaluates all requests from school personnel for projects and programs requiring federal money. Conducts in-service education workshops in the writing of performance objectives, the drafting of school improvement proposals, and the interpretation of specifications for federal funding. Evaluates all federally funded projects in the district regularly. Establish a positive relationship with parents, co-workers, volunteers, and other visitors. Performance Metrics and Evaluation: The performance of the Executive Director of Federal Programs will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent or designee, based on the successful administration, oversight, and impact of federal programs, as measured by the following minimum key performance indicators: 1. Compliance and Reporting Ensure on-time submission of all required federal and state reports, including e-GAP applications, plans, evaluations, and documentation. Maintain full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines, resulting in zero major audit findings or financial penalties during state or federal reviews. 2. Fiscal Management Monitor and manage all federal program budgets (Title I, II, III, IV, competitive grants, etc.) with 90% or greater accuracy in forecasting, allocations, and expenditure tracking. Ensure that 90% of expenditures align with approved budgets, plans, and allowable uses under federal law. Maintain documentation of all transactions and compliance records for audit readiness. 3. Grant Oversight and Strategic Alignment Annually identify and pursue at least two new grant opportunities aligned with district priorities. Coordinate districtwide school improvement planning with a focus on measurable academic and equity outcomes supported by federal funding. Align all federal programs to the district's strategic plan and priorities, with documented impact on student services and achievement. 4. Training and Technical Assistance Provide quarterly training and technical assistance to principals, program heads, and school-based staff on the appropriate use of federal funds. Ensure that 100% of school-based leaders understand key federal compliance requirements, with documented sign-offs or evaluations after each session. 5. Cross-Departmental Collaboration Lead or co-lead monthly planning sessions with Academic Affairs, Student Support Services, Finance, and other departments to ensure coordination of federally supported initiatives. Support Human Resources in implementing federal requirements related to teacher qualifications and professional development. 6. Program Impact and Evaluation Conduct annual evaluations of federally funded programs, using data to drive decisions and improve service delivery. Present semi-annual progress reports to the Superintendent and/or Board, summarizing the use of federal funds, program effectiveness, and areas for improvement. 7. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Facilitate at least two parent and community involvement sessions annually, specifically related to Title I and federally funded supports. Respond to all program-related inquiries from schools, parents, and external partners within 72 business hours, with tracking documentation.
Qualifications: Current Alabama Teacher's Certification, Master's Degree or higher, with an endorsement in administration K-12. Three years of successful experience in a certificated position. Prior school administrative experience preferred. Essential Duties: Assists the Chief Academic Officer, Academics & Accountability staff, and school-based administrators in planning the wise utilization of funds available to the schools through the various federal programs. Directs and oversees activities associated with all federal programs available to the district, including charter and private schools. Keeps abreast of federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including student enrollment, and appropriately leads, trains, and communicates such to Executive Directors, school-based administrators, student support services, staff, and other stakeholders. Prepares and maintains budgets for all federal program fund sources including Title 1, 2, 3, and 4, local school, administrative set-aside, and competitive grant budgets. Works collaboratively with ALSDE Federal Programs, Custodian of Funds, and MPS Finance staff to ensure compliance with accounting laws and procedures. Prepares or oversees the preparation and timely submission of all required reports, proposals, plans, and compliance documents, and maintains records as required. Ensures the completion of required e-GAP applications, internal and external program evaluations and needs assessments. Coordinates plans for the utilization of funds and delivery of services, including the development of district wide school improvement goals and objectives consistent with the system and participating private school priorities. Supervises assigned personnel, conducts annual performance appraisals, and makes recommendations for appropriate employment actions. Trains and serves as advisor to principals and other program heads in the appropriate utilization and management of federal funds. Provides leadership in parent and community involvement to support increased student achievement. Recommends local and state policies in support of NCLB requirements. Attends local, state, and national conferences, training sessions, and workshops as appropriate to keep abreast of compliance and legal issues, and best practices. Leads and serves on system, state, and community committees as required or appropriate. Leads, trains, and oversees the process for processing and verifying Federal/State Reports using office software programs to increase efficiency in correspondence, communication and meeting deadlines. Works collaboratively with other department heads to implement NCLB Highly Qualified Teacher requirements, Public School Choice Requirements, Parents' Right to Know, and School Accountability and Student Assessment requirements. Studies all federal legislation, and programs for the possibilities they offer for educational grants, entitlements, and allocations offered relevant to the needs of the district. Informs, interprets, and recommends to the superintendent the effects of current and impending federal legislation. Considers and evaluates all requests from school personnel for projects and programs requiring federal money. Conducts in-service education workshops in the writing of performance objectives, the drafting of school improvement proposals, and the interpretation of specifications for federal funding. Evaluates all federally funded projects in the district regularly. Establish a positive relationship with parents, co-workers, volunteers, and other visitors. Performance Metrics and Evaluation: The performance of the Executive Director of Federal Programs will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent or designee, based on the successful administration, oversight, and impact of federal programs, as measured by the following minimum key performance indicators: 1. Compliance and Reporting Ensure on-time submission of all required federal and state reports, including e-GAP applications, plans, evaluations, and documentation. Maintain full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines, resulting in zero major audit findings or financial penalties during state or federal reviews. 2. Fiscal Management Monitor and manage all federal program budgets (Title I, II, III, IV, competitive grants, etc.) with 90% or greater accuracy in forecasting, allocations, and expenditure tracking. Ensure that 90% of expenditures align with approved budgets, plans, and allowable uses under federal law. Maintain documentation of all transactions and compliance records for audit readiness. 3. Grant Oversight and Strategic Alignment Annually identify and pursue at least two new grant opportunities aligned with district priorities. Coordinate districtwide school improvement planning with a focus on measurable academic and equity outcomes supported by federal funding. Align all federal programs to the district's strategic plan and priorities, with documented impact on student services and achievement. 4. Training and Technical Assistance Provide quarterly training and technical assistance to principals, program heads, and school-based staff on the appropriate use of federal funds. Ensure that 100% of school-based leaders understand key federal compliance requirements, with documented sign-offs or evaluations after each session. 5. Cross-Departmental Collaboration Lead or co-lead monthly planning sessions with Academic Affairs, Student Support Services, Finance, and other departments to ensure coordination of federally supported initiatives. Support Human Resources in implementing federal requirements related to teacher qualifications and professional development. 6. Program Impact and Evaluation Conduct annual evaluations of federally funded programs, using data to drive decisions and improve service delivery. Present semi-annual progress reports to the Superintendent and/or Board, summarizing the use of federal funds, program effectiveness, and areas for improvement. 7. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Facilitate at least two parent and community involvement sessions annually, specifically related to Title I and federally funded supports. Respond to all program-related inquiries from schools, parents, and external partners within 72 business hours, with tracking documentation.