What are the responsibilities and job description for the Federal Programs Director position at TN School for the Blind?
General Description:
The role of the Director of Federal Programs involves overseeing and managing federal grants and programs within the school district or educational institution. This position is crucial for ensuring compliance with federal regulations and effectively addressing the needs of students through funded programs. Provides district-wide support and leadership with a focus on effectively utilizing federal funds to enhance district/school improvement efforts and ensure academic achievement for all students.
Duties and Responsibilities:
· Oversee the application, implementation, and reporting of federal grants and programs, such as Title I & Title II, and other related funding sources. Ensure that all financial expenditures align with federal guidelines.
· Ensure that the school district adheres to federal regulations and guidelines, including accountability measures and reporting requirements. This includes conducting regular audits and evaluations of programs.
· Design, implement, and assess educational programs funded by federal grants, focusing on programs aimed at improving student achievement, providing professional development for staff, and addressing the needs of diverse student populations.
· Work collaboratively with other school administrators, teachers, and community stakeholders to identify needs and develop strategies for program enhancement. Engage with parents and community organizations to ensure that programs are effective and responsive.
· Prepare reports for stakeholders, including district leadership and federal agencies, to demonstrate the impact of federal programs.
· Provide training and support for staff on federal programs, compliance issues, and best practices for delivering effective educational services. Ensure that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to implement programs effectively.
· Develop and manage budgets for federal programs, ensuring that funds are allocated appropriately and spent in accordance with federal regulations.
· Advocate for the needs of the school district regarding federal funding and resources. Stay informed about new federal initiatives and policies that may impact funding opportunities and program development.
· Establish a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of federal programs in meeting educational goals and objectives. Use assessment data to make informed decisions about program improvements.
Other Functions
· Provide documents with auditors and answer questions regarding internal controls and compliance with laws and grant regulations.
· Collect and analyze data related to student performance and program effectiveness.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualification
· Valid Tennessee teacher license.
· Master’s degree and current valid Tennessee administrative license are required.
· Successful classroom teaching experience and successful administrative experience are required.
· A minimum of 5 years of successful classroom experience, preferably in a special education or inclusive setting, but not required.
· Experience in facilitating professional learning is preferred.
· Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
SKILLS to examine and explain grant rules and guidelines. Effectively conveying intricate compliance standards to stakeholders. Educating personnel about grant policies, reporting procedures, and documentation obligations. Drafting grant proposals to obtain financial support for educational projects and initiatives. The ability to remain flexible in dynamic circumstances, adjusting plans and strategies as necessary to accommodate changing needs or conditions. Proficiency in effectively communicating concepts and collaborating with different teams. Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
KNOWLEDGE of federal, state, and local grant regulations and compliance standards is necessary, as well as understanding the entire grant lifecycle, which encompasses application, implementation, monitoring, and reporting stages. In-depth understanding of effective accounting practices. Familiarity with how school districts operate, their funding systems, and education policies, along with effective methods for grant writing, management, and working with stakeholders.
ABILITY to analyze problems and provide strategic recommendations to improve the efficiency of grants. Ability to quickly adapt to changing regulations and policies. Able to work collaboratively with finance teams, programming staff, and external organizations. The ability to convey messages clearly, focus intently, and articulate information accurately. Grasping evidence-based teaching methods and their effective application within the program structure. Capability to guide teams, mentor employees, and motivate a collective vision that aligns with program objectives.
Additional Information:
- Selected applicants must verify experience/highest degree held.
- Direct deposit of paycheck on a 12-month schedule is required.
- TSB is a non-smoking facility in its entirety.
- The selected applicant must comply with the State of Tennessee Employee Drug-Free Workplace Policy, and other policies.
- As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), selected applicant must verify, within 72 hours of employment, his/her legal right to be employed in the United States.
- Selected applicants will be required to submit to and pass a TBI/FBI background check, to include Tennessee and Federal criminal history checks, child abuse records, employment verification, and professional/personal reference checks.
Benefits:
Benefits include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement pension, 401(k) match, employee assistance program, personal and sick leave (PTO) and more. A full listing of employee benefits can be found here Benefits & State Employee Discounts (tn.gov)
How To Apply:
State of Tennessee Employment Application (see TSB Career Opportunities webpage)
The following documents may be brought or mailed to TSB, as well as submitted via email to:
Mr. Richard Ray, Superintendent
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike Nashville, TN 37214
E-mail: richard.ray@tsbtigers.org
· Letter of Interest
· Current Resume
· 3 Professional References (Minimum 1 from a direct supervisor)
· Copy of Educator License
· Unofficial Copies of All Transcripts*
*An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this announcement.
Candidates with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats should contact the Superintendent’s Office at (615) 231-7316 no later than five days prior to their scheduled interview to facilitate reasonable accommodation. The State of Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer; Discrimination on the Basis of Age (Over 40), Race, Sex, Color, Religion, National Origin, Disabling Condition or any other Non-Merit Factor is Prohibited.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $6,477.00 - $6,860.70 per month
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $6,477 - $6,861