Coordinator of Federal, State, and Strategic Programs

Position Title: Coordinator of Federal, State, and Strategic Programs

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification: Classified Amount of Travel: Minimal

Job Status: Full-Time Level: District Administration Non-licensed Coordinator

Work Schedule: 245 Days Date Created: May 2023

Salary Range: $59,120.68 to $87,016.69

Position Summary: The North Little Rock School District (NLRSD) is seeking exceptional applications for the leadership position of Coordinator of Federal, State, and Strategic Programs. This newly reorganized role is responsible for the direct support to schools in providing leadership, direction, and guidance over all federal, state, and strategic programs. Works collaboratively with the Director of School Effectiveness and Literacy Enforcement as directed by the Office of School Performance and the Chief Financial Officer to oversee the development of comprehensive program plans, implementation of planned programs, and monitoring budgets in accordance with established federal, state, and local policies and regulations. Ensures compliance with all state and federal laws, Arkansas Department of Education Rules and Regulations, and North Little Rock School Board of Education policies and regulations when applicable, and oversees all federal and state programs. Advises executive leadership on opportunities and grants that align with new strategic initiatives and programs. Through a lens of equity, structures, culture, and leadership, it provides support to elementary, secondary, and alternative schools with a focus on improved student performance and building the professional capacity of school-based leaders and classroom teachers.

Essential Functions: The following duties are representative of performance expectations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Coordinator of Federal, State, and Strategic Programs responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as a member of the Chief Financial Officer’s leadership team.
• Will establish federal and state program budgets, monitor school budgets, and monitor school purchases.
• Assist the Office of School Performance and the Director of School Effectiveness and Literacy Enforcement with completing federal and state program descriptions and budgets in Indistar software.
• Assist in writing grants aligned to strategic programs and initiatives to support the improved performance and effectiveness of all schools across the district.
• Provides focus and direction for the district’s federal, and state grants programs and utilization.
• Informs, interprets, and recommends the effects of current and impending federal and state legislation.
• Plans with professional staff in the utilization of funds available to the schools through the various federal and state programs.
• Makes routine visits to schools with the Director of School Effectiveness and Literacy Enforcement to provide input and give feedback on the alignment of resources to the school improvement plan.
• Prepares an annual report for the Board of Education summarizing the Federal and State Programs.
• Conducts staff development on federal and state laws and procedures for principals, assistant principals, and other staff as needed.
• Provides professional development opportunities in consultation with the Director of School Effectiveness and Literacy Enforcement; advises and consults with staff.
• Stays current on all guidelines, requirements, and procedures for submitting state and federal funding.
• Provides current reports regarding federal and state funding to the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and Chief Financial Officer as they become available.
• Monitors implementation of projects as outlined in project timelines and provides monthly summary reports to the Office of School Performance and the Chief Financial Officer.
• Update Local Education Agency (LEA) School Improvement Plans to ensure all goals and objectives meet federal and state guidelines and are aligned with the academic needs of students in the district.
• Attends all federal and state program training institutes as needed or recommended.
• Develops, monitors, and coordinates all federal and state budgets and budgetary reports, as well as the filing of these reports on a timely basis with the appropriate granting agencies.
• Participates in the annual budget development activities for federal, state, and district programs.
• Administers budgets and ensures that programs are cost-effective and funds are managed prudently.
• Monitors and tracks expenditures of state and federal-funded projects for accuracy and compliance.
• Acts as a liaison among central office, schools, and other appropriate personnel in the coordination of all state and federal resources to ensure student academic needs are met.
• Assist the Office of School Performance and the Director of School Effectiveness and Literacy Enforcement with the completion of the annual school improvement application and program evaluation and with recommending change as needed to improve the program.
• Evaluates all federal legislation, projects, and programs for grant, entitlement, and allocation opportunities relevant to the needs of the district.
• Assist the Office of School Performance and the Director of School Effectiveness and Literacy Enforcement with drafting project proposals and reports, including the writing and development of program goals, objectives, and budgets for federal funding of programs.
• Assist the Office of School Performance and the Director of School Effectiveness and Literacy Enforcement with Preparing and submitting standard applications for federal funds.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours and as needed.
• Perform other related work as required and directed by the Chief Financial Officer.

Competencies:

• Comprehensive knowledge of school-based administration; comprehensive knowledge of school district outcomes, procedures, and organization.
• Ability to effectively direct, plan, implement, and evaluate programs in a school-based environment.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build partnerships, lead people and provide direction.
• Knowledge of federal and state accountability systems and Indistar, the state’s federal program submission system.
• Ability to interpret policy and procedures and a background in budget and finance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and the public from diverse cultural, social, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas and experience.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as software applications relevant to the area of responsibility, such as eFinance and Cognos.
• Excellent time management skills, project management skills, and ability to prioritize work.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between in-person work environments.
• Ability to demonstrate strong internal and external support for the NLRSD.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of all facets of public school operations.
• Knowledge and understanding of the change process, organizational development, conflict resolution, and facilitation skills.
• Highly effective organizational and consensus-building skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures of the NLRSD.
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Formal education is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree or higher, but other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements; prefer CASBO certification.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in accounting, financial management, or a related area. Knowledge and understanding of the Arkansas Public School Financial Handbook, SIS (State Information System), and COGNOS Reporting System. Supervisory experience in finance is preferred—proficiency in Arkansas Public School Computer Network (APSCN) eFinance 20.11 Fund Accounting Module.
• Experience working in a highly collaborative environment where teamwork, creative problem-solving, and self-motivation are necessary for success.
• Experienced leadership in an urban school district is preferred.
• Experience with the State’s Indistar reporting system.

Skills and Abilities Required: The following characteristics and physical skills are important for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Empathy and Commitment to Cause:

• Deep commitment to improving student achievement.
• Passionately believes that all students can achieve at high levels.
• Demonstrates cultural competence, equity, and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing minority and economically disadvantaged families and students requiring special services.

Problem-Solving and Systems Thinking:

• Understands how various systems and departments interact to achieve district goals.
• Makes decisions using data and technology.
• Takes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-in.
• Identifies and prioritizes mission-critical issues with alignment of people, time, and resources.
• Offer innovative solutions to seemingly intractable challenges.
• Exhibits strong focus on goals and results. Sets clear metrics for success.
• Removes barriers or obstacles that make it difficult for employees to achieve their goals

and ensures that school leaders have the resources they need to succeed.

• Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to

detail, organizational skills, ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach

the end goal, and ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Leadership Skills:

• Motivates, inspires and moves other adults to action to achieve ambitious goals.
• Skilled at re-envisioning, building, and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person’s skills and contribution to the team effort.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups.
• Moves groups to consensus and resolves conflicts. Exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.
• Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups.
• Establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Sets clear agendas and facilitates effective meetings.
• Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill sets.
• Exhibits transformational and servant leadership characteristics in daily work.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other tasks and assume other roles and responsibilities as directed by the Chief Financial Officer.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily conducted in an office or school setting. Prolonged stationary work and attention to desk or computer tasks are required. This position is cognitively demanding and requires exceptionally well-developed professional social skills and communication skills. Movement in and about schools and office buildings/grounds is a frequent requirement, and ability to carry or lift items 75 lbs. or less.