Arizona Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education's mission is to advance equity and excellence for all students by serving school leaders, educators and staff, collaborating with communities, and leading with data-driven best practices. Our vision is equity for all students to achieve their full potential!

Phoenix or Flagstaff Location

Salary: $70,000 - $74,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: Open until filled  

• The Tribal Liaison and Policy Coordinator will support the implementation of the Office of Indian Education (OIE) strategic work plan, collaborating closely with the Associate Superintendent of EDI, OIE staff, and internal and external stakeholders
• In-state and out-of-state travel is required for this position.

• Collaborate with ADE policy unit and colleagues to understand and inform EDI, OIE and external stakeholders of legislative, budget, and other state and federal policy developments impacting/influencing OIE's strategic plan and implementation efforts
• Advise ADE leadership and staff on the topics of Tribal governance structures and education policies and programs and the intersection with state policy relevant to agency operations or administration of state statute, the agency's strategic plan, and OIE's strategic plan
• Provide policy and program guidance to Tribal Nations, ADE staff, ad other relevant stakeholders on the impact of new or amended laws, programs, and appropriations
• Prepare and provide presentations to update all relevant stakeholders
• Establish and maintain relationships and communication protocols through government-to-government engagement with local Arizona's 22 Tribal Nations
• Serves as a representative of ADE in relationships with the Tribal governments and other Indigenous stakeholders
• Affirm and strengthen ADE's commitment to Native American leaders, communities, and students
• Join ADE's Policy Team to meet directly with Legislators to communicate the impact of proposed policy and legislation on ADE's ability to serve Native students
• Support cross-agency outreach and communication with Tribal governments, Tribal Stakeholders, and LEAs on or adjacent to Tribal lands
• Strategic planning and implementation including needs identification, goal setting and action plan development with consideration of state and federal policies impacting Native American Students and Communities
• Support the OIE unit in structuring outreach activities to establish relationships in alignment to the OIE strategic plan
• Determine and facilitate actionable partnerships, to provide technical assistance, educational, and structural opportunities for LEAs and Charters engaging in Comprehensive Systems of Support (CSS).
• Work with OIE leadership and ADE teams on providing comprehensive and coordinated systems of support (CSS) for participating LEAs and informing recommended strategies and technical

Please note: For those selected for interviews, skills assessments may be administered as part of the interview process.
Knowledge:
• Tribal history and jurisdictions in Arizona
• Working understanding of unique communication and collaboration skills to engage Tribal leadership and Tribal Education Departments
• Local and regional political issues and the tribal political landscape
• Federal and state legislative process and procedures
• Education governance models for the State of Arizona
• Strategic planning and implementation
• Instructional programs for Indigenous students
• Instructional programs and requirements for diverse student populations
Skills:
• Plan, organize, implement, and manage complex projects
• Plans and facilitate professional learning for adults
• Communicate to a variety of stakeholders in written and oral form to inform decisions
• Analyze the political and institutional environment in which decisions are made and implemented
• Understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• Review and interpret bills and statute
• Analyze and relay information on legislative and other policy matters
• Organize, track, and communicate information using electronic organizing tools
• Intermediate and advanced skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
Abilities:
• Work effectively independently, with internal staff, and Arizona's statewide partners and stakeholders
• Engage others in the policy development process; build alliances and support with multiple stakeholders
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with ADE employees, external partners, volunteers, and others encountered during work
• Use discretion with confidential and sensitive matters
• Work in a safe manner and follow safety policies, practices, and procedures
• Collaborate effectively as a team member, and lead team members toward needed actions and a desired outcome
• Collect information from multiple sources, scrutinize, and identify factual data points, and apply judgment to produce recommendations
• Interpret policy and create responsive systems of implementation, support, and monitoring

• Preference will be given to those applicants with an Arizona K-12 Administrator or K-8 Teacher Certificate.

• Position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.).
• Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

ADE’s comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Tuition reimbursement program available for education/professional development advancement
• Hybrid schedule (combination of telework and in-office) may be available for some job roles
• Top ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Deferred compensation plan
• Accrued sick leave and vacation leave
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Wellness plans

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The Arizona Department of Education is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. During all phases of the selection process, people with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting the ADE Human Resources office at (602) 542-3186 or via e-mail at HumanResourcesGroup@azed.gov.