K-12 Program Advisor

The Department of Education and Early Learning’s (DEEL) mission is to transform the lives of Seattle’s children, youth, and families through strategic investments in education. We believe equitable opportunities and access to high quality education services and support from kindergarten through postsecondary should be the reality for all children, youth, and families. Our staff is committed to eliminating opportunity gaps, advancing academic achievement, and ensuring students graduate prepared for a college and career path of their choice. 

DEEL is a data-driven organization that practices continuous quality improvement. We develop and administer performance-based contracts and agreements for services, oversee contract implementation, monitor progress towards outcome achievement, and provide support, guidance, and direction to partners in alignment with their needs. Our department strives to embed the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative into its education objectives and seeks staff that value the importance of working together as a government and community to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial equity. Our core values of equity, results, stewardship, transparency, and collaboration guide our work, support our operations, and hold us accountable.

To support DEEL’s mission and vision for Seattle, we are looking for a K-12 Program Advisor who will realize measurable outcomes for a portfolio of Culturally Specific and Responsive (CSR) investments designed to increase positive identity development, academic knowledge, and social emotional learning for Black/African-American males and other historically underserved students. In this role, you will provide leadership and strategic direction to improve life outcomes for young Black men and boys through systems-level changes, policy leadership, and strategic investments centered in racial equity and designed to expand access to high-quality services and supports. This position will be an integral member of the K12 and Postsecondary Division team and will report to the K12 Policy and Programs Manager.

Here’s more about what you’ll be doing:

• Providing direct technical assistance to organizations funded by the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy, including support for organization or school leadership, instructional staff, direct service providers, and external partners
• Developing and tracking annual performance outcomes and indicators and administer performance-based contracts
• Analyzing and using quantitative and qualitative data to identify common areas of need and inform program, strategy, and continuous improvement cycle recommendations
• Identifying key resources and coordinating professional development opportunities throughout the year to strengthen math, reading, attendance, and readiness strategies for Levy focus students
• Facilitating the collection and use of data to improve student achievement. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 
• Developing and implementing effective progress monitoring data collection systems 
• Routinely analyzing student results
• Informing strategy course corrections and action plans based on student data
• Meeting regularly with program coordinators and key staff to observe implementation of Levy-funded strategies, review relevant data, discuss progress towards goals, and determine what course corrections, if any, need to be implemented
• Conducting site visits at Levy-funded schools and program sites to observe implementation of Levy workplan strategies, discuss progress towards goals, and provide evidence-based materials and strategy ideas
• Convening quarterly meetings with Levy-funded partners to share best practices and resources, problem-solve current challenges, and identify priorities for professional development opportunities and supports 
• Managing the development and implementation of Levy program contracts, including approval and tracking of budget expenditures, in coordination with organizational partners 
• Designing and executing comprehensive professional development opportunities for Levy-funded partners, based on demonstrated needs
• Upholding Levy ordinance, regulation, and policy 
• Developing program recommendations and policy options for senior management 
• Preparing reports and presentations for policy makers including the Levy Oversight Committee, Mayor’s Office, City Council, Seattle School Board, and other education stakeholders 
• Representing DEEL in meetings; participating, as appropriate, in local, regional, state, and national efforts and symposia to improve outcomes for Seattle students

Qualifications

You will be most successful if you have experience implementing programs that support historically underserved youth. A commitment to listening, creating space for diverse perspectives, and the pursuit of inclusive and just outcomes must be at the center of your professional practice. The ability to communicate at all levels tactfully and effectively will also contribute to your success. You will need to comfortable communicating to internal and external audiences as a representative of elected officials or executives on significant issues for the purpose of garnering support, shaping opinions, advocating controversial positions, and achieving equity in educational outcomes. Specifically, you’ll be prepared to take on this role if you have:

Experience in:

• Organizational leadership, administration, and direct teaching experience
• The implementation of targeted universalism and the advancement of black male achievement
• Using qualitative and quantitative data to inform program and policy decisions
• Providing leadership, focus, direction, and facilitation to multidisciplinary, cross-sector workgroups 
• Managing projects and issues while maintaining excellent customer service
• Working with first-generation and racially/ethnically diverse student populations
• Working with organizational leaders, school principals, and education advocates to improve systems, practices, and student outcomes
• Convening and facilitating effective meetings and professional learning opportunities

Knowledge of:

• Evidence-based and promising best practices in public education that promote graduation and college and career readiness
• K-12 educational issues and mechanisms to enhance educational equity, particularly for black males and youth of color
• Technical assistance and professional development best practices, with experience in improving educational climate, culture, and instructional practices
• Finance and administrative processes
• Cultural differences and their effect on academics, institutions, and postsecondary education planning
• Strategies for improving students’ readiness for college and career

The ability to:

• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills
• Develop and monitor performance-based contracts
• Develop program recommendations and policy options for senior management
• Work in diverse communities and conduct effective outreach
• Utilize culturally responsive practices for working with students and families from historically underserved populations, including low socio-economic, immigrant, and/or emergent bilingual backgrounds 

Additional Information

This position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1, Exempt and is exempt from the Civil Service System. This position will require the ability to travel frequently to Levy-funded program sites. In addition, you will need to have the ability to work a flexible schedule, as attendance at some evening and weekend meetings will be required.

DEEL supports the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative to end institutionalized racism by eliminating barriers to access, providing the staff and public with opportunities for growth, and developing equitable access to the programs and services we offer. If you share those values and meet the qualifications, we invite you to apply for this position. Please visit http://www.seattle.gov/education to learn more about the Department of Education & Early Learning.

The first round of interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for February 23 - 24, with the second round taking place on March 3.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your application, attaching a cover letter, resume, and writing sample, at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/ no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Your writing sample should be no more than 10 pages. This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The Department of Education & Early Learning values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Department of Education & Early Learning encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. If you have questions, please contact Lindsey King at Lindsey.King@seattle.gov.