Program Manager, State Assessment

Job Posting Title

Program Manager, State Assessment

Agency

265 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Supervisory Organization

Department of Education-Oliver Hodge Education Building

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

July 05, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

$75,000

Discover the Benefits of Joining Our Team! Are you ready to take the next step in your career with an agency that values your well-being? Look no further! At OSDE, we're proud to offer a robust benefits package designed to support you and your family every step of the way.

• Generous Benefits Allowance: Up to $21,099.12 annually, tailored to family size, for purchasing benefits.

• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Choose from a variety of insurance plans with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage healthcare expenses and/or dependent care with ease.

• Full Participation in TRS: Enjoy employer-covered contributions (7.5% of annual salary) for Teacher's Retirement System participation.

• Generous Leave Policy: Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.

• Paid Holidays: Benefit from 11 paid holidays per year.

• Employee Discounts: Access discounts with various companies and vendors.

• Longevity Bonus: Earn a bonus after completing two years of service, with bonuses continuing annually thereafter.

• Compensatory Time: FLSA Exempt and Nonexempt employees receive compensatory time.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

Job Description

ABOUT US

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs - we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team. As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve. Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve. If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place. Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at www.sde.ok.gov.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager to oversee the State Assessment initiatives. The Program Manager will be primarily responsible for managing the Academic Assessment Monitoring Program and providing assistance in overseeing the Oklahoma School Testing Program. This role requires a deep understanding of educational assessment principles, state testing requirements, and strong project management skills.

Please note: this role does not allow for any form of remote work, including telecommuting or hybrid arrangements. Prospective candidates should be aware that the responsibilities associated with this role require physical presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Education, or related field [official transcripts required upon hire];
• Five (5) years experience in education, state assessments, or program management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Project Management Certification;

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship;

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check;

• Must possess a to perform necessary job-related travel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Knowledge & Expertise: In-depth understanding of assessment principles, methodologies, and best practices in educational evaluation. Proficiency in state and federal educational policies, regulations, and standards related to assessment and accountability. Strong analytical skills to interpret assessment data, identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement, and derive actionable insights.

• Compliance: Facilitate communication with district personnel to ensure strict adherence to state assessment policies and procedures. Offer comprehensive guidance and assistance to district testing coordinators, ensuring their proficiency in assessment protocols and procedures. Maintain meticulous oversight to guarantee the precision and integrity of assessment materials and processes, upholding the highest standards of accuracy.

• Collaboration: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop training materials and resources for district administrators and educators. Foster collaboration with various state departments and educational stakeholders to harmonize testing practices with state standards and overarching goals, ensuring alignment for effective evaluation. Act as a liaison between the department and testing vendors, overseeing the prompt delivery of testing materials and swiftly resolving any arising issues to maintain seamless testing procedures.

• Planning & Implementation: Develop and implement strategies for monitoring academic assessments across the state. Support the planning, implementation, and administration of state assessments, including coordinating logistics and scheduling.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Conduct in-depth analysis of assessment data, meticulously identifying trends, patterns, and areas primed for enhancement. Prepare reports and presentations summarizing assessment results for internal and external stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and the public. Offer strategic insights and recommendations derived from assessment data, serving as a cornerstone for informed decision-making both at the state and district levels.

• Continuous Improvement: Evaluate the effectiveness of assessment programs and initiatives, identifying strengths and areas for enhancement. Develop and implement strategies to address challenges and improve the overall quality of assessment practices. Remain vigilant of evolving trends and cutting-edge practices in educational assessment, seamlessly integrating innovative methodologies and technologies to enhance assessment efficacy.

• Professional Demeanor: Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude. Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance. Embrace feedback for performance improvement.

• Attendance: Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration. Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.

• Innovation: Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education. Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students. Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.

• Efficiency: Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations. Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance. Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.

• Superior Customer Service: Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations. Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships. Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

• Effective Communication: Inspire, align, and motivate through clear and empathetic expression. Adapt to diverse audiences and situations, fostering understanding and collaboration.

• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking to align plans with organizational goals. Analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop creative strategies to achieve specific objectives. Consider multiple perspectives, short-term and long-term outcomes, and employ creative problem-solving for effective solutions.

• Decisive Planning: Set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and establish realistic timelines; adapt to uncertainty by making informed decisions swiftly, while developing contingency plans for flexibility in changing circumstances.

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness and adeptness in managing emotions, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating a harmonious work environment. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations with professionalism seeking constructive outcomes.

• Visionary Thinking: Envisions and inspires a future state divergent from the present reality; demonstrates a deep understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities, using this insight to imagine and articulate a compelling future vision.

• Adaptability: Thrives in changing circumstances and embraces flexibility; effectively adjusts approach, behavior, and mindset to overcome challenges and ensure forward progress for teams.

• Accountability: Takes ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; demonstrates transparency and willingness to address any negative consequences resulting from actions taken.

• Coaching and Mentoring: Guides and supports team members to develop new skills, reach their potential, and foster growth within the organization; provides guidance, feedback, and assistance to help staff achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills for optimal development.

• Team Building: Builds and manages teams with a focus on fostering collaboration, trust, and respect; enhances team dynamics and relationships to promote effective communication, efficient collaboration, and improved teamwork.

• Results Orientation: Drives progress and success by maintaining a strong focus on achieving desired outcomes. Sets clear goals, identifies necessary steps, and takes decisive actions to propel the organization forward; monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed to ensure goal attainment.

• Technology Proficiency: Identifies opportunities to optimize efficiency and enhance services through technology; utilizes software, hardware, and relevant tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, and elevate customer experiences; adapts to emerging technologies and quickly learns new technological advancements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisors are responsible for overseeing and managing a team of employees to ensure they perform their duties effectively and efficiently. Overall, a supervisor plays a critical role in ensuring the success of their team and the organization as a whole. They must possess strong leadership and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage resources effectively and resolve conflicts.

The key responsibilities include:

• Managing and leading the team: Provide leadership and guidance to team members. Create a positive work environment and motivate their team to achieve goals by leading by example.

• Assigning tasks: Assign tasks and projects, monitor performance, and facilitate ongoing training and development to ensure optimal team performance and success. Ensure workloads are balanced and everyone has enough work to do.

• Monitoring performance: Monitor team performance and provide feedback to help them improve. Recognize and reward good performance and address any issues promptly.

• Providing training and development: Provide training and development opportunities that enhance the skills and knowledge of team members, promote career growth, and support the achievement of business objectives.

• Ensuring compliance: Ensure team members comply with company policies, local, and federal laws, and regulations by overseeing and monitoring team activities and conducting regular audits.

• Managing resources: Manage and allocate team resources, including equipment, materials, and supplies, to ensure they are being utilized effectively and efficiently.

• Communicating with management: Maintain regular communication with senior leadership to provide updates on team performance and to collaborate on resource allocation and support needs.

• Resolving conflicts: Resolving conflicts within the team by actively listening, identifying issues, and facilitating discussions to find mutually agreeable solutions. Provide guidance and coaching to team members on conflict resolution strategies and ensure a positive and respectful work environment.

TRAVEL

• Occasional (up to 20%) in-state/out-of-state travel may be required to conduct, facilitate, and/or attend meetings and trainings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location: Oliver Hodge Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Work is typically performed in a climate-controlled office setting with exposure to moderate noise. While performing the duties of the job, employee is frequently required to talk, stand, and walk.This position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computers and phone. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time;

• Ability to stand, reach and bend 50% of the time;

• Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, office telephone 75% of the time;

• Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time;

• Communicate with others accurately and effectively 100%;

• Ability to lift to 25 lbs.

EEO STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OSDE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.