Program Officer Apply
Full job description
The Montana Board of Public Education is seeking a passionate and public service-oriented individual to fill our Program Officer position. This position is open until filled. The first round of application reviews will be conducted on July 29, 2024.
Montana Board of Public Education Overview:
The Board of Public Education was created by the Montana Constitution of 1972 to exercise general supervision over the elementary and secondary schools of the state. The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to staggered seven-year terms. Additional information about the Montana Board of Public Education can be found by visiting our About Us webpage HERE.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Board of Public Education has a mission statement as directed by the Montana Constitution, which states, There is a board of public education to exercise general supervision over the public school system and such other public educational institutions as may be assigned by law. The Board of Public Education was established to supervise, serve, maintain, and strengthen Montana's system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools.
About this Opportunity
Job Overview:
This position is a Program Officer for the Board of Public Education (Board), an autonomous body constitutionally mandated to exercise general control over the state's elementary and secondary schools consisting of non-salaried citizens appointed by the Governor for seven-year terms. This position supports, plans, and directs the Boards public charter school program, primarily working with authorized public charter schools, and reporting to the Boards executive director.
The essential functions of the position include the following:
Program and Policy Development (75%):
- Monitors, evaluates, and reports to the Board executive director on charter school trends, policies, and practices.
- Supports public school districts in applying for public charter school status, evaluates applications, coordinates interviews, and organizes applicant materials.
- Works directly with authorized public charter schools to open, operate, create and send reports to the Board and Legislature, executive contracts, and create performance frameworks.
- Works with the Board executive director to develop and revise policies and procedures for the Board, including updating administrative rules or revising statutes, in conjunction with the Montana Legislature, as necessary.
- Assesses program and public charter school needs to ensure that program objectives are being met. Makes recommendations to the Board executive director on evaluating public charter schools, approving and denying proposals, and other ongoing policies and procedures.
- Other duties may be assigned by the Board executive director pertaining to public charter schools or charter schools in general.
Public Relations and Communications (25%):
- Develops partnerships with education leaders and public-school personnel to promote successful working relationships between the Board and these entities.
- Plan and coordinate outreach activities with public charter schools.
- Interact, provide guidance, and communicate with education partners, community stakeholders, and public charter schools.
Required Competencies:
- Requires knowledge of education principles and practices, including knowledge of public school law and administrative rules.
- Ability to research, analyze, and keep up to date with educational trends, specifically those related to charter school activity.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to schedule and coordinate meetings and travel.
- Must be able to build positive working relationships with educational leaders and school district personnel to foster support for public education and the Board's decisions and initiatives.
Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in public education or related field.
- Four or more years of job-related experience in public education.
- Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
How to apply?
Please submit ALL of the following items with your application:
- Cover letter
- Resume
Additional Information:
- The successful applicant may be subject to a criminal history background check.
- Finalists will be required to submit contact information for references.
- Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.
