Job Title:          Department of Defense Education Activity Grant Specialist
Location:          Research, Evaluation, and Strategic Improvement
Pay Grade:       Administrative and Professional Scale Grade A07
Work Calendar: All 12 Month Employee
FLSA Status:     Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Strategic Improvement, the DoDEA Grant Specialist is responsible for the implementation and management of Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grant initiative, with a focus on improving social-emotional learning (SEL) and STEM outcomes for military-connected students. This role involves coordinating curriculum development, managing resources, ensuring compliance with grant objectives, and fostering partnerships between schools and community organizations. The Grant Specialist will play a key role in monitoring program progress, compiling data for reporting, and ensuring programs are aligned with both district and DoDEA goals, specifically targeting the needs of military-connected youth.

This position is funded by the Department of Defense Education Activity Grant through June 30, 2029.

MAIN JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant Implementation and Compliance

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of DoDEA grant-funded initiative, including SEL and STEM components of the STEMpathy initiative, ensuring compliance with program objectives and grant requirements.
• Support the Project Director in meeting compliance deadlines, particularly related to semester report development and other documentation required by the grant, while ensuring smooth implementation at the operational level.
• Work closely with school administrators and educators to ensure that SEL assessment tools are implemented effectively, and analyze data to guide interventions and improvement

S.T.E.M. and S.E.L. Initiatives Support

• Ensure that STEM education programs and SEL initiatives are effectively created and implemented in collaboration with the STEM Coordinator and coordinators for Math, Science, and Career and Technical Education. The Program Manager will oversee project timelines, monitor progress, and ensure alignment with grant objectives.
• Work closely with the Professional Learning, Academic Programs, and Student Services departments to ensure that social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives are supported and aligned with the needs of military-connected students. The Program Manager will oversee project management tasks related to SEL, ensuring that resources, assessments, and interventions are in place.
• Coordinate with team members to ensure there are sufficient opportunities for training and professional development in STEM and SEL areas. Although the Program Manager will not facilitate training directly, they will support and ensure that the appropriate training opportunities are available for educators and staff.
• Collaborate with the STEM Coordinator and other stakeholders to increase access to STEM and SEL programs, particularly for military-connected students, and to track and report on participation and outcomes.

Data Management and Reporting

• Lead data collection efforts to track and report SEL and STEM outcomes, working in coordination with IT and data teams to ensure accuracy.
• Collaborate with the Project Director to submit detailed performance reports, focusing on the day-to-day metrics that show program success, while the Project Director handles higher-level compliance submissions and strategic financial reporting.
• Ensure that all program activities are supported by data-driven decision-making, while maintaining the infrastructure for ongoing assessment and improvements.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison for program-level partnerships with community organizations, schools, and military groups to ensure robust engagement and participation in the program, while the Project Director maintains higher-level relationships and formal agreements with stakeholders.
• Lead recruitment efforts to identify gaps in access to STEM and SEL opportunities for military-connected students and work toward addressing those gaps.
• Coordinate with internal departments, including Student Services and IT, to ensure program objectives are aligned with division priorities and that logistical needs are met.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required, with major or concentration in a field related to Education, Business, Finance, Nonprofit management, or other related degree.
• At least three (3) years of experience in education or program management, preferably in a K-12 setting.
• Experience with social-emotional learning and/or STEM education initiatives, especially with military-connected or high-need populations preferred.
• Experience managing grants, including budgeting, compliance, and reporting preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge
• Familiarity with STEM and SEL education efforts
• Strong knowledge of project management principles and grant funded programs
• Knowledge of strategies for building and maintaining collaborative relationships
• Skills
• Proficiency in managing complex projects, particularly in an educational environment, including coordinating multiple stakeholders, meeting deadlines, tracking progress, and ensuring program objectives are met
• Skilled in working with data management teams to track program outcomes, especially SEL and STEM-related metrics, and using data to drive decision-making and program adjustments.
• Strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with internal departments and external partners.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while ensuring alignment with overall strategic priorities.
• Abilities
• Ability to work effectively with various departments and other key personnel to ensure the successful implementation of grant-funded programs.
• Ability to oversee program implementation, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and providing support to departments responsible for delivering STEM and SEL initiatives.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, new regulations, or changing needs within the district and the broader DoDEA grant context, while ensuring program continuity and success.
• Ability to work independently in managing projects, ensuring that all aspects of the program are moving forward in alignment with grant objectives and timelines, while proactively addressing any challenges that arise.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The work environment is primarily inside, with moderate noise levels and controlled temperatures.
• Physical demands include sitting for prolonged periods, moving the hands and wrists repetitively, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds.
• The role requires effective verbal and written communication, logical decision-making, and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.