Lead Educational Program Coordinator

Location: Branch

Location:

Based in Little Rock
Travel:
Moderate travel required
Travel Expenses:
Reimbursed within specified guidelines

The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) - Office of Special
Education (OSE) is seeking a highly qualified Lead Educational Program Coordinator to lead
implementation of the Arkansas State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG), funded by the
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
This leadership role is responsible for overall direction and management of the State Personnel
Development Grant. The lead coordinator provides statewide leadership for professional
development and systems improvement initiatives that strengthen professional learning
systems, build leadership capacity, and enhance family engagement to improve outcomes for
students with disabilities.
The Lead Educational Program Coordinator serves as the primary leader for statewide grant
implementation. This includes the development, supervision, mentoring, and ongoing support of
internal SPDG personnel, including the Educational Support Coordinator and the Educational
Support and Family Engagement Specialists. The lead coordinator also works closely with OSE
to align agency efforts, ensure coherence in technical assistance, and advance the priorities
outlined in the State Improvement Plan. This work directly contributes to OSE's vision for
meaningful access and participation for all learners within an accessible education system.

Key Responsibilities:

● Lead the coordination and implementation of the Meaningful Access and Participation
Project, including statewide training, coaching, implementation supports, and
data-informed improvement cycles, in alignment with the State Improvement Plan.

● Provide overall leadership and oversight for the grant, ensuring all activities are
implemented with fidelity and align with federal and state regulations, grant priorities,
and OSE guidance.

● Coordinate the design and delivery of high-quality professional development, technical
assistance, and coaching across districts and schools.

● Lead and support professional learning communities and implementation teams
focused on systems improvement and evidence-based practices.

● Supervise, mentor, and develop SPDG personnel to ensure alignment, consistency,
and accountability in project operations, reporting, and fiscal management.

● Collaborate with OSE, Arkansas Collaborative Consultants, and other partner
organizations to support coherent statewide systems of support.

● Serve as the SPDG liaison with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special
Education (OSEP), external evaluators, and other stakeholders, providing timely
updates, implementation data, and progress reports.