Education Program Specialist

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job

Agency:
Department of Education - Division of Learning & Instruction

Location:

Pierre, SD

Salary: $27.84 - $29.23/hr., depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: J

Closing Date: 03/09/2026

Join Our Team:
Education Program Specialist

Office of Title Programs | South Dakota Department of Education

Do you want your work to matter-not just on paper, but in classrooms across the state? Are you energized by collaborating with educators, designing meaningful professional learning, and helping schools better serve students who need extra support?

The South Dakota Department of Education is seeking a passionate, proactive Education Program Specialist to join our Office of Title Programs. This role is ideal for someone who is mission-driven, collaborative, and committed to improving outcomes for students in high-poverty and at-risk communities.

If you're equally comfortable digging into data, guiding program improvement, and leading engaging professional learning, this is an opportunity to make a real, statewide impact.

What You'll Do

* As an Education Program Specialist in Title Programs, you will:

* Partner with schools and districts to improve academic outcomes for students performing below grade level, particularly in English language arts and mathematics.

* Design and deliver high-impact professional development for educators and administrators, both virtually and in person.

* Support schools in meeting federal requirements by:

* reviewing and approving federal funding applications

* conducting on-site and virtual monitoring

* analyzing data to inform program implementation and improvement

* managing budgets and guiding appropriate use of federal funds

* interpreting and applying state and federal education laws and policies

* providing ongoing technical assistance and training

* You'll collaborate closely with a knowledgeable, supportive team and work alongside district leaders, educators, and national partners to strengthen systems that support South Dakota's most vulnerable learners.

Who You Are

You're someone who brings both heart and skill to the work. You are:

* a strong communicator and relationship-builder;

* a team-oriented collaborator who values shared problem-solving, open communication, and collective success;

* a thoughtful decision-maker who thrives in both independent and collaborative settings;

* passionate about education and deeply committed to student success;

* experienced in program oversight, professional learning, or education leadership;

* experience with Title programs or serving underserved student populations is a plus.

Some in-state and occasional out-of-state travel is required.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position with the Department of Education. For more information on the Department of Education, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Experience with in K-12 Education field

* We will train successful applicants
* Knowledge of:

* the role, functions, and responsibilities of a state educational agency, including key processes, systems, and operational procedures;

* federal and state laws, regulations, and policies related to education programs and grant administration;

* current trends, research, and emerging issues in education at both the state and national levels;

* effective strategies for family and community engagement that support student learning and program success.

Skill to:

* strong written and verbal communication skills for providing clear guidance, technical assistance, and training;

* proficiency with technology platforms used for grant management, communication, data entry, and documentation;

* skilled in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;

* expertise in interpreting and applying federal statutes and regulations related to education programs;

* ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes;

* high attention to detail when reviewing applications, monitoring compliance, and managing contracts.

Ability to:

* ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships with coworkers, contractors, district staff, and other education partners;

* capacity to communicate complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences;

* adaptability to work productively in a fast-paced, diverse, and evolving educational environment;

* ability to assess, refine, and improve methods, processes, and procedures to enhance program effectiveness;

* skill in designing and delivering training for program staff, school administrators, districts, and the public;

* ability to analyze and utilize data to support informed, effective decisions and improve program outcomes;

* strong collaboration and problem-solving abilities, including the skill to facilitate consensus among stakeholders;

* experience developing, reviewing, and managing budgets to ensure financial compliance and program sustainability;

* ability to support outreach…