Position: Education Associate, Federal Funds Manager, Finance & Administration Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge
                         
Location:             Wilmington, Delaware

Reports to: Executive Director, Office of Early Learning

Date of Employment: Position Currently Available, Start Date to be Determined

Closing Date for Application: February 8, 2013
                       

This position is funded with proceeds received through the Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge (RTTT-ELC) award between 2012 and 2015. Through its RTTT-ELC application, Delaware has committed to putting our young children first and moving forward with reforms to strengthen our early care and education system.  The goal is to create an exemplary early childhood system so that Delaware’s young children come to kindergarten ready for school success.  The person hired will be responsible for managing the federal resources as outlined in Delaware’s winning RTTT application.

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards for the position. The Associate should expect to perform any other related activities needed to deliver the position’s key duties and responsibilities, and follow any other instructions as defined by the Director. 

Position Overview:

The selected candidate will oversee the finances related to implementation of Delaware’s innovative initiatives as outlined in the RTTT-ELC application.  This will be a unique process bringing together three Departments, each with distinct responsibilities for implementation of grant related activities.  Specifically, the selected candidate will responsible for the financial management of all RTTT-ELC grant funds and related activities.  This position requires both technical and financial skills as well as broad policy understanding.  The Federal Funds Education Associate works directly with the Executive Director, Office of Early Learning and the Department of Education, Department of Health and Social Services, and Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families, providing guidance and technical assistance on many aspects of federally funded programs.  This position also serves as a point of contact to the US Department of Education (USED) fiscal office. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Prepare Federal grant allocations to Departments in accordance with commitments made in the RTTT-ELC application.
• Coordinate and facilitate RTTT-ELC appearances at the Delaware State Clearinghouse Committee, acts as single point of contact for RTTT-ELC grant.
• Coordinate and/or facilitate the creation/completion of Federal financial reports.
• Report to the Executive Director, Office of Early Learning for all grant related business.
• Assist in the resolution of audit findings related to the RTTT-ELC grant activities. 
• Assist in the monitoring of appropriations and allocations made to Departments and contracts pertaining to the financial management of Federal funds.
• Assist with procurement processes including requests for proposals (RFPs) and contracts administration and monitoring.
• Provide information and recommendations to leadership. 
• Coordinate on development of RTTT-ELC budget requests, programs and policies. 
• Oversee office administration activities for the Office of Early Learning.
• Provide guidance and clarification to a variety of stakeholders on applicable department, state and federal policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

          Education:  Bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree preferred, in Public Administration, Financial Management, Education Policy or a related field.

          Experience:

• At least 3 years progressive career experience, preferably in Education finance or grants management.
• Knowledge of Federal Education programs is preferred.
• Experience with Delaware Financial Management System/First State Financials preferred.
• Experience interacting professionally with numerous individuals of varied backgrounds and roles.

Skills:

• The incumbent for this position will thrive in a fast paced and demanding environment and will excel at multi-tasking without sacrificing attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel skills are preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Performs responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Capable of setting priorities and working in collaboration with others.

Salary:

Salary will be computed in accordance with the educational level and work experience of the individual selected and in accordance with salary schedules for employees of the Department of Education.  Direct deposit of payroll checks is a condition for state employment and employees are paid on a lag pay schedule with the first payment made after approximately one month of employment.

Notes:

This position is funded with proceeds received through the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge (RTTT-ELC) award between 2012 and 2015. The continuation of this position beyond 2015 is expressly contingent in each succeeding fiscal year upon the availability of sufficient funds from state, federal, and/or appropriated special funds, and further contingent upon state allocated full-time equivalent (F.T.E.) authorizations in succeeding fiscal year budgets of the State of Delaware.  

A criminal background check is required.  This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.  The successful candidate should expect to perform any other related activities needed to deliver the position’s key duties and responsibilities and follow any other instructions as defined by his/her supervisor.

 

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Apply To:
Mary L. Cooke, Esq.
Human Resource Office
Delaware Department of Education
401 Federal Street
Dover, Delaware 19901
Phone: (302) 735-4030
Fax: (302) 739-7768
Email: doehr@doe.k12.de.us

• Application for Employment [PDF] [Word]
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The Delaware Department of Education is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age or Vietnam Era veteran’s status in employment or its programs and activities.