Education Program Consultant (Accreditation)

ABOUT THE ROLE The Iowa Department of Education seeks a talented professional to help ensure all students experience a world-class education. This role provides guidance and support to schools and providers related to federal and state programs, with a specific focus on accreditation compliance and special education accreditation requirements. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide guidance and support to schools and providers regarding accreditation compliance with Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 41 - Provide technical assistance for special education accreditation requirements, including annual desk audits and intensive on-site visits - Serve on a team to establish processes and standards for private special education providers to become accredited in Iowa - Participate in Department, Division, and Bureau meetings and assigned work teams - Participate in special education accreditation visits to Iowa districts and schools, supporting procedures outlined in Iowa Code - Maintain working knowledge of state and federal policy and the impact of proposed legislation on overseen programs - Support Department priorities by performing other duties as assigned by the Bureau Chief or Administrative Consultant MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements: 1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in one or a combination of: professional training, teaching, or counseling in education; professional administrative experience in education; professional finance, accounting, or auditing; professional experience in a major technical program area within the Iowa Department of Education; professional data integration, analysis, or statistical analysis; professional communications (public relations, marketing, or journalism); or professional school safety and emergency preparedness. 2. A combination totaling five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience (where 24 semester hours of accredited coursework equals one year of full-time experience). 3. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree, possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 or a post-secondary institution. 4. Possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends required - Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required - Must be able to work in complex situations and lead teams as a non-traditional leader with no supervisory authority - State of Iowa participates in E-Verify and complies with federal Right to Work laws SELECTION PROCESS - Initial evaluation will be based on the information provided in the application and any submitted documents - Candidates are encouraged to include detailed information about relevant experience or submit a cover letter and resume in addition to the standard application HOW TO APPLY - Complete and upload all requested materials through the NEOGov online application process - For a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, contact idoe.hr@iowa.gov EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: State of Iowa, Iowa Department of Education - Location: Grimes State Office Building, 400 E 14th St, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319 - Job Type: Full-time - Job Number: 27-00582 - Closing Date: September 24, 2026, 11:59 PM Central