TheEducation Secretariatis committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, and where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas. TheDepartment of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)knows that ourmost important asset is our staff and that/creating strong schools starts with recruiting the best talent./DESE continuously strivesfor a workplace that values a community of diverse talent where everyone works together to improve education for all students as outlined in ourEducational Vision (mass.edu). We believe in diverse talent. A strong, innovative, and effective team has members with diverse experiences. We believe in, and work toward, equity for all protected classes. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.Our staff have the chance to lead and support work that influences over 400 school districts that serve almost 1 million learners a year. We are committed to the success of our staff and support the growth of all employees. We offer a comprehensive benefit plan that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage and competitive salaries in accordance with individuals' experience and education. Careers at DESE also include a state pension plan. TheCenter of Strategic Initiatives (CSI)at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) coordinates and partners with stakeholders to identify, design, pilot, and elevate strategies that advance educational equity for Massachusetts students - particularly those traditionally or currently underserved. TheManager of Advanced and Accelerated Learningwill be responsible for supporting CSI with the management of the center’s advanced and accelerated learning programs and initiatives. The manager will be responsible for leading and supporting internal communications across DESE centers and offices regarding advanced and accelerated learning initiatives. The manager will serve as the lead, and report to the Director of the Center for Strategic Initiatives, on programs and initiatives related to advanced and accelerated learning. The manager will also support and refine the vision, objectives, goals, and metrics of success for advanced and accelerated learning programs and initiatives. Key Job responsibilities: * *Lead and manage all aspects related to advanced learning initiatives, including, but not limited to: • Developing initiatives to support schools and districts in identifying and serving advanced learners. • Support districts in utilizing data and assessments to identify and serve students with advanced learning needs. • Working with DESE centers and offices to build their understanding of what research demonstrates as best practices in equitably serving advanced learners. • Managing grant application and procurement processes. • Managing dissemination of guidance documents and best practices related to advanced learning. Dissemination efforts may include, but will not be limited to, the creation of an advanced learning webpage that will contain links to guidance documents and workshops. • Managing stakeholder engagement efforts, both internal and external. • Managing and, when needed, facilitating vendor meetings, engaging in meetings with external partners to support DESE’s advanced learning initiatives, and providing the Director with ongoing status updates related to vendor performance and program and initiative outcomes. • Serving as the liaison between DESE and the Gifted and Talented Advisory Council. • Providingprofessional development opportunities for districts either directly or in partnership with vendor(s). • Refining the Continuum of Services for Advanced Learning guidance document and developing workshops/webinars related to the guidance document. Lead and manage theAcceleration Academiesprogram as well as other DESE funded accelerated learning programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Managing grant application and procurement processes. • Managing stakeholder engagement efforts, both internal and external. • Managing and, when needed, facilitating vendor meetings, and providing the Director with ongoing status updates related to vendor performance and program and initiative outcomes. • Managing evaluation of Acceleration Academies and other DESE funded accelerated learning programs. • Providing technical assistance and logistical support to districts implementing DESE funded accelerated learning programs. • Managing dissemination of guidance documents and best practices related to the Acceleration Academies and other DESE funded accelerated learning programs. Dissemination efforts may include, but will not be limited to, the creation of an accelerated learning programs webpage that will contain links to guidance documents, webinars, etc. • Support other efforts to create equitable learning opportunities for all students and other duties, as assigned. Perform other duties as required; and, based on assignment, travel may be required.* * Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Below are characteristics we will look for in the selection process. We recognize that the depth of each individually and the balance of all of them collectively may vary from candidate to candidate and, as such, we encourage applications from individuals with a range of backgrounds, experiences, and skills. • Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework. • Knowledge of talent development principles/frameworks. • Knowledge and skills to develop policies and/or guidance documents, implement programs, manage finances, and evaluate outcomes in a public agency setting. • Knowledge of the national research, trends, and best practices regarding advanced learning, talent development, and the field of gifted education. • Ability to engage with multiple partners and stakeholders in a manner that supports this body of work and enhances DESE’s impact. • Ability to develop and deliver high quality presentations. • Ability to be innovative and identify solutions to the complex challenges related to equitably identifying and serving advanced learners. • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. • Ability to create high-quality products with minimal oversight and ability to manage time efficiently and effectively. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint). Experience Necessary: • A demonstrated track record of strong project management. • Demonstrated success with developing, implementing, and managing programs and services within a district, state education agency, or in the non-profit sector, that support the learning needs of all students, including advanced learners. • At least 5 years of experience working within K-12 education developing and/or managing programs and services for students with advanced learning needs. • Experience in equitable talent identification and development. • Experience leading professional development focused on meeting the needs of advanced learners. • Experience navigating issues and leading conversations related to advanced learning. Please include a copy of your resume and cover letter with your online submission. The cover letter must include the following information: · Why you are interested in this position · Your beliefs about programming and services for students with advanced learning needs * Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O’Brien atMaureen.T.O’[email protected] This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Malden. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid model, telecommuting up to three days per week. *Please note: DESE office has moved and is now located at -135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience. II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience. III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience. IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience. *Comprehensive Benefits* When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. *Job: Education *Organization: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education *Title: *Manager of Advanced and Accelerated Learning Location: Massachusetts-Everett- 135 Santilli Highway Requisition ID: 2400005F