WestEd Career

Role Description The Project Director for Postsecondary Education works as a part of the leadership team in the WestEd Center for Economic Mobility. The Project Director has three primary areas of responsibility: - Implementing projects that help postsecondary education systems utilize labor market information to support the economic mobility of learners. - Leading strategy and business development. - Supervising staff and cultivating their development. The ideal candidate should have the following core qualifications: - Experience in a leadership role in open-access postsecondary education, with experience leading reform initiatives. - Strong sense of labor market trends and how the focus on return on investment is reshaping the role of education in preparing people for rewarding, well-paid work. - Deep understanding of postsecondary structures and systems, including college governance, programming, data systems, and change management. - Strong facilitation skills, including leading groups of postsecondary practitioners through planning and program redesign processes that build consensus and create a shared purpose across interest holders. - A proven track record leading large, complex, multi-year projects, with demanding timelines and teams that include people not in one’s direct line of supervision, with diverse technical, programmatic, and research components. - Mastery of operational systems necessary to manage large projects such as contracting, staffing projections, budgeting, and fiscal management. - Strong business development experience, including managing a diverse portfolio of projects while continuously engaging in proposal development leading to new projects and lines of work. - Experience with supervising a team with a focus on building strong career ladders, mentoring, performance management, and staff development. Responsibilities - Provide oversight and mentoring to team members who are leading projects within the postsecondary portfolio to ensure high quality work, support fidelity to Center for Economic Mobility priorities, and foster leadership within the team. - Lead projects within the postsecondary portfolio by providing content expertise, supporting practitioners and policy makers to engage with labor market information, facilitating meetings with practitioners, and overseeing project management. - Oversee operational aspects of projects including reporting, budget development and monitoring, financial transactions, execution of project plans, and project performance. - Contribute to projects within the postsecondary portfolio in specific roles such as facilitation, technical assistance, writing reports and toolkits, and supporting planning processes. - Present information in a concise fashion in high-stakes settings such as meeting with advisory committees, legislative staff, and the press. - Support dissemination of our work through conferences, blog posts, white papers, infographics, and other presentation venues including engagement with federal and state policy leaders. - Manage partnerships across agencies and within WestEd departments. Qualifications - At least 10 years in a postsecondary education leadership or technical assistance role. - History of managing complex projects involving large project teams, multiple stakeholders, and multiple project budgets in excess of $1 million dollars. - Able to ensure that one's own and others’ work and information are complete and accurate, especially under tight timelines. - Able to communicate complex information to diverse audiences, particularly labor market information. - Track record of building partnerships that expand the impact of individual projects. - Long-term fundraising ability, including securing large-scale contracts and grants over a period of multiple years. - Experience leading teams of people in a way that supports their growth. - Able to communicate in a collaborative manner with colleagues and partners at all levels, from frontline employees to executives and external representatives. - Strong writing and visualization skills including experience with creating materials for a diverse audience with clarity and brevity and understanding. Requirements - An abiding commitment to helping people attain living wages and more stable employment. - Ability to travel – requires 25% travel time. Benefits - 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested. - Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option. - All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date. - PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays. - Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k. - Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives. - Professional development opportunities & mentorship program. Company Description WestEd is a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood.

Role Description The person in this position will work across research, development, and evaluation projects, most of which include special education students, designs based on learner variability, universal design for learning (UDL); multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS); science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); artificial intelligence, educational and assistive technology, and other related special education research domains (i.e., literacy, data science, STEM, CS). This person will assist the SEPP research team with writing research proposals, including strategy, literature reviews, research design and analysis plans as well as supporting article and report writing. This person will coordinate the logistics of research, development, and evaluation projects including site recruitment, relationship building, managing research requirements and data collection. Additionally, this person will provide internal production support, coordinating budgeting, quality assurance processes, and submission. This position will report directly to the Director of Learner Variability and work directly with the SEPP research staff. The position can be home office based or based in one of our offices (Washington, DC, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Sacramento, or Seal Beach). Responsibilities - Design Research – facilitate design research including persona development, prototype development, technology development, user and usability testing, cognitive interviews, field tests, and summative evaluations. - Experimental and Evaluation Research – team management and coordination, project management, site recruitment and management, protocol and survey development, data collection processes, data management, and client reporting. - Project Coordination – coordinate, schedule, and manage field research activities such as IRB processes, MOUs, interviews, focus groups, and survey administration. - Report and Proposal Production – contribute to and/or lead the conceptualization and writing of small-to-large project reports and proposals; prepare descriptive reports, analytic sections, and evaluation reports and proposals; assist in the preparation and submission of large and small proposals. - Data Collection – develop or refine data collection instruments such as questionnaires, focus group recruitment scripts, focus group moderator guides, and classroom observation protocols; participate in or lead various data collection efforts (e.g., focus group, site visits, interviews, etc.). - Quantitative Data Management/Analysis – build, maintain, merge and manage large datasets (e.g., Common Core of Data school directory files, client implementation databases, etc.) using R or another statistical software package; effectively summarize descriptive data, and lead or contribute to conducting statistical analyses using advanced statistical methods (e.g., factor analysis, multiple regression, hierarchical linear modeling). - Qualitative Data Management/Analysis – develop coding schemes for qualitative data such as interview, observation, and text comments, have experience using qualitative analyses software (e.g., ATLAS.ti), and have knowledge and experience conducting various qualitative data analyses methods (e.g., content analyses, thematic analyses). - Facilitation/Presentation – facilitate meetings, and presentation of research findings. Interface with clients and lay persons related to data collection, analyses and reports. Communicate effectively with a range of internal and external audiences including colleagues, clients, researchers, practitioners, and lay persons. Qualifications - A minimum of five years direct work experience OR a master’s degree in special education research, design research, quantitative social science research, or related field. - Strong knowledge and experience of design research including curriculum/PD/technological prototype development, iterative user testing, setting development priorities. - Strong knowledge of research and evaluation methodology, measurement, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. - Programming experience in at least one major statistical package (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, or Stata). - Experience preparing research and literature reviews, coordinating and designing research, development, and evaluation projects, and writing reports of project findings. - Experience working with clients on program improvement efforts (to develop and modify program designs) and providing feedback based on evaluation findings and evidence from prior research and practice. - Ability to balance multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively with peers and supervisors. Capability to be adaptive to pressing requests and work with Project Directors to ensure timely completion of deliverables. - Excellent organizational skills. - Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies such as survey platforms and web management systems. - Expertise in substantive areas relevant to special educational research, evaluation, and policy analysis; such as AI, Edtech, UDL, MTSS, PBIS, STEM, literacy, significant disabilities, or educational technology. - Ability to collaborate with others and work in a team setting. - Strong technical writing and communication skills. - Ability to develop charts, tables, and other graphics for reports and presentations. - Ability to work across multiple projects and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. - Ability to provide and accept constructive criticism. - Ability to manage occasional overnight travel as part of project work. Requirements - *Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. - WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law. Benefits - The full salary range for this position, WestEd level (9), is $80,000 to $125,000, but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $80,000 to $100,000. The actual offer considers multiple factors, including but not limited to education, experience, internal equity, and other organizational needs. - 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested. - Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option. - All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date. - PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays. - Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k. - Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives. - Professional development opportunities & mentorship program.

Role Description The person in this position will work on a variety of research and evaluation projects, some of which may include special education systems and policy, learner characteristics, universal design for learning (UDL); multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS); science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), educational technology, and other related special education research domains. This person will assist the SEPP research team with writing research proposals, including literature reviews, research design and analysis plans, and proposal editing. This person will coordinate research logistics including site recruitment, relationship building, and managing research requirements. Additionally, this person will provide internal production support, which includes coordinating budgeting, managing the quality assurance processes, and completing submission. Post award responsibilities may include project coordination, data collection, data management, and supporting article and report writing. This position will report directly to the Director of Learner Variability and work directly with the SEPP research staff. The position can be home office based or based in one of our offices (Boston, Washington, DC, Atlanta, San Francisco, etc.). Responsibilities - Report and Proposal Production – contribute to and/or lead the conceptualization and writing of small-to-large project reports and proposals; prepare descriptive reports, analytic sections, and evaluation reports and proposals; assist in the preparation and submission of large and small proposals. - Project Coordination – coordinate, schedule, and manage field research activities such as IRB processes, MOUs, interviews, focus groups, and survey administration. - Design Research – facilitate design research including persona development, prototype development, user and usability testing, cognitive interviews, field tests, and summative evaluations. - Data Collection – develop or refine data collection instruments such as questionnaires, focus group recruitment scripts, focus group moderator guides, and classroom observation protocols; participate in or lead various data collection efforts (e.g., focus group, site visits, interviews, etc.). - Quantitative Data Management/Analysis – build, maintain, merge and manage large datasets (e.g., Common Core of Data school directory files, client implementation databases, etc.) using R or another statistical software package; effectively summarize descriptive data, and lead or contribute to conducting statistical analyses using advanced statistical methods (e.g., factor analysis, multiple regression, hierarchical linear modeling). - Qualitative Data Management/Analysis – develop coding schemes for qualitative data such as interview, observation, and text comments, have experience using qualitative analyses software (e.g., ATLAS.ti), and have knowledge and experience conducting various qualitative data analyses methods (e.g., content analyses, thematic analyses). - Facilitation/Presentation – facilitate meetings, and presentation of research findings. Interface with clients and lay persons related to data collection, analyses and reports. Communicate effectively with a range of internal and external audiences including colleagues, clients, researchers, practitioners, and lay persons. Qualifications - A Master’s degree with a specialty in educational research or a related discipline such as special education, psychology, sociology, economics, or public policy is strongly preferred plus a minimum of three years direct work experience in educational research, design research, quantitative social science research, or related field. - Strong knowledge of research and evaluation methodology, measurement, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. - Experience executing design research. - Programming experience in at least one major statistical package (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, or Stata). - Experience preparing research and literature reviews, coordinating and designing research and evaluation projects, and writing reports of project findings. - Experience working with clients on program improvement efforts (to develop and modify program designs) and providing feedback based on evaluation findings and evidence from prior research and practice. - Ability to balance multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively with peers and supervisors. Capability to be adaptive to pressing requests and work with Project Directors to ensure timely completion of deliverables. - Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies such as survey platforms and web management systems. - Expertise in one or more substantive areas relevant to special educational research, evaluation, and policy analysis; such as AI, Edtech, UDL, MTSS, PBIS, STEM, literacy, significant disabilities, or educational technology. - Ability to collaborate with others and work in a team setting. - Strong technical writing and communication skills. - Ability to develop charts, tables, and other graphics for reports and presentations. - Ability to work across multiple projects and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. - Ability to manage occasional overnight travel as part of project work. Benefits - 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested. - Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option. - All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date. - PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays. - Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k. - Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives. - Professional development opportunities & mentorship program.

Role Description WestEd's Special Education Policy & Practice Team (SEPP) builds capacity for systems improvement at the district, regional, state, and national levels to improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities by closing long-standing equity gaps. This individual will work on a variety of research and evaluation projects, including: - Special education systems and policy - Learner characteristics - Universal design for learning (UDL) - Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) - Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) - Positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) - School-based mental health - Educational technology This person will assist the SEPP research team with writing research proposals, including literature reviews, research design and analysis plans, and proposal editing. Responsibilities may also include project coordination, data collection, data management, and supporting article and report writing. Responsibilities - Project Management and Coordination - Coordinate, schedule, and manage field research activities such as interviews, focus groups, and survey administration - Cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships with internal and external teams - Assist with participant recruitment and incentive management - Data Collection - Establish and maintain data collection and implementation fidelity systems to monitor program quality - Participate in or lead various data collection efforts (e.g., focus group, surveys, interviews) - Conduct user needs assessments and use data-driven frameworks to guide continuous product iteration - Quantitative Data Management/Analysis - Build, maintain, clean, and manage large datasets using Excel or another statistical software package - Effectively summarize descriptive data for client products, dissemination, and annual reports - Report and Proposal Production - Contribute to and/or lead the conceptualization and writing of small-to-large project reports and proposals - Prepare descriptive reports, analytic sections, and evaluation reports - Assist in the preparation and submission of large and small proposals - Facilitation/Presentation - Facilitate meetings and present research findings - Interface with clients and lay persons related to data collection, analyses, and reports - Communicate effectively with a range of internal and external audiences - Understand the Functioning of Educational Settings - Deep knowledge of early literacy interventions, autism spectrum disorders, and MTSS - Direct experience in classroom teaching (General or Special Education) - Ability to work in such settings by showing respect for and understanding of the structure of how teachers and administrators function Qualifications - A minimum of three years direct work experience in educational research, quantitative social science research, or related field - A Master’s degree with a specialty in educational research or a related discipline such as special education, psychology, sociology, economics, or public policy is strongly preferred - Strong knowledge of research and evaluation methodology, measurement, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis - Data management experience in Excel or a major statistical package (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, or Stata) - Experience preparing research and literature reviews, coordinating and designing research and evaluation projects, and writing reports of project findings for multiple audiences - Experience working with clients on program improvement efforts - Ability to balance multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively with peers and supervisors - Ability to translate research findings to practitioner-oriented materials - Excellent organizational skills & demonstrated ability to learn new technologies - Expertise in one or more substantive areas relevant to special educational research, evaluation, and policy analysis - Ability to collaborate with others and work in a team setting - Strong technical writing and communication skills - Ability to develop charts, tables, and other graphics for reports and presentations - Ability to manage occasional overnight travel as part of project work Benefits - 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested - Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option - All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date - PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays - Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k - Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives - Professional development opportunities & mentorship program

Role Description Successful candidates will have significant experience as school leaders with deep instructional expertise and a strong command of pedagogy and effective teaching practices. They will demonstrate strong presentation, facilitation, and instructional coaching skills, along with the ability to design and lead high-quality professional learning for educators and leadership teams. - Experience across or within multiple grade spans (elementary, middle, high school, and postsecondary). - Working with diverse student populations—including general education, special education, and multilingual/English learner students. - Motivate, guide, and supervise teams to develop and deliver high-quality professional learning that meets client expectations. - Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and navigating complex organizational dynamics. Successful applicants will also have expertise in one or more of the following areas: - Content Expertise (e.g Literacy, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science) - Professional Learning Communities - School leadership - Evidence-Based Instruction - Instructional Coaching - Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Practices - Curriculum Development - English Learners / Dual Language - Special Education While this position is a full-time position, we will consider a part-time position for qualified individuals. Note, this is a travel-based job requiring 50-75% FTE travel. Responsibilities - Lead and support small- to midsize projects. - Independently manage budgets and finance expectations. - Lead and support design, planning, delivery and quality assurance on projects with high visibility. - Work independently and in regular consultation with supervisor and other project leaders. - Use content area expertise to develop solutions and advise clients. - Have regular and independent interactions with clients. - Lead the development of resources for established service offerings. - Present at major conferences and/or meetings. - Serve as a people manager as needed. - Contribute to proposal development. - Collect and analyze district and school data to identify strengths and needs in order to plan services. - Design, coordinate, and facilitate professional learning to support improvement of teaching and learning. - Coach teachers, provide feedback, and assist them as they design and implement evidence-based teaching practices. - Provide leadership coaching to school and district leaders to support strategic planning, instructional leadership, and the implementation of continuous improvement practices. - Maintain ongoing communication among and between program staff, clients, and partner organizations. - Produce a variety of written documents and publications such as reports, articles, brochures, and professional learning materials as needed. - Contribute to growing new work by developing client relationships and partnerships. Qualifications - Minimum of Master’s Degree in Education, Ph.D desirable. - Prior experience in a school leadership role is desirable. - Experience presenting to groups of educators. - Experience facilitating collaborative work such as professional learning communities, communities of practice, critical friends groups, etc. - Experience providing instructional coaching to classroom educators. - Familiarity with effective and standards-based curriculum, instructional, and assessment practices. - Ability to demonstrate effective teaching in classrooms. - Ability to perform data analysis and interpretation. - Willingness and ability to travel for extended and overnight work engagements. - Ability to produce clear, concise, and professional written materials. - Ability to handle multiple priorities under time-restricted conditions. - Commitment to quality products and customer service. - Ability to work collaboratively and independently to realize program goals. - Comfort with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google applications, and other professional learning technology. - Proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable. Benefits - 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested. - Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option. - All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date. - PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays. - Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k. - Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives. - Professional development opportunities & mentorship program.

Role Description The Research Associate will conduct population, economic, labor market, and education and training data analysis that supports the growing body of work led by CEM focused on leveraging labor market, economic, demographic, workforce training and educational data sets to support local, regional, and systems level educational and workforce planning, demonstration initiatives, systems change, research, and evaluation. This includes: - Aggregation, data analysis, and comparison of anomalous data sets focused on the intersection of learner population, economic and labor market information, and education and training systems. - Supporting regional and statewide strategies that increase outcomes for low-income individuals, families, and communities. - Working across CEM’s lines of work in K16, postsecondary, workforce, and adult education systems. - Increasing economic mobility for communities of need, intersegmental systems development, and using data to inform equity and student outcomes. Qualifications - A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in economics, planning, public policy or related field with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods and analysis. - 3-5 years related experience in the use of population, labor market, economic, education, and training data to inform educational, workforce, or economic development policy and practice. - Familiarity and direct experience with a wide range of data and analytic tools related to labor market, economic, educational, and demographic data aggregation and analysis. - Experience using data for professional development and technical assistance for local institutions, regional consortia, or state systems. - Knowledge of legislation and policy relevant to this position including initiatives operating under the Department of Labor (WIOA), Department of Commerce, Department of Education or state level workforce, economic development, or education agencies. Requirements - Demonstrated ability to communicate in a collaborative manner with colleagues and partners at all levels. - Ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences. - Strong marketing skills including experience with writing, developing PowerPoints, and visualizing information. - Demonstrated ability to ensure that one's own and others’ work and information are complete and accurate, especially under tight timelines. - Ability to travel – requires 25% travel time; may be as much as 50% depending on project demands. Benefits - 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested. - Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option. - All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date. - PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays. - Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k. - Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives. - Professional development opportunities & mentorship program.

Role Description The Senior Research Associate will oversee population, economic, labor market, education and training data analysis that supports the growing body of work led by CEM focused on leveraging labor market, economic, demographic, workforce training, and educational data sets to support local, regional, and systems level educational and workforce planning, demonstration initiatives, systems change, research, and evaluation. This includes: - Aggregation, data analysis, and comparison of anomalous data sets focused on the intersection of learner populations, economic and labor market information, and educational and training systems. - Supporting regional and statewide strategies that increase outcomes for low-income individuals, families, and communities. - Working across CEM’s lines of work in K16, postsecondary, workforce, and adult education systems. Qualifications - A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in economics, planning, public policy or related field with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods and analysis. - 5-10 years related experience in the use of population, labor market, economic, educational, and training data. - Familiarity and direct experience with a wide range of data and analytic tools. - Experience using data for professional development and technical assistance for local institutions, regional consortia, or state systems. - Knowledge of legislation and policy relevant to this position. Requirements - Demonstrated ability to communicate in a collaborative manner with colleagues and partners at all levels. - Ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences. - Strong marketing skills including experience with writing, developing PowerPoints, and visualizing information. - Demonstrated ability to ensure that one's own and others’ work and information are complete and accurate. - Ability to travel – requires 25% travel time. Benefits - 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested. - Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option. - All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date. - PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays. - Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k. - Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives. - Professional development opportunities & mentorship program.

About WestEd As a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact — asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs. WestEd supports individual initiative, excellence, and hard work of all individuals in our hiring and work practices. WestEd complies with all applicable federal and state anti-discrimination laws, as well as OFCCP requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, or status as a protected veteran. SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION—Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question. Position Overview As a State General Supervision Systems Specialist (Program Associate II) within WestEd’s Center for Education Systems, you will help support state education agencies (SEAs) to effectively implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and improve the educational experiences of students with disabilities. States play a critical role in supporting and enforcing local implementation of IDEA, ensuring access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities, and improving student outcomes. States turn to WestEd to help them improve their general supervision systems to reach these goals. The work of this position will focus on supporting SEAs to improve and document their general supervision system. Specifically, the position will assist states to critically review and refine policies, procedures, and practices related to their monitoring and data systems and ensure alignment with IDEA and related guidance and requirements from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). You will be responsible for collaborating with WestEd colleagues to review state special education policies, procedures, and practices for alignment with federal expectations under IDEA, craft recommendations for improvement, assist states to create and document special education policies and procedures including those related to monitoring and data, and design and lead professional development and/or coaching sessions for state department staff around IDEA requirements and systems improvement. You will also use your content expertise in special education to develop proposals to expand this important work across the country. Core Focus Areas - Evaluate state general supervision policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with IDEA and OSEP requirements and expectations. - Assist states to create and document general supervision policies, procedures, and practices - Generate recommendations for state systemic improvement.  - Design and facilitate professional development and coaching experiences for state special education leadership and staff.  - Contribute to business development opportunities by developing client relationships and supporting the identification and pursuit of potential partners. What We’re Looking For: To help us make a positive impact on state systems, we’ll need someone who has the following: - Master’s or graduate degree in education, preferably special education. - At least five years of experience in special education, preferably at the federal or state level. - Knowledge of IDEA and state general supervision policies, procedures, and practices at the federal or state level (with an emphasis on state monitoring systems). - Knowledge of/experience with one or more of the following: - IDEA implementation at the federal, state, or local level - OSEP guidance and requirements - State general supervision systems - State monitoring systems - State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) data collection and reporting processes - 618 data collection and reporting processes - State dispute resolution systems - State fiscal systems - State technical assistance and professional development systems - Experience designing and facilitating professional development experiences (workshops, institutes, coaching programs) for adult learners, both virtual and in-person. - Powerful presentation and facilitation skills (virtual and in-person) and comfort working with large and small groups. - Ability to demonstrate evidence of a deep commitment to supporting the development of policies, procedures, and practices across all levels of the education system that ensure the success of students with disabilities. Qualifications and Other Skills: - Excellent oral and written communication skills. - Ability to facilitate and help groups reach consensus. - Effective building and nurturing of professional relationships in and outside of the organization. - Experience in resource development, proposal development, and report writing. - Commitment to ensuring high quality products and customer service. - Ability to handle multiple priorities under time-restricted conditions. - Necessary application skills: Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Google products. This position requires some travel (about once a month) for work in the U.S. *Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law. SALARY AND BENEFITS: The full salary range for this position, WestEd level (10), is $92,000 to $143,000, but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $92,000 to $115,000. The actual offer considers multiple factors, including but not limited to education, experience, internal equity, and other organizational needs.  In addition to the base salary, benefits include: · 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested · Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option · All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date · PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays · Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k · Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives · Professional development opportunities & mentorship program  For more details about our benefits, go to: https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/#benefits WestEd is a Drug Free Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. #LI-Remote   #Circa-Remote Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)