Project Manager, OAAP - #1409706

About Us

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs – we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team. As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve. Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve. If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place. Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at www.sde.ok.gov.

Position Overview

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as the Project Manager for the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP). This role is responsible for managing all facets of the OAAP to ensure its successful implementation and compliance with state and federal requirements. The Project Manager will also support the State Assessment Office in coordinating accommodations for a variety of assessments, helping to ensure equitable access for all students. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape assessment practices and positively impact the educational experiences of diverse learners across Oklahoma.

Please note: This role requires a consistent, in-person presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with no remote, telecommuting, or hybrid options.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, assessment, or a related field [official transcripts required upon hire];
• Possession of a valid teaching certification in special education or closely related field;
• Three (3) years experience in special education or closely related field;
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with and teaching students with the most significant cognitive disabilities preferred.
• Experience teaching in Oklahoma public schools preferred.
• Experience administering the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment preferred.
  
  

Special Requirements

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future;
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check;
• Must possess a to perform necessary job-related travel.
  
  

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Knowledge & Expertise: A deep understanding of special education laws, regulations, and best practices, particularly regarding alternate assessments for students with disabilities. Comprehensive knowledge of assessment principles, methodologies, and practices, including the development, administration, scoring, and interpretation of assessments.
• OAAP Oversight: Manage the day-to-day operations of the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP), including planning, implementation, and evaluation. Ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines, policies, and standards governing alternate assessments. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and refine assessment materials, procedures, and accommodations to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Assessment Accommodations: Assist the state assessment office in coordinating accommodations for students with disabilities or other special needs during various assessments, ensuring equitable access and participation. Provide guidance and support to district personnel regarding the implementation of accommodations, including training and resource development.
• Data Management and Analysis: Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting processes for the OAAP, generating insights to inform programmatic decisions and improve outcomes for students. Collaborate with data management teams to ensure accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of assessment data.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster positive relationships with school districts, educators, parents, and advocacy organizations, serving as a resource and point of contact for OAAP-related inquiries and concerns. Represent the department in meetings, conferences, and professional development events to disseminate information and gather feedback on assessment practices and accommodations.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead efforts to continuously enhance the quality, validity, and reliability of the OAAP through ongoing evaluation, feedback mechanisms, and research-informed practices. Stay abreast of emerging trends, research, and best practices in alternate assessment and accommodations, integrating new knowledge into program development and implementation.
• Professional Demeanor: Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude. Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance. Embrace feedback for performance improvement.
• Attendance: Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration. Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.
• Innovation: Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education. Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students. Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.
• Efficiency: Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations. Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance. Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.
• Superior Customer Service: Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations. Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships. Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.
  
  

Essential Competencies

• Effective Communication: Inspire, align, and motivate through clear and empathetic expression. Adapt to diverse audiences and situations, fostering understanding and collaboration.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking to align plans with organizational goals. Analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop creative strategies to achieve specific objectives. Consider multiple perspectives, short-term and long-term outcomes, and employ creative problem-solving for effective solutions.
• Decisive Planning: Set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and establish realistic timelines; adapt to uncertainty by making informed decisions swiftly, while developing contingency plans for flexibility in changing circumstances.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness and adeptness in managing emotions, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating a harmonious work environment. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations with professionalism seeking constructive outcomes.
• Visionary Thinking: Envisions and inspires a future state divergent from the present reality; demonstrates a deep understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities, using this insight to imagine and articulate a compelling future vision.
• Adaptability: Thrives in changing circumstances and embraces flexibility; effectively adjusts approach, behavior, and mindset to overcome challenges and ensure forward progress for teams.
• Accountability: Takes ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; demonstrates transparency and willingness to address any negative consequences resulting from actions taken.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Guides and supports team members to develop new skills, reach their potential, and foster growth within the organization; provides guidance, feedback, and assistance to help staff achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills for optimal development.
• Team Building: Builds and manages teams with a focus on fostering collaboration, trust, and respect; enhances team dynamics and relationships to promote effective communication, efficient collaboration, and improved teamwork.
• Results Orientation: Drives progress and success by maintaining a strong focus on achieving desired outcomes. Sets clear goals, identifies necessary steps, and takes decisive actions to propel the organization forward; monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed to ensure goal attainment.
• Technology Proficiency: Identifies opportunities to optimize efficiency and enhance services through technology; utilizes software, hardware, and relevant tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, and elevate customer experiences; adapts to emerging technologies and quickly learns new technological advancements.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location: Oliver Hodge Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Work Environment includes:
• Office Setting: Climate-controlled office setting with exposure to moderate noise; the employee is frequently required to talk, walk, and stand; this position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.
• Physical Demands include:
• Ability to stand, reach, and bend 50% of the time;
• Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, and office telephone 75% of the time;
• Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time;
• Ability to lift to 25 lbs.
• Cognitive Requirements:
• This role requires clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.
• Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.
• Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.
  

TRAVEL

Occasional (up to 10%) in-state/out-of-state travel may be required.

EEO STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OSDE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.