Administrator – Office of Accreditation

For more information on the Department of Education, please visit http://doe.sd.gov/.

Seeking a demonstrated leader to oversee implementation of accreditation of South Dakota programs at both the K-12 level and of higher education Educator Preparation programs. This position will innovate systems to monitor and help coordinate accreditation of K-12 schools and state accreditation of higher education Educator Preparation Programs as critical pieces of the overarching state accountability process. This position will also work to build relationships with higher education and educator licensure. Office is responsible for ensuring that accredited schools and approved programs in the state maintain a baseline level of quality so that every student in the state has access to a quality education in a safe environment and that every potential educator coming through state programs has the potential to create a classroom environment that encourages student success. Position will be responsible for managing staff and budgets related to K-12 and educator preparation accreditation and will serve as a primary contact for federal reporting in these areas.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

A Master’s Degree and 3-5 years in a K-12 leadership role or in higher education is preferred. Course work requiring data analysis would be beneficial.

Knowledge of:

• current issues related to K-12 education;
• state and national educational standards;
• effective practices in schools and classrooms;
• South Dakota’s state requirements for school accreditation;
• educator preparation curriculum and accreditation;
• data collection and management processes;
• accreditation systems and outside accrediting bodies that local districts may be using.

Skill to:

• plan and organize complex projects;
• use and interpret data;
• facilitate workgroups and translate recommendations into policy;
• understand and utilize technology effectively;
• create materials to explain difficult concepts to individuals outside the department;
• navigate complex conversations about balancing accountability and program needs.

Ability to:

• serve as a representative in a diverse and changing educational environment;
• develop and maintain professional relationships with coworkers, school district personnel;
• other education contacts;
• communicate information clearly and concisely;
• read and interpret state and federal rules and regulations and implement processes to ensure compliance;
• manage and direct the work of others;
• analyze needs and prioritize work;
• review and evaluate methods, processes, and outcomes;
• make presentations to groups;
• model best practices;
• work well across office, division, and agency lines.

The State of South Dakota offers paid employee health insurance plus ten paid holidays, generous vacation leave accrual, and medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. For more information visit http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus/workbenefits.aspx