Educational Consultant, Part-time, Term

Job Description:

Please note: This is a part-time, term position

The Educational Consultant for Technical Assistance position involves work on a federally funded grant at the IRIS Center. The IRIS Center develops and disseminates engaging, interactive online resources about evidence-based practices to help teachers improve the education and behavior outcomes for all students, particularly struggling learners, and those with disabilities. In this position, you will become thoroughly knowledgeable about the hundreds of instructional resources available on the center’s website and use that knowledge to help education professionals identify resources that meet their needs and then use them effectively in teacher preparation and professional development. Additionally, you may conduct presentations and other dissemination activities during center-sponsored online events (e.g., webinars) and at local, state, and national conferences. This position is a part-time, term position and can move to a permanent position after one year.

The work responsibilities for this position can be performed primarily via an alternative work arrangement (i.e., remote work) during regular business hours.

Please Note: Applicants will be asked to complete a writing assignment as part of the application and selection process.

About the Work Unit

Ranked as the #1 Special Education Program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for well over a decade, the Department of Special Education has long been a leader both in research and practice.

Located within the Department of Special Education and supported by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the IRIS Center is a small group of incredibly dedicated and talented employees who work closely together to provide resources that are accessed on our barrier-free website over 4 million times per year.

The IRIS Center develops and disseminates free, engaging online resources about evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices to support the education of all students, particularly struggling learners, and those with disabilities. These resources, designed to bridge the research-to-practice gap, are intended for use in college teacher preparation programs, in professional development (PD) activities for practicing professionals, and by independent learners. The array of IRIS resources includes modules, case studies, information briefs, course/PD activities, a high-leverage practices alignment tool, and an online glossary of disability-related terms as well as supporting products to enhance their use in coursework and PD activities. All these resources are hosted for free on the center’s barrier-free website.

NOTE: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not guaranteed employment for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to calls and emails requesting information or assistance
• Work with district and state personnel to identify relevant IRIS resources that meet their professional development needs; provide information and training on the effective use of those resources, including identifying ways the resources can be sequenced and bundled to add breadth or depth to content coverage
• Work with college and university faculty to identify relevant IRIS resources that meet their course needs
• Help coordinate and participate in training and dissemination activities (e.g., Webinars, virtual trainings, coffee chats)
• Apply for and maintain state-level approved online provider status on behalf of the IRIS Center
• Cross-reference IRIS resources with state websites; work with state personnel to update their websites with links to IRIS resources
• Conduct presentations on behalf of the center (virtual, local, state, and national conferences). Travel will be required for many of the above presentations (as per VU budget, health, and safety guidelines).
• Other clearly articulated responsibilities, duties, and performance expectations, as the role evolves

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the administrative manager.

Qualifications

Successful completion of a Master’s degree or higher in Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or similar fields

At least 3 years’ experience in district- or state-level administration roles (e.g., Director or Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum)

In addition to those listed under “Required Experience and Skills,” preference will be given to candidates who also possess the following:

• Knowledge of U.S. Dept. of Education’s national priorities
• Familiarity with federal and state funding sources for educator professional development
• Understanding of state-level certification and licensure processes and professional development structures

Characteristics:

In addition, candidates should possess the following characteristics:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact fluidly with the diverse individuals and organizations connected with the center
• Ability to build networks among and between IRIS consumers, particularly those in district and state level positions
• Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and complete within deadlines
• Ability to ask insightful questions to ensure content accuracy
• Ability to give and take constructive feedback in a positive, professional manner and perform multiple revisions
• Ability to adjust flexibly to changes in priorities and deadlines
• Demonstrate a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Willingness to jump in wherever needed with a solutions-focused mindset