Job Description

　　The Education Secretariat is 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.

　　The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) knows that our most important asset is our staff and that creating strong schools starts with recruiting the best talent. DESE continuously strives for a workplace that values a community of diverse talent where everyone works together to improve education for all students as outlined in our Educational 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.

　　The Center 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.

　　The Strategic Initiatives Specialist for CSI will provide professional level support to facilitate ongoing project management and outcomes for strategic initiatives programs and initiatives. The specialist will support the strategic initiatives leadership team in the ongoing development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion work both internally and externally, the implementation of the Metco program, and the development and implementation of acceleration academies.

　　The Specialist will perform the following duties:

　　Support CSI's Internal and external Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work, including, but not limited to Employee Resource Groups, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, professional development on REDT and Culturally Responsive Leadership, and Influence 100 activities.

　　Support the METCO program grant processes, including but not limited to supporting the development of RFP documents, reviewing grant submission materials, preparing grant documents for grants management and Commissioner's office review, awarding grantees, leading the EdGrants submissions process.

　　Support all requests for proposals, requests for submissions, and requests for quotes reviews within the Center for Strategic Initiatives. When applicable, serve as the lead for these processes.

　　Provide technical, fiscal and programmatic support to METCO districts, Metco, Inc., Influence 100, Diversity Equity and Inclusion programing both internally and externally.

　　Support the successful development and implementation of acceleration academies.

　　Other duties as assigned.

　　Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth will be required, you must have the ability to travel to meetings, professional development opportunities, and to regional and/or national conferences.

　　Preferred Qualifications:

　　Experience collaborating with a variety of stakeholders.

　　Experience in diversification program support.

　　A belief that we must leverage diverse voices to solve challenges and that those most impacted should inform the solutions developed.

　　Willingness to accept feedback and engage in self-reflection.

　　Adaptability, flexibility, and an ability to successfully navigate an evolving landscape.

　　Comfort challenging deficit perspectives and engaging in "race-conscious" work.

　　Please include a cover letter and resume with your online application.

　　Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Maureen.T.O'[email protected]

　　This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid model, telecommuting up to three days per week.

　　Qualifications

　　 First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

　　 Minimum Entrance Requirements:

　　applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;

　　a Master's degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.

　　Education toward a degree in a specific or related educational content area will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

　　Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

　　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.