JOB TITLE: ADVISOR TO THE DEPUTY SECRETARY, OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION

JOB CODE: 21125

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional and advisory work serving as an executive-level advisor in the Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education (OPHE).

The employee in this job serves as the primary policy advisor in the Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education. Work involves developing and evaluating policies and initiatives that are central priorities of the Department of Education and Governor’s Office. Work includes tracking and analyzing relevant federal policy, conducting cross-state policy review and analysis, providing policy analysis memos and recommendations related to postsecondary and higher education policy reform to the Deputy Secretary, and serving as the primary spokesperson for the Deputy Secretary on a range of postsecondary educational issues. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Postsecondary and Higher Education and is reviewed through conferences and evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Serves as the primary subject matter expert and policy advisor for the Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education regarding issues such as postsecondary finance, affordability, governance, workforce development, data systems, funding formulas, costing out studies, dual enrollment, transfer and matriculation, and collegiate basic needs.

• Provides analytical support and advice to the Deputy Secretary and Commissioner of Postsecondary and Higher Education regarding a range of complex reforms and initiatives.

• Serves as a liaison to postsecondary leaders, the legislature, and senior members of the administration for reviewing and drafting new postsecondary policy.

• Analyzes and develops policies related to postsecondary and higher education reform.

• Communicates the Commonwealth’s postsecondary reform agenda in state and national forums and provides written and oral testimony and speeches.

• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with members of the legislature, postsecondary leaders, and other communities served by the Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the structure, organization, and objectives of postsecondary and higher education.

• Knowledge of current and emerging educational principles, practices, theories, trends, and methods.

• Knowledge of the principles of educational administration.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information, such as policies and proposals.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Five years of professional educational experience that includes two years of supervisory experience, and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that includes two years of professional and supervisory educational experience.