03/03/2004    24600

SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY, EDUCATION

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible management and administrative work serving as executive assistant to the Secretary of Education.

An employee in this class is responsible for assisting the Secretary of Education with special projects and important administrative, management, and program policy matters. Work involves advising and assisting the Secretary in setting overall Departmental strategies and implementing recommendations to meet the goals and objectives of the Administration. Responsibilities of this position include advising and assisting the Secretary in developing and implementing educational policies and procedures to improve and refine education in Pennsylvania; reviewing efforts to meet the agency priorities and initiatives; and coordinating Departmental resources and staff efforts to effect planned goals, objectives, and program initiatives. Work also involves representing the Secretary and Department with national and state organizations and agencies, special interest groups, project task forces, and other organizations and individuals in the administration. Work is performed under the general direction of the Secretary and is reviewed through conferences and evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Provide advice and assistance to the Secretary on a variety of highly complex and sensitive special projects, and administrative, managerial, and policy matters.

Assist the Secretary in the review and analysis of current and planned priorities, objectives, and mandated functions for the Department to ensure that present and future educational and developmental needs of the students, communities, and Commonwealth are met.

Participate in developing new priorities, objectives, and recommendations for change or improvement in the mission and operation of the Department.

Assist the Secretary in using the policies, priorities and objectives in developing and implementing new programs.

Work with appropriate staff within, and outside, the Department to review and coordinate efforts and progress to accomplish the Departmental priorities, initiatives, and mandated functions, in accordance with the Secretary’s objectives and plans.

Identify problems and issues in program operations and recommends appropriate action to the Secretary.

Review policy and program proposals and recommendations with senior program officials to determine acceptability, avoid duplication, engender and coordinate

cooperation across program lines, and assure compatibility and conformance with overall Departmental goals and objectives.

Represent the Secretary at meetings, committees, conferences, and work groups to coordinate activities in implementing program and policy objectives.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Perform related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the structure, organization, and objectives of public and non-public education within the Commonwealth.

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

Knowledge of educational and governmental administration.

Knowledge of modern management and administrative principles, practices, and techniques.

Ability to analyze, evaluate and recommend policy.

Ability to analyze educational programs and proposals to determine whether programs and proposals are consistent with Departmental priorities, needs, objectives, and policies.

Ability to analyze, develop, modify, and coordinate comprehensive management and administrative practices and systems for the Department in order to implement Departmental priorities, initiatives, and policies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with educators, elected or appointed governmental officials, administrators, Departmental staff, private groups and organizations, and the general public.

Ability to express oneself effectively, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of experience in the field of education, including two years in an administrative, managerial or supervisory capacity; and a bachelor’s degree.

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.