JOB TITLE: ADVISOR TO THE DEPUTY SECRETARY, OFFICE OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

JOB CODE: 21120

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible management and administrative work serving as an executive-level advisor in the Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE).

The employee in this job is responsible for advising the Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education on high profile administrative, management, and program policy matters. Work involves assisting the Deputy Secretary establish and implement a strategic plan to meet the goals and objectives of the current Administration. Work also includes developing and implementing educational policies and procedures to improve education in Pennsylvania; coordinating departmental resources and staff efforts to affect goals, objectives, and program initiatives; and representing the department on behalf of the Deputy Secretary with national and state organizations and agencies, special interest groups, and task forces. Work is performed independently, under the general direction of the Deputy Secretary, 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.):

• Provides advice and assistance to the Deputy Secretary and the Governor’s Office on a variety of highly complex and sensitive special projects and administrative, managerial, and policy matters.

• Assists the Deputy Secretary in the review and analysis of current and planned priorities, objectives, and mandated functions to ensure that the educational and developmental needs of the students, communities, and the commonwealth are met.

• Aligns OESE goals and resources with the overall strategic vision established by the department; prepares and updates plans and priorities.

• Works closely with department staff and the Governor’s Office on policy development to ensure that department programs are aligned with the Administration’s objectives.

• Participates in management team meetings and provides substantive input on program and policy discussions.

• Develops new priorities, objectives, and recommendations for change or improvement in educational programs, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office.

• Coordinates efforts within and outside the department to review progress on established priorities, initiatives, and mandated functions.

• Identifies problems and issues in program operations and recommends viable solutions to the Deputy Secretary.

• Tracks current events, recent research, policy developments, legislation, and other issues of interest to the OESE to identify best practices and support the development of new educational programs in Pennsylvania.

• Analyzes legislation to determine impact on OESE operations and K-12 education.

• Reviews policy and program proposals and recommendations with senior program officials to determine acceptability, avoid duplication, engender and coordinate cooperation across program lines, and ensure compatibility and conformance with overall departmental goals and objectives.

• Identifies funding sources and develops proposals and related work plans to create projects that are aligned to the department’s overall strategic direction.

• Represents the Deputy Secretary at committees, conferences, and work groups meetings.

• Writes compelling policy papers in a variety of lengths and formats.

• Prepares complex reports, manuals, requests for proposals, and other documents for special projects.

• Provides technical advice and guidance to staff, other departments, the public, and other agencies.

• Writes speeches and answers internal and external correspondence for the Deputy Secretary.

• 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 objective of public and non-public education.

• 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.

• 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.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These may not be used for merit system evaluation or examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.)

• Ability to conceive and expand concepts for K-12 education.

• Ability to analyze complex educational and educationally-related program questions to make recommendations for their solutions.

• Ability to develop and present recommendations for new or revised programs to address identified needs in K-12 education.

• Ability to evaluate deputate and organizational operations and recommend improvement measures.

• 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.

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

• Four years of professional experience in education, including two years in an administrative, managerial, or supervisory capacity, and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes two years in an administrative, managerial, or supervisory capacity.