JOB TITLE: SPECIAL ADVISOR AND LIAISON FOR DEPUTY SECRETARY OF OPHE AND SBHE

JOB CODE: 21125

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional work serving as an executive-level advisor in the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education (OPHE), and as the primary liaison to the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE).

The employee in this job directs the development and implementation of statewide postsecondary policies and oversees major federal initiatives. Work involves ensuring alignment with department priorities, statutory responsibilities, and the Governor’s postsecondary agenda. Work includes providing oversight and interpretation of federal policy to ensure compliance, conducting cross-state policy analysis to identify best practices, proposing recommendations to advance postsecondary and higher education policy reform, and serving as the primary spokesperson for the Deputy Secretary on critical 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.)

• Leads policy analysis and development on key funding and governance reforms as the principal advisor and expert on issues including postsecondary finance, affordability, workforce development, data systems, funding formulas, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and student basic needs.

• Develops statewide postsecondary education policy by integrating federal directives with national best practices and producing proposals that support key higher education reforms.

• Provides analysis and makes recommendations for complex postsecondary and higher education reforms and initiatives.

• Directs collaboration between OPHE and SBHE by setting priorities, providing policy guidance, and advising on regulatory obligations.

• Serves as a liaison to legislators, postsecondary leaders, senior administrators, and other stakeholders by coordinating engagement, maintaining working relationships, and supporting the development of postsecondary policy.

• Represents the Commonwealth at national and state meetings hosted by the U.S. Department of Education, major national philanthropic organizations, and leading postsecondary and workforce organizations.

• Leads the planning and execution of federal initiatives by interpreting guidance, establishing approval processes, and monitoring compliance.

• Provides guidance on the implementation of statewide student-level data systems to advance key postsecondary reform priorities.

• 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 communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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

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

or

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