Program Associate – IDEA Fiscal Systems and Accountability

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Provide technical assistance and consultation to states to enhance client capabilities in meeting IDEA program and fiscal obligations and to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

• Aid in the development and preparation of technical assistance and content-specific project materials.

• Play a role in creating and distributing resources, tools, and templates.

• Produce project resources and reports intended for various audiences.

• Examine and summarize client policies, background research, and related materials in collaboration with teammates.

• Coordinate calendars, meeting materials, and notes for events and meetings.

• Document, communicate, and monitor task completion by team members.

• Participate in project staff meetings.

• Offer project coordination and support for designated tasks and workstreams.

• Deliver on-site technical assistance and attend meetings, with travel requirements of up to 40%.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, education administration, special education, early childhood education, or a related field.

• Familiarity with federal fiscal accountability standards and state and local finance systems, especially concerning special education and early intervention programs.

• Experience in administering or supporting special education, early intervention, federal education, or other publicly funded initiatives.

• Understanding of IDEA Part C systems, including state lead agencies, public agencies involved, early intervention service providers, and families.

• Knowledge of IDEA Part C fiscal requirements, including payor of last resort, interagency financial responsibilities, systems of payments, public and private insurance, reimbursement processes, and fiscal monitoring.

• Capability to review, analyze, and summarize policies, procedures, budgets, fiscal documents, monitoring materials, and other complex data.

• Strong organizational abilities and proven use of organizational tools such as Box, Salesforce, and Outlook Calendar.

• Experience in effective project management.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including proofreading and offering constructive feedback.

• Ability to actively listen and distill conversations, decisions, and action items.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, including the ability to prioritize work across multiple projects.

• High self-motivation and the capacity to work independently while seeking guidance when necessary.

• Strong interpersonal abilities and the capability to collaborate effectively with teams and client partners.

• Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Candidates must successfully pass a criminal background check and education verification.

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in IDEA Part C fiscal matters.

🏝️ Benefits

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective from day 1 of employment, with immediate 100% vesting.

• Options for pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.

• Health and welfare benefits starting on the first of the month following the hire date.

• Paid Time Off: 19 days, increasing to 21 days after three years of employment.

• 12 paid holidays.

• Life Insurance coverage valued at 3x gross salary, with a maximum of $500,000.

• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases.

• Annual incentives.

• Professional development opportunities.

• Mentorship program.