Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant (CLSD) - Non-Classified

State of Colorado

Denver, CO

This position is not part of the classified personnel system; applications will be accepted from Residents and Non-Residents of Colorado.
Incumbent will be required to live in and complete work for CDE within Colorado.This term-limited position ends September 30, 2029.
Colorado Department of Education – What We Do
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute.

As the administrative arm of theState Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data.

CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance.

CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally. If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do.

Why Work For CDE
The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice!
The following is a summary of the benefits we offer:

Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment.
Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible.
Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
11 paid holidays per year.
Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals.
Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org.
Employer-paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply).
Paid professional development opportunities.

A wide salary range is posted for this position, and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority relative to others performing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.Work Environment:

This position is Full-time, federally funded (funding is expected to continue indefinitely unless otherwise indicated in this posting), and is Hybrid (Remote/Home Office with a requirement to report to Work location per business needs).

This is a term-limited position...

Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs.
20 to 30% Travel requiredwithin theState of Colorado for Meetings/Training.
Driving Required (Please see Conditions of Employment).
Overnight Travel is required, up to two or three nights of travel is required as needed.
Out-of-state travel is required for up to two to three times per year.
A Remote (Home) office is required.
Required to report to the work location per business needs.
Essential Functions (ADAAA)
- LIGHT/Office environment:
  - Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time.
  - May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs of force frequently or 20 lbs occasionally.
  - Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc.
  - Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
- CO DL Required:Required to safely operate a motor vehicle(OR State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle)to complete travel requirements.

Position Summary:
The Colorado Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant Project Manager is responsible for the implementation of the federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant. The CLSD Grant is intended to expand the use of evidence-based reading practices and interventions that advance literacy skills for children from birth to grade-12 with an emphasis on disadvantaged children, including children in poverty, English learners (ELs), and children with disabilities. The role of the project manager is to ensure all components of the grant are implemented according to federal guidelines. The grant manager will act under the supervision of the Elementary Literacy and School Readiness Office Director, as the coordinator for the implementation of the CLSD Grant. Additionally, the CLSD Grant manager will develop and implement a granting and monitoring process for the subgrants distributed to districts with this grant. The grant manager will be responsible for all federal reporting and record-keeping related to this grant.

The final salary is anticipated to fall within the posted salary range, however could be higher or lower depending on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications of the preferred candidate while considering internal equity. If you happen to be a current CDE employee, the salary listed above and within reason, also factoring in internal equity, can be negotiated.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Serve as the project lead of the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant program, including:

Manage the CLSD literacy grant program authorized under sections 2221-2225 and 2301 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Lead the ongoing development, articulation, and refinement of policies and procedures related to the CLSD Grant
Lead the communication to key stakeholders related to literacy grants and grant policies
Support the success of grant implementation through direct and indirect technical assistance to grantees.
Monitors and reports on performance measures associated with the CLSD Grant and recommends any mid-course corrections as necessary to ensure grant deliverables are met.
Support the state’s efforts to improve birth through grade 12 literacy through the CLSD Grant with the goal of ensuring that all students are proficient readers.
Works as part of a team with the CDE Literacy Office, including the ELSR Director, Literacy Supervisor, Data Analyst, and Support Staff, to accomplish the mission of the office with adherence to the policies of CDE.
Produces summaries and growth measures associated with the CLSD Grant implementation, including annual reports that require reporting of literacy grants.
Participates in cross-unit work teams within the department to ensure coherent, coordinated statewide implementation of birth through grade 12 literacy.
Manage the state CLSD Grant budget and review, approve, and provide oversight related to budget expenditures for subgrantees.
Provide on-site monitoring of district and agency-based use of CLSD Grant funds to ensure compliance with CLSD Grant requirements.

B. Under the supervision of the Elementary Literacy and School Readiness Office Director, identify and manage the contractors as needed to implement components of the CLSD literacy grant. This requires the grant manager to develop and manage a Scope of Work for the contractors, monitor implementation of the contractor work, and coordinate activities.

C. Lead the process for updating the State Literacy Plan.

D. Create clear communication related to the CLSD Grant by managing and developing websites, listservs, email notifications, CDE updates, and any other pathway needed to support full communication of the CLSD Grant activities to grantees as well as internal and external stakeholders.

E. Actively participate in all required federal meetings in-person and virtual, and meet the federal expectations for grant implementation as outlined by the federal grant manager.

F. Partner with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and other state agencies to support birth through grade 12 literacy through the CLSD Grant.

G. Provide technical assistance to districts that receive CLSD Grants. Establish ongoing relationships with grantees through monthly meetings, technical assistance webinars, and ongoing communication.

H. Establish and maintain a system for receiving applications, tracking and monitoring grants, and evaluating grantee progress for the CLSD Grant.

I. Create CLSD Grant reports to demonstrate grant progress and meet federal reporting requirements.

J. Collaborate and partner with the CDE grants fiscal and grants management teams to manage and implement the CLSD Grants to districts.

K. Prepare federal CLSD Grant applications as future grant opportunities become available. Should Colorado receive a future CLSD Grant award, create a full Request for Applications for the CLSD grants, including development of application, eligibility criteria, and scoring criteria to be distributed to school districts in accordance with the federal guidelines.

L. Participate in ongoing team meetings with the Elementary Literacy and School Readiness Office as a full team member.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s degree in literacy, reading, elementary education, or other related field with coursework to support expertise in scientifically based reading research and application, birth through grade 12.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS:
Qualifications for Success in the Position:

5 or more years of experience in public education.
5 years of experience managing grant programs, projects, and processes at a district or state level.
Understanding of the Colorado READ Act, Colorado Early Literacy Guidelines, and the Colorado Academic Standards.
Solid understanding of evidence-based literacy in birth through grade 12, including experience in supporting schools and districts with implementing evidence-based literacy instruction.
Ability to deliver presentations for both small and large groups, both face-to-face and via distance, using adult learning theory knowledge.
Ability to work collaboratively with district leadership and organizational leadership teams.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Google.
Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to multitask, balance competing priorities, track and meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Evidence of the ability to be a self-initiator.
Ability to work independently, in a team environment, and across teams.
Ability and willingness to travel as required during the performance of assigned tasks (travel may include overnight stays for 1-3 nights at a time).
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc.).
Demonstrated ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations.
Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (e.g. school districts, other CDE units).
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work.
Demonstrated ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as on a team.

Preferred Qualifications (Preferred/Not Required):

5 years of experience developing and managing state contracts.
Background in managing and administering educational grants, including writing solicitations, managing grant review, identifying outcomes and goal areas, and working with grantees.
Background and experience in understanding fiscal budget reporting and requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to support grantees in grant implementation and to report grant outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.

Conditions of Employment(Required):

Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check.
Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (20 to 30% Travel requiredwithin theState of Colorado for Meetings/Training).
Work extended schedule per business needs.
Report to work location per business needs.
Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through federal funds and is subject to availability, and sign the term-limited waiver form
Driving Required: To ensure the safety and efficiency of CDE operations, certain positions are designated as "Driving Required." These positions are required to safely operate a motor vehicleor aState of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle to complete the travel requirements. These positions are subject to a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and a valid driver’s license requirement if it meets the following criteria:
- Travel Threshold: The position requires business-related travel totaling 20% or more of standard working hours; AND
- Operational Necessity:The travel requirements cannot be reasonably or efficiently met by alternative transportation (e.g., public transit, ride-sharing, or rail) due to:
  - Significant travel distances or out-of-state requirements.
  - A high frequency of stops at multiple locations throughout the workday.
  - The need to transport equipment or travel to areas where public transportation is unavailable or impractical.

Complete Applications must include:

Completed Online Application:Required - Submitted through ourATS.
Cover Letter: Required -Attached to the Application
Resume: Required - Attached to the Application
Transcript:Required if using education to meet MQs- Attached to the online application and meeting requirements as described under "College Transcripts".

FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO:

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30.All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately.

Email Address:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, a medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to hr@cde.state.co.us.