ROCKINGHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS

Job Description

Position Title: Director of Federal Programs

Department: Curriculum Services

Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

Work Schedule: 12-Month Employee

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Grade: Director Level 

Position Overview

The Director of Federal Programs provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for federally funded educational programs within Rockingham County Schools. The position ensures compliance with federal regulations, state requirements, and district policies related to federal funding.

The Director oversees the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs funded through Title I, Title II, and other federal initiatives designed to improve student achievement and support instructional quality. The Director collaborates with district leaders, school administrators, and program staff to ensure effective use of federal resources and to support the academic success of all students, particularly those identified as economically disadvantaged or at risk.

This position also supports school leadership by supervising and evaluating assigned principals and assisting in addressing parent and community concerns related to school operations and student services.

Position Purpose

The Director of Federal Programs is responsible for administering federal education programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and supporting schools in the effective implementation of federally funded initiatives.

This position manages program budgets, coordinates grant applications, monitors expenditures, and ensures that federal funds are used in accordance with applicable laws and guidelines. The Director works closely with district leadership and school personnel to maximize the impact of federal programs on student achievement and instructional improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Federal Program Administration

1. Provides leadership for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of federally funded programs within the district.
2. Oversees programs funded through Title I, Title II, and other federal program initiatives as assigned.
   Ensures that all federal programs are implemented in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and district policies.
3. Coordinates the development and submission of required federal program applications, plans, and reports.

Fiscal Oversight and Budget Management

1. Develops and manages budgets for Title I, Title II, and other federal funding sources.
2. Monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and allowable use guidelines.
3. Works collaboratively with district finance staff to ensure accurate budgeting, reporting, and fiscal accountability.
4. Ensures proper documentation and maintenance of financial records related to federal funding.

Compliance and Monitoring

1. Ensures district compliance with federal program requirements established by the United States Department of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
2. Coordinates program monitoring, audits, and compliance reviews conducted by state or federal agencies.
3. Maintains appropriate records and documentation to demonstrate compliance with federal regulations.
4. Provides guidance and technical assistance to schools regarding federal program requirements.

Program Coordination and Support

1. Works collaboratively with school administrators and instructional leaders to support the implementation of Title-funded programs.
2. Provides guidance to schools on the effective use of federal resources to improve student achievement.
3. Supports district and school initiatives designed to close achievement gaps and support underserved student populations.
4. Coordinates required parent and family engagement activities associated with federal programs.
   
   

Principal Supervision and School Support

1. Supervises and evaluates assigned school principals in accordance with district and state leadership standards.
2. Provides leadership coaching and support to principals to strengthen school improvement efforts and program implementation.
3. Collaborates with principals to ensure effective use of federal program resources within schools.
4. Assists the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in supporting school leadership and operational effectiveness.

Parent and Community Relations

1. Works collaboratively with school leaders to address and resolve parent and community concerns.
2. Responds to inquiries or complaints related to federal programs, school services, or student support initiatives.
3. Supports positive communication and engagement between schools, families, and the community.
4. Assists in facilitating meetings with parents or stakeholders when concerns require district-level support.

Professional Development and Capacity Building

1. Provides training and technical assistance to principals, teachers, and district staff related to federal program requirements and effective program implementation.
2. Supports professional development initiatives funded through federal grants.
3. Monitors research and best practices related to federally funded education programs.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

1. Communicates federal program requirements, expectations, and opportunities to district leaders, school administrators, and staff.
2. Prepares reports and presentations related to federal program performance and compliance.
3. Collaborates with families and community stakeholders to support program implementation and parent engagement requirements.

Additional Duties

1. Assists the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction with strategic planning related to federal program implementation.
2. Monitors changes in federal legislation affecting education programs and funding.
3. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Core Competencies for Leadership

The Director of Federal Programs demonstrates leadership aligned with expectations for educational leadership and program administration supported by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Strategic Leadership

Supports district goals by ensuring federal resources are used effectively to improve student outcomes.

Instructional Support Leadership

Collaborates with district leaders and school administrators to support instructional improvement initiatives funded through federal programs.

Managerial Leadership

Ensures effective administration, monitoring, and documentation of federal funds and program activities.

Compliance and Accountability

Maintains compliance with federal regulations, grant requirements, and state monitoring expectations.

Collaboration and Communication

Works collaboratively with district leaders, school administrators, and community stakeholders to support successful program implementation.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree in Education, Educational Administration, or a related field.

Experience

Minimum of three years of experience as a principal in public education, including experience with federal education programs, or grant administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field.
• Experience managing federal grants or Title programs at the school or district level.
• Experience supervising school administrators.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal education programs including Title I and Title II.
• Knowledge of grant management, fiscal accountability, and compliance procedures.
• Understanding of federal and state education regulations and reporting requirements.
• Ability to analyze program data and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with district staff, school personnel, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to supervise and evaluate school administrators.

Physical Requirements

Work is typically performed in office, school, and meeting environments. The employee must be able to:

• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Use hands and fingers to operate computers and office equipment.
• Communicate effectively in person and electronically.
• Occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to approximately 20 pounds.
• Travel to schools, district offices, and professional meetings as required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Terms of Employment

Employment is for twelve (12) months. Salary and benefits are established by the Rockingham County Board of Education.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually by the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in accordance with district administrative evaluation procedures.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rockingham County Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legally protected status.

Internal Candidates

Submit a letter of interest with an updated resume to the Executive Director of Human Resources.