Director of Federal Programs

Position Description

The Director of Federal Programs provides leadership in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the district’s federal programs and grants. The director ensures that federal funding opportunities are used to the greatest benefit of the school system’s educational programs, facilities, and personnel. This position coordinates grant development, budget management, compliance, and family engagement while collaborating with district and school leaders to support district, state, and federal initiatives. The director manages applicable applications, budgets, amendments, and reporting through ePlan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue federal funding opportunities that align with district priorities and support educational programs, facilities, and personnel.
• Lead the development, writing, and submission of federal program proposals, grant applications, and required supporting documentation.
• Manage the district’s work in ePlan, including developing and submitting plans, grant applications, budgets, amendments, assurances, and reports to support district, state, and federal initiatives.
• Oversee federal funds and grants, including budget development, expenditure monitoring, and coordination with the district’s finance department to ensure funds are used appropriately and effectively.
• Collaborate with district and school leaders to align federal program budgets and grant-funded activities with identified needs, district goals, and school improvement priorities.
• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of applicable federal programs, including Titles I, II-A, III, and VI, and maintain regular communication with staff responsible for program activities.
• Evaluate federally funded programs and projects, and other assigned initiatives, to assess implementation, effectiveness, and progress toward intended outcomes.
• Prepare and submit project updates, amendments, addenda, and required reports to the appropriate agencies.
• Coordinate federal program requirements, maintain accurate records and supporting documentation, and lead preparation for monitoring visits, reviews, and audits.
• Assist with securing bids and coordinating purchasing procedures for federally funded activities in collaboration with appropriate district personnel.
• Collaborate with community agencies and other partners to strengthen program implementation and expand support for students and families.
• Plan and support meaningful parent and family engagement activities in collaboration with school and district staff.
• Conduct annual surveys to identify the needs of Title I parents and families, and use the results to guide program planning and improvement.
• Assess parent and family engagement activities on an ongoing basis and recommend adjustments to improve participation and effectiveness.
• Develop and implement procedures to coordinate home-school activities, including a Title I newsletter, a Title I handbook, and parent training materials.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to district and school staff regarding federal program requirements, allowable expenditures, grant management, and required documentation.
• Perform additional job-related responsibilities as assigned by the superintendent or designee.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in educational leadership, administration, or a related field.
• Administrative or supervisory experience that meets applicable state law and State Board of Education rules and regulations.
• Experience developing, managing, and monitoring budgets, preferably within a school district.
• Knowledge of federal education programs, grant requirements, and procedures for managing and monitoring federal funds.
• Experience with grant writing, grant administration, and program evaluation preferred.
• Experience using ePlan or a comparable grants and budget management system preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and support district and school leaders.