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We are seeking a Director of Secondary | Post-Secondary Transitions (Education Programs Manager 3) to join our Office of Education, Innovation, and Improvement (OEII) at the . This is a permanent management service position.
About Us:
The (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its , ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system.
The (EII) aspires to nurture a thriving, sustainable, and innovative statewide educational vision and system rooted in humanity and responsive to complex and dynamic times. EII leads programs and practices that center on the core values of deep equity, stewardship, responsibility, belonging, reciprocity, and accountability. This office encourages and seeks accountability, feedback, evaluation, and assessment and appreciates the unique value that each person’s experiences and skills bring to the collective whole.
What You Will Do!
As the Director of Secondary/Post-Secondary Transitions (SPST), you will provide statewide leadership to ensure Oregon students are supported as they move from high school into college, career, and community. You will guide policy and program decisions that expand opportunities for historically underserved students, oversee state and federal funding that supports career and technical education (CTE) and Programs of Study, and build strong partnerships across schools, districts, colleges, agencies, Tribes, and community organizations. This role also includes supervising and mentoring staff, representing Oregon in state and national conversations, and making decisions that directly impact students, educators, and communities across the state. Ultimately, this position combines vision and action—helping Oregon build stronger, more equitable systems that open doors for every student.
Typical duties include:
Provide strategic leadership to the Secondary/Post-Secondary Transitions (SPST) Team.
Oversee policy development and implementation aligned with ODE’s Equity Strategic Plan.
Administer state and federal programs, including Oregon’s Perkins V Plan.
Develop and manage budgets, grants, and operational strategies that support Programs of Study.
Build and sustain partnerships with districts, ESDs, community colleges, Tribes, state agencies, business, and community-based organizations.
Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff, fostering professional growth and an inclusive workplace.
Represent ODE in state and national forums related to secondary and post-secondary transitions.
Make high-level decisions that shape policy, funding, and opportunities for more than 580,000 Oregon students.
This position is primarily remote with occasional in-office work required based on business or operational needs. Candidates must hold a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record or be able to provide an acceptable alternative means of transportation. The Oregon Department of Education supports remote work to the fullest extent possible while ensuring it does not interfere with business operations.
Minimum Qualifications (Need to Have)
Seven years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; OR four years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.
Minimum qualifications must be met to qualify for this position.
Desired Attributes (Nice to Have):
Demonstrated commitment to systems change that removes barriers and accelerates opportunities for historically underserved K-12 students.
Proven leadership experience in education settings (e.g., school districts, ESDs, SEAs) with awareness of national and global trends in teaching, learning, and assessment.
Strong knowledge of federal and state grant administration, Oregon Administrative Rule development, hiring/onboarding processes, and agency operations.
Effective communicator with excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and policy development skills.
Skilled in fostering inclusive workplaces, coaching staff, resolving conflict, and co-creating shared vision through interpersonal awareness and adaptability.
Ability to collaborate across complex systems and navigate socio-political contexts while valuing diverse perspectives.
Experience in strategic planning, budget development, and implementation of organizational goals, with understanding of state and federal funding processes.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of the attributes listed.
Why Us?
At ODE, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative atmosphere. Autonomy is supported while also being offered opportunities to work in dedicated teams or partnerships across the agency. Our office supports a healthy work/life balance and shows genuine care for team members, students, partners, and school leaders. Our team members share and educate with passion for equitable practices and sustainable development for leaders across Oregon. We maintain a constant learning and growing mentality to strive for optimum innovation and consistently applied equity practices.
Our Amazing Benefits Include:
Excellent benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost
Paid days off –
11 paid holidays per year,
3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year,
8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month,
Progressive vacation leave accrual and increases every 5 years.
In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, , long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.
If you currently work at an Oregon school district or education service district, we may be able to transfer in your sick leave balance!
If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians, apply today!
To Apply:
Your cover letter and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.
Upload a resume and cover letter.
In your cover letter, please include your qualifications relating to any of the desired attributes mentioned for this position (limit to no more than 2 pages). Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/Cover Letter field on the online application. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in the disqualification of your application .
In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes and minimum qualifications listed under the “What we are looking for” section above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure the attributes and minimum qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your resume and cover letter.
External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/Cover Letter.
Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account.
Please contact if you have any questions on the application process.
Would you like to learn more about this position or how our application process works? Join our Recruitment team during our ODE Career Chat Sessions. We can assist you with all your application and agency questions!
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