Chief of Operations - Public Service Executive II

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Opening Date: September 19, 2024

Closing Date:  October 3, 2024

Job Class Code: EA37
Grade: 37
Salary: $97,281.80 - $137,883.20/Annually
Position Number: 014001051

PURPOSE:

This position functions as the Chief of  Operations as a member of the Commissioner’s Directors team (agency’s senior management team). The primary focus of this position is to directly manage and oversee internal operating, support and administrative functions of the Department with differing levels of scope, accountability and complexity including financial, human resource, procurement, legal, and technology; authorizing and allocating fiscal transactions; and ensuring the management and direction of daily program administration for a variety of diverse activities within the Department.  It is also responsible for ensuring that school administrative units receive the appropriate funding through the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) formula. 

This position implements program policies and initiatives for internal Department functions in support of the department goals and objectives established by Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.  This position is responsible for directing and overseeing:

(1)    Multi-State department communications and agreements;

(2)    Department contractual agreements and memorandums of agreements;

(3)    Review of the integration and coordination of activities within the department;

(4)    The department responses to constituent inquiries and complaints;

(5)    Responses to waiver requests that require action by the Commissioner;

(6)    The development of department staff training and implementation of internal department policy and procedures;

(7)    Ensuring equity amongst staff within each office/team withing the organizational structure of the department while increasing efficiency and effectiveness in Department operations;

(8)    Liaison with internal and external OIT staff.    

Work involves directing the implementation of policies, initiatives and mandates of the department, directing staff activities ensuring the management and direction of daily program administration and activities. The impact of this work has a large relationship to the overall mission of the agency and the position has extensive decision-making authority. Work is performed under general direction.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of state laws and rules related to education and administrative procedures.
• Knowledge of and technical expertise in the laws, policies and workings of a broad spectrum of public agencies in general and education.
• Knowledge of school funding and staffing, and an understanding of the relationships among these areas to the education in Maine’s schools.
• Knowledge of federal education law and regulations including IDEA, ESSA/ESEA and FERPA.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of educational reform adopted by the Department.
• Knowledge of state and federal rules/regulations regarding personnel.
• Knowledge of policy positions and educational initiatives of the Department and the Governor.
• Ability to research, understand and advise others of the requirements of these laws and other relevant laws.
• Ability to work with department directors and staff, legislators and other stakeholders in policy development and implementation.
• Ability to collect relevant information and to analyze information, in order to advise the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner staff and Directors on policy issues.
• Ability to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including technical drafting skills.
• Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to utilize current office technologies.
• Ability to develop and implement policies to enhance Department operations and services including the delivery of services.
• Ability to represent the Commissioner of Education’s and Chief Executive’s policy agenda.
• Ability to establish and maintain a high quality workforce. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Education, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, operations management, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior management role.
• Prefernece will be given to those who possess a Master's degree. 
• Preference will be given to candidates who have experience overseeing diverse internal operating functions, with a particular focus on human resources within a governmental or public education environment.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 18.09% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.