The Montana Board of Public Education is seeking a passionate and public service-oriented individual to fill aTemporaryposition as theDirector of Planningfor the Community Choice School Commission. *This temporary position is for a term not to exceed 12 months. This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED. First round of application reviews will take place on January 27, 2025. *Montana Board of Public Education Overview: The Board of Public Education was created by the Montana Constitution of 1972 to exercise general supervision over the elementary and secondary schools of the state. The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to staggered seven-year terms. Additional information about the Montana Board of Public Education can be found by visiting our “About Us” webpage HERE. HB 562, in 2023,authorized the establishment of Community Choice Schools with an autonomous state Community Choice School Commission under the general supervision of the Board of Public Education. The Choice Commission is administratively attached to the Board. MISSION STATEMENT: The Board of Public Education has a mission statement as directed by the Montana Constitution, which states, “There is a board of public education to exercise general supervision over the public school system and such other public educational institutions as may be assigned by law”. The Board of Public Education was established to supervise, serve, maintain, and strengthen Montana's system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools. The Commission's Purpose is to: * Authorize, oversee, and hold accountable public community choice schools for fulfilling the terms of their contracts; and * Approve, oversee, and evaluate the effectiveness of public community choice school Authorizers. The Commission's Strategic Vision is to: Develop the full educational potential of each student by fostering a diverse and dynamic public education landscape that: * Is free, public, and open to all; * Is deliberately distinctive; and * Offers meaningful alternatives. Job Overview: * This position is the Temporary Director of Planning for the Community Choice Schools Commission, an autonomous commission under the general supervision of and administratively attached to the Board of Public Education. This position will temporarily manage multiple leadership and administrative functions on behalf of the Commission, execute Commission decisions, ensure consistency and fairness in the Commission’s decision-making process, promote successful implementation of the provisions of Title 20, Chapter 11, MCA, and carry out the Commission’s strategic vision as a statewide authorizer of Community Choice Schools and statewide authorizer of other authorizers. *Essential Functions (major Duties or Responsibilities): * Administrative Management (30%): * o Implement direction and action from the Commission and coordinate with the supervisor at the Board of Public Education. o Perform administrative tasks and supervisory duties including oversight and management of the Commission’s meetings, projected budget, strategic planning, and software and data storage necessities. o Directly confer with the supervisor at the Board of Public Education at least weekly. o Prepare with the Commission Treasurer and Chair and coordinate the Commission’s annual operating budgets with the supervisor at the Board of Public Education. o Ensure maintenance of Commission records as required by law and as requested by the Chair of the Commission. o Ensure the Commission’s compliance with federal and state requirements, policies, and procedures. o Cultivate a strong, transparent relationship with the Board of Public Education and work in coordination with the Board’s calendar and annual schedule. o Arrange professional development for self and Commission members. o Inform and advise the Commission regarding potential applications and various matters related to Choice School authorization. o Inform and advise the Commission regarding potential applications and various matters related to the authorization of authorizers. o Assist the Commission in contracting with national chartering experts and organizations to assist in building leadership capacity in Montana and implementing the Title 20, Chapter 11, MCA.* * Program and Policy Development and Management (50%): o Research, develop, and write internal policies for the Commission, including the preparation of various annual reports of the Commission’s work in accordance with Title 20, Chapter 11, MCA. o Research, develop, and write procedural policies for the application, contract, oversight and renewal processes for Choice Schools and Authorizers, ensuring the evaluations of potential Choice School and Authorizer applications adhere to the law and are carried out in accordance with nationally accepted best practices. o Prepare the state for the successful rollout of rigorous, pre-application and application cycles for potential Community Choice Schools and potential Authorizers. o Research, develop, and implement tools, resources, workshops, and support mechanisms to ensure the Commission’s potential portfolio of schools will be able to meet the performance measures set out by theCommission. o Prepare a Choice School Accelerator Program for approved applicants to receive guidance in the design and execution of their start-up plan during the pre-operational year. o Remain abreast of national trends, research, and best practices relevant to Choice School and Authorizer authorization * Public Relations (10%) o Serve as an informational expert for the Choice School sector across the state to key stakeholders, including Commission members, the BPE, state agencies, the legislature, education associations, and organizations that have a vested interest in the success of Montana’s Choice Schools. o Establish support networks and workshops for potential Choice School founders, leadership, faculty, and classified staff to share best practices and resources, promote communication and problem-solving, and provide input for the Commission’s strategic direction. o Develop partnerships with local, state, and national charter school organizations, Community Choice School stakeholders, and the public at large. o Promote potential Choice School innovation through a collection of national and statewide partnership building, data collection, and networking with charter management organizations, education management organizations, and potential founding boards across the state. * Fundraising (10%): o Identify resource and grant opportunities. o Write, apply for and manage grant opportunities. o Actively identify potential donors and manage donor relationships. Physical and Environment Demands: This position will primarily work remotely, and remote employees may be required to track their work progress through the State of Montana Remote Worker portal. Additionally, travel throughout the state will be an essential requirement of fulfilling the duties of the position, and out of state travel is likely for professional development, fundraising, and partnership building. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * This position requires extensive knowledge of management principles, administrative oversight, fundraising practices, and nationally recognized chartering best practices * Knowledge of K-12 education principles and practices also required, including knowledge of nationwide charter school laws and systems. * Ability to research and keep up to date with educational and chartering trends required. * Excellent written and oral communication skills required. * This position must be able to build positive working relationships with educational leaders and legislators to foster understanding of the Community Choice Public Schools sector and with the Commission’s decisions and initiatives. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): * Experience working in business administrative and leadership capacity. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to compile and summarize complex material. * Strong working knowledge of Montana’s Choice Schools law and federal education law. * Familiarity with and willingness to learn state education law. * Ability to travel for: applicant workshops, applicant interviews, Commission meetings, and professional development purposes are required. How to apply? Please submit ALL of the following items with your application: * Cover letter * Resume Additional Information: * Finalists will be required to submit contact information for references. * Only online applications are accepted. * By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application. Title: Director of Planning - Community Choice Schools Commission (Temporary Position) Location: Helena Requisition ID: 25140148