Technical Assistance-Lead, The Equity Assistance Center-South

Growth Is In Our DNA! The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta Georgia seeks a Technical Assistance Lead for the Equity Assistance Center-South.

For more than 150 years, Southern Education Foundation has made substantial contributions to improving education at all levels, from pre-kindergarten through higher education. SEF works to improve equity and excellence in education for low-income students and students of color in the south. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education nationally. Research, policy analysis, advocacy, and programs are the primary means through which SEF pursues its mission. Candidates should be able to effectively communicate and embody the value, belief, purpose, and mission of the organization.

The Equity Assistance Center-South work in the areas of civil rights, equity, and school reform to help ensure that equitable educational opportunities are available and accessible for all children. EACs provide technical assistance and training upon request, in the areas of race, sex, national origin, and religion to public school districts, school boards, state and local education agencies, and other governmental agencies to promote equitable education opportunities.

This position reports to the Director, EAC-South Region II. To learn more, visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

The Technical Assistance (TA) Lead oversees a variety of projects within the Equity Assistance Centers, including providing design, instruction, and project management expertise. The TA Lead is responsible for building and maintaining the EAC-South’s portfolio of technical assistance work. Such technical assistance is designed to improve and sustain a public education system’s capacity to address issues occasioned by desegregation and inequities and increase equitable opportunities for all students. Also, the TA Lead supports related activities, such as needs-sensing analysis, reporting, and relationship management. You will oversee cross-functional teams across SEF and partner with organizations to provide training and technical assistance at the invitation of school districts, school boards, and other educational agencies on issues of equity related to race, national origin, sex, or religion. This position will forge and expound upon partnerships that align with the mission of the EAC and of Southern Education Foundation, Inc.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the overall TA team in a variety of technical assistance projects to support school districts, school board, and other educational agencies in addressing equity issues under four desegregation areas (race, national origin, sex, or religion).

Work collaboratively with assigned teams (internal and external) to develop individualized TA plans that outline specific project goals, interim benchmarks of progress related to goals, TA activities/deliverables to support progress toward goals, and metrics of success.

Work with the Evaluation Lead to ensure effective data collection and outcomes are tied to project goals.

Contribute to regular progress monitoring and reporting activities.

Use evidence-based research to create self-paced modules, courses, and other content that cover issues under the four desegregation areas (race, national origin, sex, or religion).

Provide remote and in-person expert consultation or training to address equity issues based on race, national origin, sex, or religion for groups of educators, schools, districts, and state leadership.

Assist in conducting community asset-mapping, needs assessments, including landscape analysis and equity audits, and developing comprehensive implementation plans for addressing issues under the desegregation areas (race, national origin, sex, or religion).

Establish as appropriate, communities of practice (CoP), cohort meetings, peer-to-peer exchanges, and other mechanisms to advance policy and systems work though networking and cross-team learning.

Co-create and maintain a fully accessible, responsive website with a repository of resources including, but not limited to, research syntheses, rubrics, briefs, training manuals, newsletters, webinars, and other TA tools and products.

Present confidently at conferences and convenings on innovative strategies, practices, and proven solutions to challenges in K-12 education, addressing equity and problems occasioned by desegregation.

Maintain ongoing knowledge of K-12 education and policy issues and best practices, particularly related to equity, desegregation, and education reform.

Perform other duties as assigned to the efficient and effective functioning of the Equity Assistance Center-South.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

A master’s degree in education or a related field required. Doctorate degree preferred.

Deep knowledge of education sector, with 5+ years of experience leading projects and/or a team of educators in a school or district environment.

Knowledge of the Technical Assistance processes and experience providing TA or coaching to support others in building capacity to implement change.

Knowledge of research methods and familiarity with statistical analysis packages and other research tools.

Demonstrated experience of managing and/or conducting quantitative and qualitative, and/or mixed research methods.

Experience as an evaluation, project researcher or analyst, or in coordinating with evaluation teams around technical assistance work.

Strong facilitation skills in administering professional development and/or strategy sessions for education and policy leaders.

Demonstrates a high level of experience with technology, especially using technology in an educational context preferred.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, time management, and project management skills.

Exceptional listener, able motivator, and effective relationship-builder.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships with multiple partners to work toward multiple objectives and interests to achieve a shared goal.

Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with individuals representing a range of backgrounds and skill levels.

Willingness to travel up to 30 – 50%.

This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday. Compensation for this role starts at $100,000 with a competitive benefits package. The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta-based organization. Atlanta-based candidates are preferred. SEF is currently working a hybrid schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.

Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest 2) a current resume 3) names and contact information of three references to hr@southerneducation.org with Technical Assistance (TA) Lead in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Flexible work from home options available.