IDEA Programs Project Strategist

Position Title: IDEA Programs Project Strategist 

Classification: Administrative Specialist 1 

Salary: $3,705.00 - $5,066.00 ($3,952.00 - $5,419.00 PERS) 
 

We are seeking a IDEA Programs Project Strategist to join our Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities at the Oregon Department of Education. This is a permanent position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  
 

This position follows a hybrid work model. Onsite presence will be required when business or operational needs are best supported in person, such as collaboration, training, or work that requires access to onsite resources. Employees approved to work remotely must have a reliable and secure internet connection and maintain a professional work environment that supports productivity. While working remotely, employees are expected to maintain the same level of performance, responsiveness, communication, and availability as they would in the office. 

About Us:  

The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system. 

The Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities (OESO) contributes to ODE’s mission of fostering equity and excellence for every learner through collaborations with educators, partners, and communities by providing support in overall school improvement efforts to Oregon’s school districts and programs. The work of this office includes helping districts and programs meet the obligations of state and federal laws, especially those related to the education of students experiencing disability and disabled students and overseeing and supporting the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD). The work of this office impacts local school districts, education service districts, professional associations, and other agencies involved in education programs including early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE), special education, secondary transition programs, and education programs within Oregon correctional facilities, hospitals, and treatment centers. This office also oversees implementation of Abbreviated School Day Programs (ASDP) consistent with ORS 343.321-343.333. 

What You Will Do! 
 
This position provides key administrative, logistical, and project support to the IDEA Programs team housed in the Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities (OESO). The role focuses on coordinating and supporting activities that improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities by facilitating high-quality technical assistance, professional development, and compliance-related improvement work with local education agencies and partners across Oregon. 

Typical duties include: 

• Tracking district inquiries and support requests via shared inboxes, inquiry systems, and call logs.  

• Coordinating logistics for virtual and in-person events, including scheduling, registration, materials preparation, communications, and facilitation support. 

• Managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and coordinating logistics for internal and external engagements. 

• Performing other administrative and project coordination tasks as directed by the Director of IDEA Programs, including support for cross-office initiatives or short-term assignments. 

Please click here to view the full position description 

Minimum Qualifications (Need to Have) 

 
Two years of secretarial or basic administrative support experience that includes records processing, generating documents, and gathering and sorting data; 

 OR 

An associate degree in general office occupations and one year of experience with records processing, generating documents, and gathering and sorting data; . 

OR 

An equivalent combination of education and experience. 

 
 
Minimum qualifications must be met to qualify for this position.  
 

Desired Attributes (Nice to Have): 

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to support scheduling, communication, and document management across IDEA Programs.  

• Demonstrated experience using Smartsheet for tracking workflows, organizing complex project timelines, and maintaining real-time data dashboards. 

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, maintain progress across multiple workstreams, and follow through with precision. 

• Exceptional organizational skills, with a high level of attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to keep compliance-related materials, calendars, and files structured and accessible. 

• Basic graphic design skills (e.g., Canva or Adobe Suite) to create clear, polished visuals, one-pagers, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.  

• Background or experience in special education, IDEA programs, or state/local education agency work (preferred) 

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 medical, vision and dental 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, Paid Leave Oregon, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses. 

• Student Loan Forgiveness Program: 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.  

• Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application. 

• 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 ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov 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! 
 
1st Thursday of the month – 11 am to 11:45 am (PST) 
 

Join ZoomGov Meeting 

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618573320 

Additional Information: 
 

• Salary Range: The range listed is the Non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS. 

• Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage. 

• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submission. These questions are necessary to complete the application process. 

• Communication: Please monitor your Workday account, as communication will be sent to your Workday account. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply. 

• Future Vacancies: This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. 

• External Applicants (non-state of Oregon employees): If you would like to retain a copy of this job posting, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting. 

• Background Check: This position requires successfully passing a criminal record check, which may require a fingerprint-based records check and/or credit history check, as a condition of employment. 

• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact us at ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.  

• Veterans: Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference.  For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources.  You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666. 

• Visa Sponsorship: The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Department of Education is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3)  for employment verification. 

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process  

Helpful Links and Contact Information: 
 

• Learn more about ODE 

• Understanding the State Application Process 

• Resources for Job Seekers 

• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner. 

• Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon. 

• For additional information, you may contact us by e-mail at ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov.