ESEA Programs Specialist (Education Specialist III)

The work we do matters!Hiring Agency:Education - Agency 13Location:Lincoln, NEHiring Rate:$33.532Job Posting:JR2026-00026991 ESEA Programs Specialist (Education Specialist III) (Open)Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):06-23-2026Job Description:Are you looking for a new opportunity on a collaborative, fun team? Our ESEA Federal Programs Office is seeking an Education Specialist to support Local Education Agencies across the state. If you're hoping to stay involved with schools while making an impact beyond a single district, this could be the opportunity for you.In this role, you'll build strong relationships with school personnel while providing guidance and technical assistance related to federal education programs. You'll help schools navigate program requirements, support continuous improvement efforts, and contribute to initiatives that positively impact students and educators throughout Nebraska.We are looking for candidates with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to build rapport with a variety of stakeholders, and comfort presenting to diverse audiences. If this sounds like you, apply today!**The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.**Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.Pay Grade 9: $69,746.51/year ($70,618.34/year after pay structure increases on June 29, 2026) This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate.Teammates EnjoyIn addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $28,400 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at benefits, paid time off, and retirement79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types156% state-matched retirement for state plans, or 101% state-matched retirement for school plansThirteen paid holidays per yearEssential FunctionsCoordinates requirements for assigned federal grants (e.g., Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Grant, Comprehensive School Improvement (CSI) plan and grant, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER) grants), develops and reviews applications, and reviews reimbursement for compliance and allowability.Responds to inquiries and provides consultative services and technical assistance to school district administrators, Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and non-public school districts.Serves as Nebraska’s Neglected and Delinquent Education contact for the United States Department of Education (USDE), and Nebraska Homeless Liaison Coordinator.Represents the Nebraska Department of Education at national meetings for the Neglected and Delinquent program and the McKinney Vento program.Conducts program visits, determines program approval, regulatory compliance, and program quality related to administration of federal programs, analyzes results and writes review reports, and monitors corrective action plans.Serves as liaison between Nebraska school districts and the United States Department of Education (USDE) regarding federal grants assigned and required reporting.Provides technical assistance and guidance to schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI).Collaborates with other programs and agencies to promote program continuity, improve program quality, and foster professional development.Assists with development and implementation of internal procedures for grants management and program implementation.Attends and participates in state and national meetings and conferences.Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.Working Conditions and Travel :This position requires approximately 90% of work time spent in an office environment; the remainder is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as schools, educational service units, and other service agencies. There is also approximately twenty days of overnight travel per year.Requirements / QualificationsMinimum Qualifications :Master’s degree in the field of education or related subject area, two years of successful preK12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school, or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807.NOTE: A Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per 92 NAC 21 must be possessed by the time the candidate begins employment at the Nebraska Department of Education and an active certificate maintained while in the Education Specialist position.Substitution: Bachelor’s degree in education or equivalent Master of Arts in Teaching per 92 NAC 21, and four years of teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807.Preferred Qualifications :Master’s degree and at least two years of successful PreK-12 experience working with educationally disadvantaged youth. Direct involvement in the Continuous Improvement Process. Experience working with federal programs and developing and delivering professional development.This position is federally funded and may be governed by the Federal Hatch Act. Click here to review the Act.If you have any questions about this posting or working at NDE, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io .If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: Opportunity StatementThe State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. #J-18808-Ljbffr