State Systems Specialist

WestEd

State Special Education Systems Improvement Specialist leading projects to improve state special education systems. Advisory role for state education agencies in IDEA implementation and system improvements.

Posted 7/21/2026full-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $106,000 - $132,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in special education policy development, compliance with IDEA, and data-driven decision-making to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities. Proficient in designing professional development programs and leading project management initiatives within educational settings.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Master’s Degree In EducationSpecial Education ExperienceIDEA Implementation KnowledgeData Analysis And Visualization SkillsProject Leadership/Management Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisData VisualizationPolicy DevelopmentProgram EvaluationResource Allocation MethodologiesProfessional Development DesignTechnical Assistance SystemsState Monitoring SystemsSPP/APR Data CollectionDispute Resolution Systems

Soft Skills

Powerful Presentation SkillsFacilitation SkillsCoaching SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Data DashboardsReporting ToolsContinuous Improvement Processes

Industry Keywords

IDEA ComplianceState General SupervisionOSEP GuidanceState Fiscal SystemsSpecial Education Policies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead projects that include the review of state special education policies, procedures, and practices for improvements and to ensure compliance with IDEA and federal requirements.
Guide states to create, document, implement, and evaluate state special education policies, procedures, and practices.
Generate strategic recommendations for systems improvement, resource allocation and program investments based on the state’s data.
Facilitate the assessment of effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of state special education initiatives, technical assistance efforts and improvement strategies.
Advise SEA leaders in aligning staffing, resources, and organizational priorities to maximize impact and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Design and facilitate professional development and coaching experiences for state special education leadership and staff.
Develop data dashboards or visualizations, reporting tools, and continuous improvement processes that support decision-making.
Lead business development efforts by cultivating client relationships, supporting the identification and pursuit of potential partners, and leading proposal development efforts.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s or graduate degree in education, preferably special education.
At least five years of experience in special education, preferably at the federal, state, or local level.
Knowledge of IDEA and state general supervision policies, procedures, and practices at the federal or state level (with an emphasis on state monitoring and data systems).
Knowledge of/experience with one or more of the following: IDEA implementation at the federal, state, or local level.
OSEP guidance and requirements.
State general supervision systems.
State monitoring systems.
State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) data collection and reporting processes.
618 data collection and reporting processes.
State dispute resolution systems.
State fiscal systems.
State technical assistance and professional development systems.
Advanced skills in data analysis, interpretation, and visualization.
Understanding of resource allocation methodologies and use of performance data to assess program impact.
Experience designing and facilitating professional development experiences (workshops, institutes, coaching programs) for adult learners, both virtual and in-person.
Project leadership/management experience.
Powerful presentation and facilitation skills and comfort facilitating with large and small groups virtually and in-person.

Benefits

Comp & perks

15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option
All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date
PTO: 19 days (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment), 12 paid holidays
Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k
Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives
Professional development opportunities & mentorship program