Policy Manual Consultant, Policy and Governance Technology Services

Description

This is a hybrid position based in West Sacramento with travel throughout California. This role facilitates in-person policy development workshops, which requires overnight travel for 2-3 consecutive days about twice a month; the amount of travel is subject to change.

Summary

Under the general supervision of the Senior Policy Manual Consultant, the incumbent provides policy manual drafting, development, and consulting services to governing board members, elected officials, county administrators, school district administrators, and the general public regarding policies and requirements for educational administration. The role includes policy training for district personnel and board members, proofreading technical policies and manuals to ensure accuracy, assisting in drafting technical policies and manuals, preparing for and presenting at conferences and other public engagements, and marketing policy services and other CSBA products and services. This position requires independent and sound judgment to plan, prioritize, and organize a diversified workload while maintaining positive relationships with a diverse range of contacts at all organizational levels. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs complex analytical functions in planning and developing local policies and procedures for school district governance and operations.
• Participates in the drafting, reviewing, development, revision, formatting, and maintenance of CSBA’s sample policy manual.
• Facilitates policy development workshops and develops and edits district policies and procedures.
• Prepares and presents documents on sensitive policy issues to special interest groups, individuals, governing boards, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyzes and interprets federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Monitors, tracks, reviews, and analyzes state and federal legislation and regulations related to educational programs and trends, making recommendations to school boards for updating and maintaining district policies and procedures.
• Responds to technical questions and clarifies policy information for CSBA staff, local, state, and federal public school officials through various media (email, phone, mail, web).
• Serves as a CSBA spokesperson about policy and provides consultative services to public school board members and administrators.
• Provides technical assistance to school districts and county offices of education.
• Provides project management support for the policy update process, including calendaring, meeting coordination, minutes, stakeholder reports, updates, and management of policy update materials.
• Acts as a department liaison for projects, updates, and policy-related alignment.
• Travels overnight frequently throughout California.
• Coordinates with policy manual production support staff to customize, update, and produce district policy manuals.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with external stakeholders to support the development and implementation of policies and regulations.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints, assisting with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Reads and demonstrates an understanding and adherence to CSBA values, policies, and practices.
• Demonstrates respect, honesty, and professionalism at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

A Bachelor’s degree or higher with major coursework in education policy, administration, public policy, research, or related social science fields, or any combination of equivalent training or experience. Three (3) to five (5) years of progressive, responsible research or analyst experience, preferably in education, legislative, or other non-profit settings.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Organization and function of school boards, county offices of education, non-profit organizations, and commissions.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Principles, practices, concepts, and methods of education program research, development, evaluation, and implementation.
• Recent and ongoing developments, current literature, and sources of information related to education.
• Project and/or program management, analytical processes, and report preparation techniques.
• Techniques for effectively representing CSBA in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Principles and practices of business letter writing, report formatting, data collection, information management, and statistical techniques.
• Modern office management practices and methods, including use of standard office equipment and software applications (word processing, spreadsheets, report writing, business correspondence/writing).
• Policy writing and technical writing.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Effectively represent CSBA in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and effective presentations, reports, correspondence, and other written material.
• Work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Perform responsible education program research, development, evaluation, and implementation involving independent judgment and initiative.
• Conduct complex analysis and interpret, summarize, and present information and data effectively.
• Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Travel overnight frequently throughout California.
• Apply specialized program-related knowledge accurately, efficiently, and with minimal supervision.
• Interpret, apply, and explain administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Provide customer service for program-related inquiries and requests.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the phone, and in writing.
• Apply critical thinking skills, lead and coordinate projects involving multiple departments.
• Organize and prioritize projects and tasks effectively and in a timely manner.
• Effectively manage time, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Promote the mission and values of the Association by modeling integrity, collaboration, excellence, accountability, innovation, and respect.
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.

Environment Elements & Physical Demands

• Works in a primarily sedentary office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• May interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing department policies and procedures.
• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer.
• Vision to read printed materials and computer screens.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed as needed.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to sit at a computer for extended periods and have the dexterity to enter and retrieve data using a keyboard or calculator.
• Ability to travel throughout California.

Licenses & Certifications

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license at the time of appointment.

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