Director of the Office of Educational Opportunity

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The University of Wisconsin System, a premier system of public higher education, educates approximately 161,000 students each year and employs about 35,000 faculty and staff statewide. With 13 universities across 26 campuses and a statewide extension network with offices in every county, the UW System is a tremendous academic, cultural, and economic resource for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world. The UW System and its employees are purpose-driven, people-focused, and committed to stewardship.

The Office of Educational Opportunity connects students, families, professional educators, and community leaders with opportunities to create, operate, and be a part of public charter schools that meet local needs, interests, and demands for 4K-12 education all across Wisconsin.  The Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO) exists to incubate educational innovations, to improve known best practices, and to increase educational equity.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Government Relations, this position will lead the following activities:

  • Develop and maintain quality practices of charter authorizing consistent with those standards expressed by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers.
  • Develop policy and practice for charter school application processes that encourages innovation.
  • Lead the authorizing process including review and approval of charter school applications.
  • Implement and participate in a program review model for the charter school evaluation and reauthorization.
  • Maintain essential data for the evaluation and review of charter schools.
  • Work with charter school leaders to ensure compliance with the established charter school authorization agreements including review of charter school income and expenses.
  • Ensure all federal and state laws pertaining to charter schools are followed.
  • Prepare annual reports on the performance of charter schools regarding academic and other performance standards expressed in contracts.
  • Prepare corrective plans for authorized schools which fall into declining performance and close any authorized school as necessary.
  • Serve as a liaison with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Parkside in matters pertaining to charter schools.
  • Facilitate a process to keep charter school leaders and the Board of Regents current with charter school research, policies and issues at local, state and national levels.
  • Represent the UW System in charter school activities.
  • Advance the office’s mission to spark innovation, expand educational equity, and close opportunity gaps.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

  • A Master’s degree in education or a related field.
  • Experience with educational administration and leadership, preferably with charter schools, or leadership experience in the legal, financial, or community leadership fields.
  • Demonstrated experience with educational policy, educational finance, educational data, and/or compliance related to special education.
  • Demonstrated appreciation, commitment and respect for diverse views, perspectives, and people which models inclusion and respect.
  • Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Advanced terminal degree (e.g. Ph.D., Ed.D., or Juris Doctorate).
  • Experience in developing and implementing policy and practices.
  • Understanding of State of Wisconsin school law and specifically charter school law.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with school leaders and charter school boards.
  • Ability to lead through divisive and/or adverse situations.
  • Demonstrated grant writing skills.
  • Demonstrated grant management skills.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
This position is a full-time, salaried (exempt) limited appointment. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $95,000.00 – $125,000.00 annual, commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications. UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UWSA comprehensive benefit package, you can read our benefit summary guide: Summary – Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees. Furthermore, the UW System Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator is a tool designed to provide you with total compensation information.

WORK LOCATION
The office location is Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706.  Telecommuting or hybrid work option is available. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time.

SPECIAL NOTES
The UW System is required to conduct a criminal background and sexual harassment check for final candidate(s) prior to employment.  Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the University States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through Friday, April 7, 2023.  However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.

  1. Go to the UWSA Applicant Portal to submit your materials online and select the appropriate applicant portal, either External Applicants or Internal Applicants and click on the position title that you want to apply for.
  2. Follow the onscreen instructions and be sure to include your salary expectations when asked in our applicant tracking system.  In addition, please be sure to upload ALL THREE of the required documents: resume, cover letter, and references as PDF files. Failing to include any of these documents may disqualify your application.
    1. Your cover letter MUST specifically address how your education and experience relate to the and qualifications. Be sure to emphasize the areas outlined under “Minimum and Preferred Qualifications.”
    2. Your reference page should include the names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers for three professional references with at least one being from a current supervisor.
  3. Submit your application.

 

The University of Wisconsin System Administration is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, minorities, and person with disabilities.

Questions may be addressed to: Lori Fuller, Senior Human Resources Manager; UW System Human Resources; at lfuller@uwsa.edu or at (608) 263-0847.