Program Associate, IDEA Fiscal Systems and Accountability

About WestEd

As a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact — asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.

WestEd supports individual initiative, excellence, and hard work of all individuals in our hiring and work practices. WestEd complies with all applicable federal and state anti-discrimination laws, as well as OFCCP requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, or status as a protected veteran.

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION—Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question.
Brief Description:

WestEd ’s Center for Education Systems, more specifically the Federal Fiscal Accountability team, partners with federal, state, and local agencies to strengthen the systems used to administer federal education programs and manage public resources effectively. The team supports clients in implementing the fiscal and programmatic provisions ofthe Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), Uniform Grant Guidance, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and other federal programs serving children, students, and families from infancy through adulthood.

We help educational agencies design and improve fiscal accountability systems, policies and procedures, resource allocation approaches, monitoring practices, and implementation strategies. Our work strengthens compliance, builds organizational capacity, promotes the effective coordination and use of federal, state, and local resources, and expands access to high-quality programs and services for eligible children, students, and families.

Drawing on expertise in federal education policy, fiscal management, accountability, and inclusive teaching and learning, we support clients in developing systems and resource allocation approaches that prioritize improved experiences and outcomes for students. We serve federal, state, and local clients through national technical assistance centers, including the National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) and the Center for IDEA Fiscal Reporting (CIFR), Regional Comprehensive Centers as well as through state and local-level projects across the country. Our services include systems coaching, technical assistance, resource development and dissemination, policy analysis, evaluation, and applied research.
The Opportunity

We are seeking to add a detail-oriented professional to our team with knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and experience administering or supporting special education or early intervention programs. The ideal candidate will understand special education fiscal accountability and funding systems and bring an interest in deepening their expertise in federal fiscal requirements. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience implementing and administering IDEA Part C to support our current and emerging project portfolio.

As a Program Associate, you will support Seni