Manager of State and Federal Programs

Who We Are Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60, where we serve over 13,000 students from preschool through grade 12 on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. With one early learning center, 15 elementary schools, five middle schools, and two high school campuses, we are committed to providing an inspiring, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the communities of Waukegan, Beach Park, and Park City. Why We Do This Work The Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 has set an ambitious agenda for change, guided by the belief that all children, regardless of circumstances, can achieve at high levels, and academic gaps can and will be eliminated with the support of teachers who deliver engaging, relevant, and academically rigorous instruction that excites students and instills a love of learning in them.

Position Description Under the direction of the Associate Superintendent of Business & Financial Services, the Manager of State and Federal Programs provides leadership, coordination, oversight, and fiscal management of the District's federal, state, and categorical grant programs. The Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring, compliance, reporting, and financial administration of all state and federally funded programs, including but not limited to Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, IDEA, School Improvement, and other competitive and entitlement grants.

The Manager collaborates closely with district and school leaders, instructional departments, special education staff, finance personnel, community partners, and nonpublic school representatives to ensure grant-funded initiatives are effectively designed, implemented with fidelity, and aligned with the District's Strategic Plan and student achievement goals.

This position oversees grant development and administration, budget monitoring, regulatory compliance, school improvement support, stakeholder engagement, fiscal reporting, and audit readiness while ensuring that all grant funds are utilized efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Development and Program Administration Research, identify, evaluate, and pursue federal, state, local, foundation, and corporate funding opportunities that align with district priorities and strategic initiatives. Develop, write, submit, and monitor grant applications, amendments, narratives, budgets, and required supporting documentation.

Coordinate the implementation and monitoring of all state and federally funded programs to ensure compliance with approved applications and grant requirements. Maintain a comprehensive grant calendar and ensure timely completion of all application, reporting, amendment, and closeout deadlines. Collaborate with district administrators, principals, teachers, and departments to develop grant proposals and align funded initiatives with district goals.

Serve as the district liaison with ISBE, federal agencies, grantors, consultants, and other entities providing oversight of grant programs. Fiscal Management and Compliance Prepare, monitor, reconcile, and forecast budgets for all federal and state grant programs. Review and approve grant-related expenditures, purchase orders, contracts, and budget transfers to ensure compliance with approved budgets and funding requirements.

Ensure expenditures meet federal Uniform Grant Guidance requirements, including allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and supplement-not-supplant provisions. Prepare budget amendments, expenditure reports, reimbursement requests, cash drawdowns, carryover reports, and grant closeout documentation through IWAS and other reporting systems.

Monitor grant expenditures and spending timelines to maximize utilization of available funds and minimize lapsing balances. Develop and maintain internal controls, fiscal procedures, and monitoring systems to ensure compliance with district policies and federal and state regulations. Maintain accurate records of payroll allocations, purchase orders, contracts, reimbursements, and other fiscal documentation required for grant management and auditing purposes.

Program Monitoring and School Improvement Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of district and school improvement plans to ensure alignment with state and federal expectations. Monitor program performance, implementation fidelity, and grant outcomes using student achievement, assessment, and program data.

Coordinate required student assessment records, program documentation, and performance measures for state and federal reporting. Provide technical assistance and guidance to principals, program directors, and district staff regarding grant requirements, allowable costs, compliance expectations, and reporting obligations.

Oversee Title I equitable services and consultation requirements for nonpublic schools, including service agreements and vendor coordination. Support districtwide professional development planning and compliance related to state and federally funded initiatives. Reporting, Auditing, and Stakeholder Engagement Prepare and submit all required fiscal, programmatic, and compliance reports to ISBE, federal agencies, grantors, and district leadership.

Coordinate and support internal and external audits, monitoring visits, and program reviews by compiling documentation and responding to inquiries. Monitor changes in federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance affecting grant-funded programs and communicate implications to district stakeholders. Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and recommendations to district leadership, principals, the Board of Education, and stakeholder groups.

Promote and support parent, family, and community engagement activities required under federal and state program guidelines. Serve as a conduit among Academic Services, Student Services, Business Services, school administrators, and community partners to ensure effective communication and coordination of grant-funded initiatives.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Education, Finance, Accounting, Grants Management, or a related field. Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in grant administration, program management, fiscal compliance, educational leadership, accounting, auditing, or related work within a school district, government agency, nonprofit organization, or public entity.

Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state grant regulations, including ESSA, IDEA, Uniform Grant Guidance, and ISBE requirements. Knowledge of grant budgeting, fiscal monitoring, compliance reporting, and audit preparation. Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver clear oral and written communications to diverse audiences. Excellent grant writing, technical writing, and editing skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with administrators, teachers, staff, families, community organizations, and external agencies. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, IWAS, and related grant management, financial, and reporting systems. Commitment to equity, inclusion, cultural responsiveness, social justice, and the success of all students.

Preferred Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field. Five (5) or more years of experience managing federal and state education grants. Experience developing successful competitive grant applications and securing external funding. Experience with school improvement planning, Title programs, or federal program administration.

Experience in a large, diverse, urban school district. Bilingual (Spanish/English) or multilingual proficiency. Terms of Employment: 12 months Compensation: Per the " Salary Schedule

• Non-Contract Administrators " (click on link to view) Benefits Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans (TRS and voluntary 403(b)); Employee Assistance Program (EAP); flexible spending accounts; wellness programs; and additional services such as identity theft protection and Legal. Shield. Refer to the Waukegan Community School District #60 Employee Benefits site for specific eligibility requirements and options. Pre-employment Background Checks Employment with Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, fingerprinting, and all required pre-employment screenings, including checks of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database, as mandated by Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-21.9). When applicable, employment is also contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test. Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 complies with all applicable state and federal laws governing employment practices. Reasonable Accommodations Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act, and applicable state and local laws. If you require assistance or accommodation in completing any part of the application process, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (224) 303-1020. Application Process Candidates must submit an online application via the District website www.wps60.org by the closing date. Only online positions will be considered. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (224) 303-1020. EEO Commitment Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, marital or military/veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, genetics, disability, or any other protected category in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.