Arizona Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

Title I Section

Phoenix Location

Salary: $48000 - $52000

Grade: 18

Closing Date: 07/28/2025

The Project Specialist I provides essential administrative and project coordination support to the ESEA Consolidated Grants team within the Arizona Department of Education. This role supports the implementation monitoring and compliance of federal education programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) including Titles I-A I-D II-A III HEP and V-B.
Rare in-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Provide administrative project and logistical support to the team which will include the use of many computer applications to communicate and manage workflow
Prepare and maintain systems for compliance and historical record keeping
Provide support leadership and project management for meetings training and event coordination for the unit
Provide support to teams and units through data management and general record-keeping
Provide communication structures and communication in official capacities for the ESEA Consolidated programs
Assist and participate in a variety of projects within the unit and provide general support and organization for each project
Provide technical assistance to the ADE team and school districts with program functions assigned

Knowledge in:
Procurement and purchase order processes
Arranging in-state and/or out-of-state travel
English grammar and punctuation
Preparation of contracts grants and other agreements
Organization systems
Project and time management systems and best practices
Phone systems
Awareness of state and federal compliance requirements including documentation audit readiness and record retention
Data entry and reporting tools
Office administration including scheduling correspondence and document preparation

Skills in:
Organization and time management
Attention to detail
Written and verbal communication
Scheduling and coordinating meetings events and logistics with minimal supervision
Entering and analyzing data identifying discrepancies
Customer service
Process Improvement
Compliance awareness
Note-taking and interpretation
Proofreading
Conflict resolution
Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook Word Excel and PowerPoint
Using grant management systems including Grants Management Enterprise (GME)

Ability to:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a team of program specialists and administrative staff
Communicate clearly and professionally
Ability to draft edit format and maintain accurate documents records and filing systems
Ability to plan coordinate analyze and establish priorities when managing multiple tasks and deadlines
Maintain accurate records and filing systems
Develop effective operating procedures
Ability to enter and retrieve data accurately and generate reports as needed
Learn and adapt to new technologies and internal systems quickly
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information
Prov courteous and responsive support to internal and external stakeholders
Ability to work independently and with multiple teams and projects

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks required documents and if applicable a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

Affordable medical dental life and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
Ten paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment subject to waiting period. On or shortly after your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling or emailing Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.