Accreditation Specialist (00032)

This first review of applications will be September 22 2025. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisors name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description please email

To be considered for this position you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPIs purpose with applicable knowledge in education health research and analysis nutrition finance administration human resources licensing and regulation information technology and many others. We are proud to serve 149000 students pre-K to grade 12 their parents and guardians 400 school districts 16000 educational professionals and 3000 adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

Work/life balance

Family friendly

Dedicated and caring colleagues

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation sick leave and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

Opportunities and room for professional growth

Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview:

The primary purpose of the Accreditation Specialist position is to provide direction and professional and technical support for the implementation of standards of accreditation to help ensure that K-12 schools provide effective education programs to meet the learning needs of all students. The position provides technical assistance support and program evaluation for the accreditation of Montana K-12 schools and public charter schools.

The Accreditation Program Specialist oversees the collection verification and analysis of each schools accreditation data as outlined in ARM Chapter 55 Standards of Accreditation. From the data the annual report is compiled to make recommendations to the Montana State Superintendent of Public Instruction and Board of Public Education (BPE) for the accreditation status determinations of accredited schools and to assist schools in the implementation of the standards of accreditation. The position also gathers and analyzes data to inform the State Superintendent and the BPE on the trends in schools meeting the standards of accreditation and to identify accredited schools in need of improvement system of support through the intensive assistance process.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge of the theory principles and techniques of educational research professional development research effective schools research design and evaluation and theory principles and practices in educational and program administration.
• Knowledge of theory principles and practices of learning educational supervision group process data collection and analysis curricular and instructional strategies and methodologies classroom and alternative assessment practices accreditation and certification instructional technology.
• Knowledge of the goals purposes and reporting requirements for compliance for state and federal agencies State Board of Public Education administrative rules for accreditation of schools.
• Ability to interpret rules regulations and policy and procedures and apply them to the collection analysis and evaluation of school improvement data.
• Ability to maintain high-level of technical and educational skills providing leadership for policy.
• Knowledge of philosophy policy rules and regulations governing schools.
• Effective leadership and teamwork skills establishing and maintaining working relationships with co-workers technical personnel diverse groups of professionals and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others using verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to apply federal and state laws and regulations and OPI policy.
• Ability to work cooperatively pooling or combining ideas efforts and experiences to improve innovation efficiency and performance of the department and the office.

• Knowledge of school accountability and accreditation systems.
• Knowledge of the Administrative Rules of Montana.
• Knowledge and understanding of school improvement plans evidenced-based improvement strategies and data driven decision making.
• Ability to be self-directed and multi-task by taking initiative prioritizing and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to think strategically and solve problems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with OPI staff and other educators from across the state and nation.
• Ability to represent the Superintendent and the OPI responsibly by actively supporting and providing leadership to promote the overall goals and objectives of the Superintendent.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member resolving conflicts effectively seeking improvement in oneself and the profession and accepting changes as expectations duties and work directions evolve.
• Ability to effectively establish and maintain professional interactions and communications with OPI staff and with educators and others in the education field.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

The knowledge skills and abilities required to perform the duties of this position can be acquired through a bachelors degree in education and three years experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience in educational learning through and application of educational leadership professional development and effective schools research design and practice curriculum and classroom assessment development instructional practices or related areas. Experience and knowledge of school structure and programs and accountability and accreditation systems are desirable.

College Degree (Bachelors) preferably in education and/or a related field

3-years job-related work experience

Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Does this sound like you

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents you must check the relevant document box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the PERS retirement system.