Arizona Department of Education

Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Section
Phoenix Location

Salary: $67,000 to $72,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 03/10/26

• Develops and enhances projects, events, and resources that strengthen Arizona’s special education workforce, while supporting recruitment and retention initiatives through research, workforce data analysis, development of informational resources and professional learning opportunities, and collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Stays current on best practices and emerging research to inform strategic planning and professional learning opportunities, continuously improve and enhance the recruitment and retention of special education personnel in Arizona.
• Occasional in-state / out-of-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.

• Coordinate team led projects and events that support public education agencies in recruiting and retaining special education personnel by contributing to the development and facilitation of professional learning opportunities for diverse audiences and coordinating contracts with schools, universities, and technical assistance centers.
• Communicate relevant recruitment and retention information to internal and external partners by presenting data, resources, and updates through conferences, webinars, and professional learning events, responding to inquiries from the field, and sharing digital resources.
• Gather and evaluate data related to the recruitment and retention of special education personnel to inform action planning and strategic implementation by assisting with the annual workforce survey, analyzing needs and trends to develop targeted strategies, and collecting and evaluating project outcome data to measure impact and refine efforts for improved effectiveness.
• Build and enhance content expertise in recruitment and retention research and trends affecting the special education workforce using local, state, and national sources via conferences, webinars, reports, and research.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to plan, enhance, and advance ESS recruitment and retention efforts.

Knowledge in:
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and implementation
• Trends and issues affecting special education personnel
• Principles, methods, and tools for developing and delivering professional learning for adult learners
• A Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field with special education experience in a school setting is required.

Skills in:
• Project/event management
• Excellent time management, organization, work planning, attention to detail, and productivity skills
• Data-driven decision-making
• Conduct research and synthesize information
• Excellent written, oral, and visual communication skills, public speaking, and facilitation skills for both internal and external audiences
• Delivery of engaging and effective presentations
• Analysis and evaluation of data, programs, and program effectiveness

Ability to:
• Solve problems efficiently and effectively
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Organize trainings, activities, conferences, and meetings
• Effectively establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Cooperate in all efforts to improve projects and maintain high expectations
• Adapt to changes in priorities and project activities
• Self-directed in completing tasks independently

• Preference will be given to those applicants with a Master’s degree in special education and/or previous experience mentoring special education personnel.

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: Driver’s 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 program here. 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 (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

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