We are seeking a highly skilled special education professional who is collaborative, extremely knowledgeable, and passionate about improving outcomes for students with disabilities by providing high-quality technical assistance and professional learning to states and districts. The ideal candidate is an experienced, senior level leader who understands the complexities of special education systems at both the State Education Agency (SEA) and Local Education Agency (LEA) levels and can build strong, positive relationships with diverse partners. Who You Are: You are a previously-certificated special educator who has served at the local, district, and state levels. You have most recently served in a senior state level position such as state director, monitoring team lead, compliance specialist, etc. You are ready to move into the role of subject-matter expert at the national, state, and local levels using your knowledge and experience to assist state and local leadership teams to build their capacity and improve their systems. You are a collaborator and flexible member of a team who is ready to hit the ground running. You like to travel as needed, you like to prepare high quality professional learning activities, you enjoy networking and creating new relationships, and you have a history of seeing solutions to current problems but also ideas for future opportunities! The Technical Assistance (TA) Specialist for the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE) provides special education technical assistance/professional development (TA/ PD), as assigned, to TAESE clientele. All assigned TA/ PD is specified in State contracts or associated with TAESE projects. The TA specialist will receive direction from the TAESE director, associate director(s), and funding agency staff assigned to each specific activity. The successful candidate may either be hired as a Technical Assistance Specialist II or III depending on qualifications. This position is telework-eligible within the state of Utah. Telework outside of the state of Utah is subject to review and approval by the University prior to a job offer being extended. Exempt positions are eligible for excellent benefits including: 13 paid holidays, earn 22 days of paid vacation leave and 12 days of sick leave per year, 50% tuition reduction for employees and dependents, competitive health benefits packages and a generous contribution into your retirement. View more information here: Summary of Benefits 2025-2026. Responsibilities State Education Agency (SEA) and school district TA and PD. Have knowledge of and appreciation of the position of the State Special Education Director. Be familiar with and implement TAESE standards of TA/ PD. Research and become thoroughly familiar with the unique educational culture and climate of assigned States, and other clientele. Take the lead of the State or school district client, provide support, and establish a positive relationship. Develop a deep, functional understanding of special education, general supervision under the IDEA, and other relevant federal laws. Be familiar with each States' State Performance Plan/ Annual Performance Report (SPP/ APR) process and data. Have a working knowledge of, and conduct TA activities within the knowledge and context of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) TA&D Centers, and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE). Understand the State Special Education Director's and SEA staff's role. Whenever appropriate, utilize technology in delivering TA/ PD. Apply correct interpretations of State regulations, IDEA, FERPA, ESSA, ADA, and 504 in all areas of TA/ PD. Conduct and participate in necessary virtual meetings with State and school district staff. As directed, develop and/or revise State special education guidelines and documents. Understand the role and functions of OSEP and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). As requested, make presentations and provide trainings for clients. Develop and/or revise SEA and LEA orientation curriculum. Continue to remain current on all areas of special education and IDEA. Develop agendas for all assigned activities. Conduct an evaluation of, and submit a report for, all TA/ PD assigned activities. Demonstrate group facilitation skills that will be used at the LEA and SEA levels. Produce all materials in compliance with current digital accessibility standards. Provide input and participate in USU/ IDRPP/ TAESE level activities. Participate in all relevant USU/ IDRPP/ TAESE events and activities. Attend and report at TAESE staff meetings. Follow all USU/ IDRPP/ TAESE policies and procedures. Submit all TA/ PD related paperwork and documentation. Keep the TAESE director updated on all TA/ PD activities. Provide input on TAESE websites. Participate in TAESE committee work. Follow all USU/ IDRPP/ TAESE policies and procedures. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Technical Assistance Specialist II - Education & Experience: Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field, plus 3 years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). Agency Experience: Proven experience working within a State Education Agency (SEA) role. Delivery: Experience delivering Technical Assistance (TA) and Professional Development (PD) to State and Local Education Agencies (LE - As). Project Management: Experience coordinating and supervising projects. Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including IDEA, FERPA, ESSA, Section 504, and state-specific special education regulations. Supervision & Reporting: Strong understanding of special education general supervision as applied to SE - As, including the State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR). Digital Delivery: Experience delivering virtual technical assistance across a variety of technology platforms. Technical Assistance Specialist III - Education & Experience: Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field, plus 5 years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). Agency Experience: Proven experience working within a State Education Agency (SEA) role. Delivery: Experience delivering Technical Assistance (TA) and Professional Development (PD) to State and Local Education Agencies (LE - As). Project Management: Experience coordinating and supervising projects. Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including IDEA, FERPA, ESSA, Section 504, and state-specific special education regulations. Supervision & Reporting: Strong understanding of special education general supervision as applied to SE - As, including the State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR). Digital Delivery: Experience delivering virtual technical assistance across a variety of technology platforms. Advanced Management: Demonstrated experience in project, budget, and fiscal management. Grant Writing: Proven experience in grant and proposal writing. Core Requirements: Must meet all core qualifications listed for the Specialist II level (including SEA role experience, TA/ PD delivery, regulatory compliance, and SPP/ APR reporting knowledge) at a senior/advanced level. Preferred Qualifications (Applicable to both II & III)Doctorate in Special Education or a closely related field. Experience with the Differentiated Monitoring and Support (DMS) process . years of experience as a special education or inclusion classroom teacher. Experience designing and delivering both small- and large-group professional learning sessions. Proven track record in successful grant writing and procurement. Advanced experience facilitating high-stakes virtual meetings and collaborative sessions. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)Facilitation: Exceptional skills in group facilitation, training, and delivering virtual technical assistance. Policy Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of the federal role in special education, SEA general supervision, SPP, APR, and relevant federal/state regulations (IDEA, FERPA, ESSA, Section 504). Communication: Demonstrated excellence in professional verbal and written communication, with the ability to develop high-quality learning materials and presentations. Technical Proficiency: High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and data collection/evaluation tools (e.g., Qualtrics or similar software). Interpersonal Skills: Excellent social and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Travel: Ability to travel extensively and independently via air and automobile as required.