Ed Issues Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Education Issues Specialist

JOB POSTING: 2025-06

DEPARTMENT: Policy and Programs

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director of Policy and Programs

LOCATION: St. Paul, MN

HOURS/STATUS: Full-Time, Temporary (up to 10 months)

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

EMPLOYEE GROUP: The Education MN Professional Organization (TEMPO)

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: One (1) year

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Policy and Programs Director, the Education Issues Specialist provides expertise, guidance, and support in the development and coordination of member-led professional development programs for educators. This includes designing, implementing, and managing both in-person and online training opportunities that reflect best practices in adult learning.

Education Minnesota is a member-led labor union that has identified racial equity and social justice as primary organizational goals. All staff are expected to participate, individually and collectively, in ongoing training, discussions, and activities to advance these goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and coordinate the Minnesota Educator Academy professional development program
• Train members in best practices for adult learning and effective delivery of relicensure courses, with a focus on professional practice, racial equity, and social justice
• Deliver professional development to educators across the state on a variety of issues using an equity mindset
• Develop new, ongoing and/or online professional development opportunities
• Coordinate a multi-faceted professional development program that involves trainer assignments and communication, interfacing with staff and local leaders, and support staff
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Experience or in-depth study of best practices in adult learning
• Working knowledge of online learning management systems (LMS), Microsoft and Google Suite and other online learning tools
• Strong background knowledge in the importance of labor unions in improving public education
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, plan, and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of and background in anti-racist or cultural competence curricula or tools such as Beyond Diversity, Center for Culturally Responsive Teaching, Intercultural Development Index, etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.A. in education or related field OR a combination of two of the following:
  1. 10 years' experience working in a school setting
  2. More than two years' experience delivering professional development
  3. Demonstrated course work
  4. Expertise in adult learning
• Current valid Minnesota driver's license
• Ability to work evenings and weekends

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience on in-depth study of best practices in adult learning
• Working knowledge of online learning management systems (LMS), Microsoft and Google Suite
• Knowledge of and commitment to the cause of employee unions
• Background in delivering adult learning and/or professional development to educators
• Understanding of education issues, political and legislative landscape in Minnesota
• OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Some travel with overnight stays
• Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works in a general office environment. This position will interact with employees, vendors, members, and the general public on a somewhat regular basis. These interactions require judgment and discretion that can involve confidential information, private information and some disagreeable human interactions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Employee is required to: CONTINUOUSLY sit, talk, and hear; FREQUENTLY stand, walk, and repetitively use hands dexterously (use fingers to handle, feel), reach with hands and arms, bend and physically lift and carry up to 10 pounds; OCCASIONALLY lift up to 50 pounds and infrequently travel by various conveyances (e.g., air, rail, auto).

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:

Maintain confidential information related to the organization, members and potential members, and staff.

STARTING SALARY RANGE:

First four steps of the salary schedule, in accordance with the current staff collective bargaining agreement: $101,055-$113,903 annual; placement depends on qualifications and previous experience.

BENEFITS:

Education Minnesota offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, vision, and voluntary pet insurance.
• Employer paid dental coverage, life and AD&D insurance, LTC, LTD, and annual HRA contribution (if enrolled in our medical plan).
• Generous paid time off, including 16 paid holidays, vacation days, sick leave days, and personal days.
• 16 hours of School and Community Outreach.
• Tuition reimbursement, up to $1,500 per year.
• Generous 401(k) matching program with employer contributions.
• Employer sponsored pension, after vesting period.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

EDUCATION MINNESOTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Education Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect where diversity is valued, supported, and celebrated to benefit applicants, employees, members, and students. Discrimination of any kind is prohibited. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, job requirements and business needs. Education Minnesota strongly encourages women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, immigrants, and veterans to apply.

POSTING DEADLINE: For consideration, apply online and include a resume using the link below. The posting will remain open until 11:59pm, Tuesday, July 8, 2025.