Federal Program Specialist (North or South Region)
Date Posted: Aug 25, 2026
Requisition ID: 482955
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Education (DOE):
The Indiana Department of Education provides innovative support to Indiana schools, teachers, students, and parents. We proactively work with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community-based organizations to build student success. Our strategic priorities include:
Delivering quality, purposeful educational opportunities for each student.
Elevating and supporting Indiana's educators.
Increasing partnerships and delivering aligned, effective, and efficient support.
Role Overview:
The Federal Program Specialist serves as a comprehensive federal grant administration expert responsible for all Title I-V programs across a geographic region of Local Educational Agencies (LEAs). This position requires simultaneous mastery of five distinct federal grant programs with different requirements, allowable uses, compliance expectations, and fiscal rules. This is a high-complexity, judgment-heavy role requiring extensive subject matter expertise in federal education law, grant administration, and fiscal management. This position demands broad expertise across all Title programs while managing LEA portfolios, reviewing consolidated federal grant applications, providing complex technical assistance, partnering with the Monitoring and Compliance team on corrective actions, and may serve as a subject matter expert resource to colleagues and the field.
Top three skills:
Expert knowledge across all Title programs (Title I-V), including complex interactions, fiscal requirements, and compliance expectations
Ability to manage ambiguity and make sound judgments when navigating cross-program scenarios and unclear federal regulations
Strong relationship-building, communication, and coaching skills, to provide high-quality technical assistance across complex grant scenarios
This position will review and approve federal grant applications for LEAs, each containing Title I, II, III, IV, and V programs; provide expert technical assistance on federal compliance across all Title programs; partner with the Monitoring and Compliance team to address LEA finindgs and support corrective actions; support implementation of Indiana's consolidated application model; may serve as the regional subject matter expert for Title I, II, III, IV, or V programs; and will implement other duties as assigned. Regional travel required.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/0) to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Monitor education program/initiative objectives, outcomes, and actions to achieve agency goals.
Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to constituents within educational institutions.
Implement strategic action plans to address program gaps and opportunities.
Prepare and disseminate reports on program effectiveness.
Ensure program requirements adhere to federal and state policies and grants compliance.
Assist in the training and development of education system employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Specialized knowledge in educational systems obtained through experience and/or education
Specialized knowledge of education programs and services including pertinent rules and regulations.
Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
Ability to develop and implement new processes and approaches and discern any far-reaching implications.
Ability to communicate effectively both internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
A degree is not required. However, at least 6+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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