Assistant Director - State Reporting, Compliance and Policy

Job Description

Job Title

Position Title: Assistant Director, State Reporting, Compliance, and Policy 

Location: Fisher Building 

Salary: $79,543 - $107,951

Reports to: Deputy Executive Director, Student Information Services 

Bargaining Unit: N/A 

Benefits Eligible: Yes 

Telecommuting Eligibility: Eligible for telecommuting up to 20% (one  day per week) 

Position Summary: 

The Assistant Director, State Reporting, Compliance, and Policy is responsible for leading the District's compliance efforts with state and federal requirements, with a particular emphasis on pupil accounting, attendance, and student data reporting. This role demands a strategic leader who can design and implement efficient systems that ensure accurate, timely data submissions while minimizing administrative burden on schools. The Assistant Director must effectively manage both the comprehensive body of work and a direct report, cultivating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Success in this position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong project management skills, and the ability to translate complex requirements into clear, actionable guidance for schools. The ideal candidate will continuously seek ways to simplify reporting processes, improve data accessibility, and provide insights that directly support educational decision-making. They will cultivate a team culture focused on supporting schools, adapting quickly to policy changes, and optimizing internal procedures to enhance both compliance and operational efficiency across the District. 

We are looking for talented people who are passionate about transforming the District and making a significant difference in the lives of public-school students, parents, principals, teachers, and central office employees.  

Minimum Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, business administration, or a related field 

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in pupil accounting principles, practices, and methods 

• Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Word, and statistical analysis software 

• Demonstrated experience in data privacy and security as it relates to pupil accounting and student information 

• Strong professional development and training facilitation skills 

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy 

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities 

• Advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills 

• Proven ability to balance multiple complex projects in a data-driven accountability environment 

• Strong leadership and team management skills 

• Proficiency in project management and organizational skills 

• Ability to translate complex data and regulations into actionable insights 

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous K-12 management experience 

• Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) Pupil Accounting Specialist certification  

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) reporting requirements and timelines, including the Michigan Student Data System, Graduation and Dropout application, and Education Entity Master systems 

Essential Functions: 

Strategic Planning and Management 

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for pupil accounting workstreams, aligning with the District's overall strategic plan 

• Set clear, ambitious performance measures for key priorities and manage the body of work effectively 

• Plan and execute complex projects across cross-functional teams, ensuring all milestones are met with precision and within established timelines 

Compliance and Reporting 

• Design and maintain robust systems to ensure compliance with state and federal reporting guidelines 

• Prepare and submit timely, accurate certifications for state and federal data submissions, ensuring 100% compliance with all reporting deadlines and requirements 

• Serve as the primary district liaison for pupil accounting audits, coordinating between schools, district teams, and external auditors 

• Draft and refine district policies and processes to align with legislative requirements, streamlining student information functions while improving data accuracy 

• Develop and present data analyses and reports to senior leadership, offering actionable insights to inform district strategy on compliance and reporting 

Team Leadership and Collaboration 

• Supervise and develop direct report(s), providing clear expectations, mentorship, and fostering professional growth aligned with district goals 

• Collaborate with internal departments to drive project success and ensure accurate reporting across all district functions 

• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including state education agencies and other school districts 

Training and Support 

• Support school and central office staff by developing comprehensive training materials on state reporting and compliance procedures 

• Deliver professional development sessions and provide ongoing support to ensure staff understand and can execute required reporting processes 

Continuous Improvement 

• Continuously optimize internal procedures for sustained success, adapting to evolving state and federal policies 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Executive Director of Student Information Services 

Security Clearance: 

Internal Applicants 

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check. 

External Applicants 

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire. 

Method of Application: 

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered. 

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested. 

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at [email protected] or phone at (313) 873-6897. 

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,gender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, citizenship, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions opportunities. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) 240-4377 or detroitk12.org/compliance.