<p>Job Posting</p> <p>The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is a dynamic, dedicated service agency that provides leadership, resources, support and accountability to the state's K-12 education system. KSDE administers the state's governance of education, standards and assessments, special education services, child nutrition and wellness, title programs and services, career and technical education, and financial aid. It is the goal of the agency to provide all Kansas children with equal access to a quality, high-level education that promotes student achievement and prepares all students for global success.</p> <p>The department is governed by the Kansas State Board of Education, but the day-to-day administration of the agency is the responsibility of the Commissioner of Education, who is appointed by the Board of Education.</p> <p>Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy:</p> <p>To assist the Kansas State Department of Education in carrying out the Kansas State Board of Education mission, we are recruiting for an Recognition and Event Planner on the Communications and Recognition Programs team.</p> <ul> <li>Job Posting closes: Open Until Filled </li><li>Required documents uploaded: Open Until Filled </li><li>Job Location: Topeka, KS (Landon State Ofc Bldg.) </li><li>Potential start date: As soon as possible* </li><li>If the selected candidate is currently under an employment contract with a Kansas school district, the position will be held for them until the contractual obligations are fulfilled and then will join our team. </li></ul> <p>Kansas State Department of Education</p> <p>900 SW Jackson St., Suite 102</p> <p>Topeka, KS 66612-1212</p> <p>www.ksde.gov</p> <p>About the Position</p> <ul> <li>Who can apply: Anyone (External) </li><li>Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified </li><li>Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time </li><li>Regular/Temporary: Regular </li><li>Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Hours to be determined </li><li>Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes </li></ul> <p>Compensation: $25.63 Hourly</p> <p>Employment Benefits</p> <ul> <li>Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage </li><li>Sick & Vacation leave </li><li>Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave </li><li>Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually) </li><li>Fitness Centers in select locations </li><li>Employee discounts with the STAR Program </li><li>Retirement and deferred compensation programs </li></ul> <p>Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…</p> <p>Position Summary & Responsibilities:</p> <p>The Recognition and Event Planner exists to design, coordinate and sustain statewide educator recognition programs and signature events that highlight excellence in Kansas education. The position leads the planning, administration and continuous improvement of several high-profile recognition initiatives that celebrate outstanding educators and students, and elevate the profession, including the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, Kansas Exemplary Educators Network, Milken Educator Award, Governor's Scholars Program, Teacher of Promise and the Kansas Horizon Award Program.</p> <p>Through strategic coordination of these programs, the position ensures that recognition initiatives are implemented with consistency, transparency and statewide impact. The position manages the application, review and selection processes; coordinates recognition events and ambassador activities; and serves as the primary liaison between the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and educators, schools, selection committees and national program partners. In addition, the position plans and implements professional learning events and conferences for exemplary educators, ensuring meaningful engagement, strong logistics and high-quality participant experiences. The Recognition and Event Planner also serves as the lead administrative resource for the Communications and Recognition Programs (CRP) team by coordinating recognition activities connected to the Kansas State Board of Education, supporting program operations and assisting the director and team in advancing recognition initiatives that promote excellence in Kansas schools.</p> <p>You may request a position description for this opening by email from jobapp@ksde.gov. Be sure to use the Job ID (220146) in the subject line.</p> <p>Required Minimum Qualifications:</p> <p>Two years of experience in program coordination, event planning, administrative program management, communications, education program support or related professional work involving organization of projects, events or statewide initiatives. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. Relevant fields may include communications, public administration, education, business administration, marketing, event management or a related discipline.</p> <p>Preferred Skills and/or Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate multiple projects, events or programs with competing timelines and priorities. </li><li>Experience preparing professional written communications, reports or informational materials. </li><li>Proficient in Microsoft Office software including Word and Excel, as well as databases to manage program information and documentation. </li><li>Knowledge of program management and event planning principles, including coordinating logistics, managing timelines and organizing large-scale meetings or conferences. </li><li>Knowledge of basic marketing principles. </li><li>Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs or events simultaneously. </li><li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare professional correspondence, informational materials and presentations. </li><li>Ability to coordinate and facilitate meetings, committees and selection processes involving multiple stakeholders. </li><li>Experience planning conferences, recognition events or professional meetings, including coordinating venues, presenters, participant communications and event logistics. </li><li>Ability to analyze program data and participant feedback to identify trends and recommend program improvements. </li><li>Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures and program guidelines. </li><li>Experience developing and managing program budgets and tracking expenditures. </li><li>Ability to work collaboratively with educators, school leaders, state agency staff and external partners. </li><li>Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex processes that require accuracy and organization, </li><li>Ability to develop promotional or informational materials that support participation in recognitions programs or events. </li><li>Proficiency with common office and collaboration software used to manage program operations, data tracking and communications. </li><li>Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a team environment. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Experience:</p> <ul> <li>Experience coordinating educator recognition programs, professional development events or statewide initiatives. </li><li>Experience working within education, nonprofit, government or professional association environments. </li><li>Experience planning conferences, meetings or recognition events involving multiple participants or stakeholders. </li></ul> <p>Recruiter Contact Information:</p> <p>Name: Grace Keating</p> <p>Email: jobapp@ksde.gov</p> <p>Phone: (785) 296-7795</p> <p>Job Application Process</p> <ul> <li> <p>First Sign in or register as a New User.</p> </li><li> <p>Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.</p> </li><li> <p>Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.</p> </li><li> <p>Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and submit when it is complete.</p> </li><li> <p>Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.</p> </li><li> <p>Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.</p> </li><li> <p>Email - sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page</p> </li><li> <p>Notifications - view the Careers> My Job Notifications page</p> </li></ul> <p>Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: "How to Apply for a Job - Instructions" and "How to Search for a Job - Instructions"</p> <p>Required Documents for this Application to be Complete</p> <p>Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application</p> <ul> <li>Resume (or choose existing if you have one) </li><li>Cover letter </li><li>Transcripts (if a degree is part of the required minimum qualifications) </li><li>Transcripts are always required for Education Program Consultant, Assistant Director, Director, Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner positions. College transcripts must be provided on or before the application deadline. </li></ul> <p>Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate IS NOT Required by KSDE.</p> <p>Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: "How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents"</p> <p>Equal Employment Opportunity</p> <p>The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.</p> <p>If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.</p>