Job Description
$39.11 - $62.58 Hourly
$81,349 - $130,159 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C11
Posting Details THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
All positions at the NM Public Education Department are based in Santa Fe, however some may operate through our Albuquerque office based on home address and space availability.
MISSION: EQUITY, EXCELLENCE AND RELEVANCE - The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities, and families to ensure that ALL students are healthy, secure in their identity, and holistically prepared for college, career, and life.
VISION: ROOTED IN OUR STRENGTHS - Students in New Mexico are engaged in a culturally and linguistically responsive educational system that meets the social, emotional, and academic needs of ALL students.
The Office of Special Education seeks to employ an individual for the position of Manager of Finance. This role is essential to ensuring the effective financial management of federal and state special education funds in support of the New Mexico Public Education Department¿s mission to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. The Manager of Finance will oversee the fiscal components of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other related funding streams, ensuring resources are strategically allocated, compliant with all federal and state requirements, and used to advance equitable educational opportunities. In addition, the Manager will oversee a team of financial coordinators, providing coaching and support to strengthen fiscal management practices across the office.
Why does the job exist? The Manager of Finance position in the Office of Special Education exists to ensure the effective financial management of federal and state special education funds. This role is essential to supporting the New Mexico Public Education Department's mission to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. By overseeing the fiscal components of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other related funding streams, this position ensures resources are strategically allocated, compliant with federal and state requirements, and used to advance equitable educational opportunities.
How does it get done? Manage the budgeting, allocation, tracking, and reporting of federal IDEA funds and other special education-related funding sources
Supervise and support finance staff responsible for grant management, reimbursements, and financial technical assistance to local education agencies (LEAs)
Work closely with school districts, charter schools, and other sub-recipients to ensure compliance with fiscal requirements under IDEA and state law
Prepare fiscal reports and data analyses for internal leadership, the U.S. Department of Education, and legislative stakeholders
Collaborate with programmatic staff to ensure financial decisions align with educational goals and special education priorities
Support audit preparation, monitoring processes, and implementation of corrective actions where needed
Contribute to the development of policies and procedures that promote sound fiscal stewardship and equitable distribution of special education funds
Who are the customers? This position serves the students of New Mexico, particularly those with disabilities by ensuring that special education funding is managed responsibly and equitably. It supports internal NMPED leadership and staff, external school districts, charter schools, and families, helping to ensure that financial decisions are transparent, data-informed, and aligned with the needs of students receiving special education services.
Ideal Candidate We are seeking a mission-driven, analytical, and collaborative professional with a strong foundation in financial management and a commitment to educational equity. The ideal candidate:
Understands federal education funding, especially IDEA, and has experience managing large, multi-source budgets and grants
Has a strong command of financial reporting, forecasting, and compliance monitoring in a public sector or education setting
Demonstrates excellent communication skills and can translate complex financial concepts for a variety of stakeholders
Excels at managing teams, building systems, and improving financial processes for greater transparency and accountability
Works well in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines
Brings a student-centered mindset and a desire to support the success of students with disabilities across New Mexico
Has experience collaborating with program staff and understands the intersection between financial and programmatic goals
Minimum Qualification Bachelor's degree in Education, Public Administration, or Business Administration and five (5) years of experience as a teacher and/or program administrator. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling nine (9) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico's Driver's License.
Working Conditions Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required.
This position requires occasional in-state travel to visit school districts, charter schools, and other educational entities. Limited out-of-state travel may also be required to attend federal or regional meetings, training, or conferences related to special education finance.
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Agency Contact Information: Ria Gill, 505-412-7506, or Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Work at office, Local area,