The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Office of Finance and Operations, Division of Budget and Financial Management, Federal Budget Branch has an opening for a Federal Program Specialist in Frankfort.
The Kentucky Department of Education is a service agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and part of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The department provides resources and guidance to Kentucky's public schools and districts as they implement the state's P-12 education requirements. The department also serves as the state liaison for federal education requirements and funding opportunities.
The department is led by an appointed commissioner of education, who is hired by and answers to the 11-member Kentucky Board of Education. Offices are administered by associate commissioners and divisions within those offices are administered by division directors.
The department employs approximately 425 Frankfort-based workers; 175 employees in support of the Kentucky School for the Blind (Jefferson County) and Kentucky School for the Deaf (Boyle County); and about 518 employees at the 50 Area Technology Centers across the state.
OUR MISSION
To partner with districts, schools, families, students, business, industry, and communities to provide leadership and support to ensure success for each and every student.
OUR CORE VALUES
- Equity
- Achievement
- Collaboration
- Integrity
The department's major activities include:
- Administering the statewide assessment and accountability system;
- Providing technical assistance to schools and districts in the areas of finance, management and curriculum;
- Providing support and information to the Kentucky Board of Education as it promulgates state education regulations;
- Overseeing the state education technology system; and
- Monitoring school and district compliance with state and federal laws.
- Providing instructional services to students at Kentucky School for the Blind, Kentucky School for the Deaf, and the Area Technology Centers.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Provides direction in the administration federal grants. Develops the financial plan and submits the federal grant budget request to KDE leadership for approval during the federal award process or amendments to the KDE leadership. Performs in-depth reviews of federal and state legislation in order to determine financial outcomes and budgets. Performs other duties as required. Note: Annual budgets for formula grant funds appropriated by Congress and awarded by the U.S. Department are not required to be submitted to the federal agency for approval.
Coordinates with program leadership/managers to develop the federal budgets for accuracy and compliance with laws and other regulations. Prepares monthly expenditures data to inform
agency/program leadership of federal award spending. Reviews administration spending, local
education agency, and other educational partners expenditure reports to ensure spending is
within federal allowability.
Provide fiscal oversight of assigned program grant budgets. Develops allocation calculations,
dissemination of funds, and the timely and appropriate use of funding. Creates funding award
notifications to inform local education agencies and other educational partners of their annual
funding allocations. Prepares annual Federal Financial (FFR) reports for assigned grants.
Provide policy and technical assistance to the agency and local school district staff on fiscal
and budgetary matters on assigned grant programs. Review and analyze both revenue and
expenditure data as it relates to the agency budget. Continuously monitors and analyzes
spending to ensure compliance. Ensures funds are obligated in within the grant's period of
availability and timely.
Develops the annual budget based on the federal award each year for the KDE Program Director to review and approve to ensure the budget algins with the grant's statutory requirements for
implementation. Develops budget amendments if necessary for approval by the KDE Program
Director.
Interpret state and federal laws, regulations and policies related to KDE budget and program
budgets to state agency and school district personnel. Draft and recommend policies, procedures on fiscal and budgetary matters relevant to assigned programs.
Provides budgetary and procedural information to appropriate agency personnel during the development of the biennial budget process. Develops federal budget request for the biennial budget process.
Perform other duties as required.
Benefits and Perks:
· Comprehensive health insurance (effective first day of employment)
· Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
· Optional Insurance (Dental/Vision)
· Life Insurance
· Retirement savings.
· Paid Leave (annual, sick, compensatory, jury, voting, election, blood donation, living organ, educational, military)
· Paid holidays (12.5 days per year, 13.5 days in a Presidential Election year)
· Deferred Compensation/Free Financial Planning Program
· Professional development opportunities and ongoing training.
· A collaborative and innovative work environment.
· Flexible Work Schedules
· Employee Resource Groups
· Employee Recognition
· Employee Wellness Programs
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:
Four years of professional experience in budget administration, grant administration, financial analysis and/or forecasting, statistical analysis, financial auditing, or a related field. Two years of the required experience must include the preparation, research and planning, budgeting, or administration of state or federal grants-in-aids.
SUBSTITUTION:
EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
A master's degree will substitute for one year of required experience.
EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:
Additional grant-in-aid-related experience will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):
None.
Pay Grade: 16
Gross Monthly Salary Range: $4,356.96 - $5,686.20
Position Number: 31176260
Applicants and employees in this classification may be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check.
For further information concerning the application process, go to the following link: Personnel Cabinet
Inquiries about this position should be directed to: Kanaka Aspari, Division of Resource Management, 300 Sower Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601; Fax: 502-564-6771. Email: kanaka.aspari@education.ky.gov
The closing date to apply for this position is June 21, 2026.
The agency may authorize the selected applicant to telecommute on a hybrid schedule. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time. Telework will not be permitted outside the state of Kentucky.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. KDE will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that KDE has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at
1-888-897-7781 or E-Verify website.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D