The SME will lead business development and corporate strategy implementation for CTE initiatives at federal and state levels. They will cultivate relationships with key stakeholders and produce technical content to support project delivery and growth.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) SME (Perkins V)
United States - Remote; Washington, DC Metro area preferred | 1099 Contractor
Job Description
Safal is seeking an experienced, recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) subject matter expert to support business development, corporate strategy implementation, and project delivery. This role will contribute to our Postsecondary Education and Work-Based Learning practice growth by identifying and building approaches for federal and state level work around secondary and postsecondary CTE strategic planning, implementation, and cross-system alignment. We are looking for someone with significant depth in Perkins V implementation preferably as a state CTE director/leader, a U.S. Department of Education (ED) Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) program officer, a technical assistance (TA) provider, or a national CTE organization leader.
Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as the CTE technical lead on business development (BD) capture efforts for federal and state opportunities, including pre-RFP intelligence gathering, opportunity qualification, and win strategy development
Translate agency priorities, Perkins V statutory requirements, and current policy signals into differentiated BD approaches and thought leadership content
Engage potential teaming partners and identify partner organizations, institutions, and individual experts to inform both BD and overall corporate strategy implementation
Cultivate and maintain relationships with OCTAE leadership and program staff, state CTE directors, and industry leaders including state boards of education, community college systems, and industry associations
Produce publications, webinars, and conference presentations on postsecondary education, CTE, and related work-based learning models
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree preferably in education, public policy, workforce development, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in CTE at the state, federal, or national level
Deep, working command of Perkins V including statutory and regulatory requirements, state plan structure, community local needs assessments, secondary and postsecondary performance indicators, allowable use of funds, and reserve fund strategy
Demonstrated experience supporting or capturing federal contracts, cooperative agreements, or grants; familiarity with federal procurement processes and proposal development
A well-established professional network among federal and state CTE leaders, with the ability to convene stakeholders
Excellent writing skills, including the ability to draft persuasive technical content under proposal deadlines
Willingness to travel if/as needed (NTE 20–30%) for conferences, client meetings, and site visits
Must be authorized to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
Prior service as a state CTE director, deputy, or senior state agency official; or prior federal service at OCTAE or a comparable ED office
Working knowledge of adjacent policy: WIOA Title I/II, Workforce Pell, dual and concurrent enrollment policy, career pathway development, and industry-recognized credential frameworks
Additional Information
Safal Partners is committed to supporting your mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and employee assistance programs
Paid federal holidays, generous PTO, and dedicated sick leave
401(k) plan with immediate vesting and competitive company matching
Flexible pathways that support advancement, mobility, and long-term development, including access to courses and certifications
Opportunities to contribute to innovative, mission-driven projects with impact at the federal, state, and national levels
A collaborative environment grounded in continuous improvement, and shared purpose
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