Northern Trust

K-12 State Funding Specialist

Northern Trust$70K — $95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Four or more years of relevant experience in California K-12 school facilities funding, planning, or program management.
  • Expertise in CDE, OPSC, SAB, and School Facility Program processes.
  • Proven ability to analyze and interpret regulations and technical documents.
  • Strong organizational and project-management skills to oversee multiple districts and deadlines.
  • Excellent communication skills for effective representation with stakeholders.
  • High attention to detail for accurate and complete submissions.
  • Proficient in Microsoft 365 and knowledgeable in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with K-12 districts to evaluate facility needs and maximize state funding eligibility.
  • Assess project details and documentation to prepare funding applications.
  • Coordinate communication and documentation among multiple project stakeholders.
  • Monitor regulatory updates and communicate their impact to district clients.
  • Track application and funding processes across various projects.
  • Compile reports and presentations for district leadership and Boards of Education.
  • Consult with city and county departments for necessary project information.

Benefits

  • Collaborative and education-focused work environment.
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in community schools.
  • Involvement in diverse projects across multiple districts.
Full Job Description
Position Description:

This role requires an experienced school facilities funding professional with working knowledge of the California Department of Education (CDE), Office of Public School Construction (OPSC), State Allocation Board (SAB), and School Facility Program (SFP). The K-12 State Funding Specialist will work directly with California school districts and internal project teams to identify, pursue, and maximize state funding for new construction and modernization projects. Join this dynamic team and support school districts with the following key responsibilities:

Responsibilities:
  • Partner with California K-12 school districts to evaluate facility needs, determine potential SFP eligibility, and develop strategies that maximize available state funding.
  • Review enrollment, capacity, classroom inventory, project scope, cost, site, and supporting information to assess funding opportunities and application readiness.
  • Prepare, review, coordinate, and track funding applications, forms, exhibits, correspondence, and supporting documentation for CDE, OPSC, SAB, and related agencies.
  • Serve as a liaison among district staff, architectural and planning teams, agency representatives, and other project partners.
  • Monitor SFP regulations, program updates, filing rounds, SAB actions, and agency guidance; communicate their impact on district clients and active projects.
  • Coordinate CDE site and plan approvals and OPSC application reviews, respond to agency comments, and help maintain realistic review schedules.
  • Consult with city and county planning departments, utility providers, and other entities to obtain dwelling-unit, fee, demographic, and development information needed for state forms.
  • Maintain reliable systems for tracking applications, approvals, apportionments, funding releases, deadlines, correspondence, and outstanding actions across multiple projects.
  • Prepare progress reports, funding summaries, presentations, and board or staff materials for district leadership and Boards of Education as requested.
  • Compile and validate records, maintain organized files, and proofread submissions for completeness and accuracy.
  • Identify funding considerations early enough to inform project scope, schedule, facilities planning, and capital-program decisions.

Skills & Requirements:
  • Four or more years of relevant experience with California K-12 school facilities funding, planning, program management, or agency review.
  • Working knowledge of the CDE, OPSC, SAB, and California School Facility Program processes, including eligibility, application, review, and funding milestones.
  • Experience reviewing California school construction or modernization projects to identify and maximize potential state funding.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret statutes, regulations, agency guidance, technical documentation, and project data.
  • Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple districts, applications, and deadlines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to represent the firm professionally with school districts, public agencies, and project partners.
  • High attention to detail and demonstrated ability to produce accurate, complete, and well-organized submissions.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Pro.
  • Ability and willingness to travel within California for occasional day and overnight trips.
  • Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, political science, communications, business, architecture, construction management, or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
  • Prior experience with a California school district, CDE, OPSC, another public agency, an architecture firm, or a school-facilities consulting practice is preferred.
  • Familiarity with related school-facilities processes and agencies, such as DSA, DTSC, local planning jurisdictions, developer-fee documentation, or local capital and bond programs, is a plus.

Your Next Opportunity:

This is a unique opportunity to bring specialized California school facilities funding expertise to a collaborative, education-focused practice and make a meaningful impact for school districts and the communities they serve. If you are ready to help clients turn facility needs into funded projects, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your career.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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