High School Equivalency Specialist

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public schoolchildren each year. We also oversee programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

Our work is guided by our Educational Vision that seeks to ensure that:
• All students are known and valued;
• Learning experiences are relevant, real-world, and interactive; and
• Individualized supports enable students to excel at grade level (or beyond).

Introductory Information
Are you passionate about advancing equity in education and making a measurable impact on the lives of adult learners across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts? The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is seeking a High School Equivalency (HSE) Specialist who is solution-oriented, committed to fostering equitable outcomes, and skilled at building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. If you are a forward-thinking individual with a proven ability to support adult education programs, ensure compliance with state and federal policies, and drive high-impact initiatives, we encourage you to apply!
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Section 1: Agency
The HSE Specialist will join the Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS) Unit, which oversees Public Adult Education in Massachusetts. ACLS is committed to providing equitable access to high-quality education that enables adult learners to achieve their educational and career goals. DESE incorporates equity considerations in all its work, ensuring that our actions contribute to systemic change and a more inclusive educational environment.
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Section 2: Impact & Core Responsibilities

The High School Equivalency (HSE) Specialist will be a driving force in expanding educational opportunities for adult learners across Massachusetts. With a commitment to equity, accessibility, and program excellence, the specialist will ensure that high school equivalency pathways are effective, inclusive, and aligned with state and national standards. This role prioritizes systemic impact, strategic problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement to remove barriers and increase credential attainment.

1. Advance Equitable Credential Attainment & Testing Access

• Champion equitable access to high-quality High School Equivalency (HSE) testing by overseeing statewide credentialing options (HiSET®/GED®).

• Lead strategic coordination of test administration as the HSE State Chief Examiner, ensuring equitable access, fairness, and compliance.

• Foster a high-performing testing ecosystem by supporting HSE Test Centers, partnering with vendors, and leveraging data insights to drive improvements.

• Empower test centers with tools and knowledge through training, technical assistance, and policy guidance, ensuring ADA compliance and accessibility.

• Establish and sustain advisory networks to maintain ongoing feedback loops with test centers and community stakeholders.

• Elevate Massachusetts as a leader in HSE testing by driving innovation and presenting findings at state and national conferences.

2. Strengthen Adult Education Programs Through Technical Assistance & Data-Driven Solutions

• Equip adult education providers with strategic support, data-driven insights, and policy guidance to optimize student success and program effectiveness.

• Use performance metrics and program evaluations to identify areas for improvement and ensure continuous high-impact service delivery.

• Guide programs in maintaining compliance with state and federal policies, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

• Ensure program sustainability and innovation by reviewing and advising on grant applications, budgets, and funding proposals.

3. Lead Equity-Driven Collaboration & System Improvement

• Foster cross-agency collaboration by convening the HSE Advisory Committee, bringing together stakeholders to shape the future of HSE testing.

• Act as a thought leader and advocate for marginalized communities, removing barriers to credential attainment.

• Enhance professional learning by facilitating workshops, stakeholder meetings, and cross-sector partnerships.

• Commit to lifelong learning and innovation, leveraging research and best practices to refine and strengthen HSE policies.
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Section 3: Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Deep understanding of HSE testing processes (HiSET®/GED®).

• Experience using equity-focused tools in policy and program management.

• Familiarity with adult education programming, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Adult Basic Education (ABE).

• Ability to develop and implement strategies to advance equity and improve outcomes for marginalized communities.

• Expertise in data analysis, program evaluation, and performance improvement.

• Strong ability to provide constructive, solution-oriented technical assistance.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaborative relationships.

• Mastery of curriculum, instruction, and assessment strategies to support high achievement and growth for adult learners.

• Knowledge of change management principles to guide organizational learning and adaptation.

• Proven leadership in coaching, guidance, and team capacity-building.

Don't meet every preferred skill above? Please apply anyway!
Studies show that individuals from marginalized communities-such as women, LGBTQIA2S+ people, and people of color-are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every requirement. DESE is committed to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.
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Section 4: Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and use data to inform decision-making.

• Deep knowledge of High School Equivalency (HSE) processes and testing protocols.

• Strong ability to analyze program data, provide actionable feedback, and improve program performance.

• Ability to deliver technical assistance in a constructive and supportive manner.

As part of this role, the Educational Specialist will serve as the High School Equivalency (HSE) State Chief Examiner, overseeing HSE Test Centers, working with HSE test vendors, issuing Request for Proposals (RFPs) related to funding test centers across the Commonwealth, and Request for Responses (RFRs) to secure vendors to provide testing and credential issuance in Massachusetts. The State Chief Examiner is also responsible for conducting site visits and providing technical assistance.
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Public Adult Education of MA Services
Public Adult Education services include, but are not limited to:

• Adult Basic Education (ABE)
• Adult Secondary Education (PreASE/ASE)
• Adult Diploma Program (ADP)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• MassSTEP ABE and ESOL programs
• Primary instruction by volunteers
• MassLINKS online virtual academy
• Transitions to college programs
• Pay for Performance initiatives
• Workplace education
• Professional development for adult education staff
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Apply Today!
Join us in transforming educational opportunities and driving equitable outcomes for adult learners across Massachusetts. Apply now!

Please include a cover letter and resume with your online application.

Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O'Brien @ maureen.t.o'brien@mass.gov.

This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid model, telecommuting up to three days per week.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and/or at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;

A Master's degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes. Education toward a degree in a specific or related educational content area will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.