Job Description

At the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, we are laser-focused on improving opportunities and outcomes for Michiganders from preschool to postsecondary. From connecting more families with quality child care and prek programs to making it more affordable to earn a skill certificate or college degree, we are helping more people make it in Michigan. We can’t achieve this bold vision alone. We need talented professionals from diverse backgrounds to join our team.

The MiLEAP team is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace that accepts, respects, and values the unique contributions of everyone. We are actively looking for individuals who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, and who reflect the communities we serve. Our team members are expected to ensure all persons are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Join us as we help build a brighter future for our state.

MiLEAP was created by Governor Whitmer in July 2023 and is the newest department in the State of Michigan. Visit Michigan.gov/MiLEAP to learn more about our work and consider applying to join a team working to make Michigan a better place to grow up, learn, live, work, and play.

This position serves as a Specialist in Family Engagement and Early Literacy within the Office of Early Childhood Development and Family Education supporting all aspects of implementation of the 35i MiFamily Engagement Center Grant. This position plays a crucial role in supporting grant recipients in building and strengthening systems-across agencies, organizations, and communities with a focus on developing positive relationships between families, educators, providers, and other community partners to support and improve the learning, development, and health of every learner.

Required Education and Experience

This position generally requires possession of a bachelor's degree in any major and four years of professional experience. Specific information on the education and experience required for the position is in the job specifications for the Departmental Specialist class.

Additional Requirements and Information

Please attach your resume, cover letter, and applicable official transcripts to your application.

An official transcript must bear the college/university certification (e.g., seal, logo, watermark, and /or letterhead), Registrar's signature, and date. A transcript with these requirements, with the stamp "Issued to Student" is accepted as an official transcript. Unofficial transcripts will NOT be accepted. An unofficial transcript is: (1) an internet copy printed from the college/university student web account; (2) a transcript stamped with "Student Copy," and (3) a transcript that is labeled as "Unofficial." The official transcript must be scanned and attached to the electronic NEOGOV Civil Service application with one of the following file extensions: pdf, doc, docx, txt, or rft. Degree certificates are not accepted. When attaching transcripts, please name the college/university for each transcript attached.

State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:

Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state’s military and veterans; rebuild our state’s infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.

Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees’ annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.

Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state’s contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.

Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.

Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.

Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year’s Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.

Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.

Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.

Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.

Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.

Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.

Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.

Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.

Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park—just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan’s affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.

Updated: 2/28/24