Arkansas Virtual School Compliance Consultant

Position Details

Overview
Stellar Virtual is seeking a knowledgeable and highly experienced Arkansas Virtual School Compliance Consultant to serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in launching and developing virtual school operations in the state of Arkansas. This consultant will advise leadership on all components required for successful startup, compliance, and long-term sustainability under the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations. The ideal candidate must have deep knowledge of Arkansas K–12 education law, enrollment and student transfer processes, curriculum approval procedures, and Arkansas’ K–12 funding structures, including state aid formulas and virtual school funding rules. The SME will help ensure that operational, academic, and compliance systems are fully aligned with state requirements for virtual education programs.

Essential Duties

• Regulatory & Compliance Expertise
• • Provide expert consultation on Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and DESE regulations governing online and virtual schools.
  • Interpret Arkansas state laws related to virtual education, accountability, reporting requirements, parent/guardian involvement rules, and school governance.
  • Assess compliance risks and advise leadership on required policies, procedures, and documentation for authorization or partnership approval.
• Enrollment & Student Transfer Processes
• • Develop and refine student enrollment procedures that comply with Arkansas virtual education eligibility and local district coordination requirements.
  • Document and optimize student transfer processes, ensuring accuracy in student records, residency verification, and compliance with ADE data reporting systems.
  • Provide recommendations on technology and Student Information System (SIS) configurations for managing enrollment, transfers, and attendance reporting.
• Curriculum Approval & Academic Alignment
• • Provide expertise on curriculum approval requirements under Arkansas Academic Standards.
  • Support preparation and submission of curriculum materials for ADE review and/or approval.
  • Ensure that course offerings, grade-level frameworks, and instructional materials align with Arkansas expectations for virtual schools.
• Arkansas K–12 Funding & Financial Guidance
• • Provide expert consultation on Arkansas K–12 funding formulas, including the Public School Fund, state foundation funding formula, and how funding applies to virtual schools.
  • Advise on how enrollment counts, attendance, residency, and student participation logs affect state revenue and eligibility for funding.
  • Collaborate with finance teams to ensure budget models properly reflect Arkansas state funding projections for online programs.
  • Project Planning & Implementation Support
  • Create a comprehensive roadmap for launching Stellar Virtual’s Arkansas virtual program, including compliance steps, deadlines, and required submissions.
  • Identify potential operational or regulatory barriers and recommend mitigation strategies.
  • Serve as a subject matter resource for internal teams—academics, operations, technology, compliance, and finance.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• • Liaise with ADE/DESE staff, local districts, and statewide stakeholders as needed to ensure accurate interpretation of Arkansas virtual school expectations.
  • Prepare briefings, reports, and recommendations for leadership, outlining compliance status, risks, and needed actions.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in K–12 education, virtual school operations, state-level compliance, or charter authorization.
• Direct experience with the Arkansas Department of Education / Division of Elementary and Secondary Education required.
• Demonstrated expertise in Arkansas enrollment, transfer, residency, and data reporting processes.
• Strong knowledge of Arkansas Academic Standards and curriculum approval expectations.
• In-depth experience with Arkansas K–12 funding, including virtual program funding rules, attendance/participation requirements, and state aid calculations.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and meet regulatory deadlines.

Education & Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Public Policy, Educational Leadership, or a related field
• Master’s preferred.

Benefits & Incentives (Full-Time Only)

• Competitive vacation and paid time off plans
• Comprehensive medical (HMO, HDHP, and PPO), dental, and vision plans with varying coverage for employees and their families with options available in all states, including a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) option.
• 401(k) retirement plan (pre- and post-tax options) with matching contribution up to 3% after one year of employment
• Additional supplemental disability, life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, legal aid, and ID theft protection plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Two paid closure weeks each year (weeks of July 4 and December 25)
• 10 Company-paid Holidays

Employment "At-Will"
For W-2 employment, Stellar Virtual is an at-will employer. This means the employee and Stellar Virtual can terminate the employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, as legally permitted. This job description does not guarantee continued employment or a contract. All 1099 status is excluded.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Stellar Virtual is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.