Jamila Smith is the Director of the Office of Innovation and Early Learning Programs at the US Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department). She oversees several initiatives that provide financial and technical support to improve the educational achievement of students, particularly high-need students and our youngest learners.  Her office manages the Education Innovation and Research grants, Ready to Learn Programming, and co-manages the Preschool Development Grants Birth-5 grants with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Jamila has led initiatives to support students and communities in rural and geographically isolated areas, providing guidance and technical assistance.  She began her career in education in the Risk Management Service supporting states and the Insular Areas in assessing program performance risk and developing monitoring and fiscal control protocols for the Title I and Title III program offices. She also served as a technical assistance lead for the Race to the Top States leading initiatives focused on performance management and education reform sustainability.  Jamila has also served as a Management Analyst for the Office of Naval Intelligence where she conducted a series of human capital studies focused on strategic recruitment, skills gap analyses, and succession planning.

Prior to joining the Department, Jamila was a social work advocate for homeless children and youth, advocating for coordinated and timely assessment services for elementary-aged children. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government from Georgetown University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Catholic University of America.