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Director of Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement

Director, Department of Education

Recruitment #22-005054-0001

Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

State Salary Grade 25
Annual Salary Range:  $96,496.00 - $155,248.00

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

This is a managerial position working under the direction of the Senior Executive Director (SED) of Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement and works closely with the State Superintendent of Schools, Chief of Staff, and other internal senior stakeholders. The main purpose of this position is to manage a portfolio of internal departments and initiatives throughout the strategic planning process and implementation. The directors in the Office of Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement work alongside staff to ensure the success of MSDE’s highest priorities. Directors support initiative planning with department staff; foster collaboration across divisions; monitor and report on progress; analyze data and problem solve. Additionally, directors will oversee a portfolio of activities as identified in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and assigned by the SED.

POSITION DUTIES

  • Supports the planning, drafting, implementation, and progress monitoring of a multiyear strategic plan for the Maryland State Department of Education.
  • Manages the completion of a portfolio of activities codified in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
  • Leads regular working group and performance management sessions across the department in service of the strategic plan.
  • Builds cross-functional relationships to successfully oversee the completion of assigned activities.
  • Develops systems and processes for progress monitoring goals and identifies potential barriers to progress. 
  • Tracks progress and ensures accurate, transparent, and on-time reporting and analysis of progress and performance results to internal stakeholders through the creation and maintenance of dashboards and monthly progress meetings
  • Identifies issues, risks, and opportunities for improvement, and proposes strategy adjustments to improve coordination, communication, and mitigate or avoid future risks.
  • Proactively builds and maintains strong relationships across MSDE to gain their investment. Serves as an internal consultant to assigned MSDE departments and maintains high-quality cross-functional relationships with staff.
  • Analyzes and monitors projects to identify issues, risks, and opportunities for improvement and designs strategies to improve coordination, communication, and mitigate or avoid future risks
  • Identifies needs and delivers tailored coaching and targeted support for initiative owners to support effective project and performance management
  • Coordinates and supports project teams across the department and advises staff with continuous improvement of rigorous timelines, milestones, metrics, and delivery strategies. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:
Master’s Degree or equivalent 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work in Education, Educational Supervision/Administration, or a related area.

EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of related experience educational supervision and management that includes coordinating or administering education programs related to student services, school improvement, school performance, program assessment, and teacher development. Note: Additional experience can be substituted year for year for the required education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
  1. Prior school district and/or state education agency experience preferred. 
  2. Knowledge of best-in-class education trends, regulations, policies, and issues affecting education systems.  
  3. Advanced skills in the use of data management tools to monitor progress toward goals. 
  4. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
  5. Ability to manage high volume and multiple tasks; ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. The resulting list of eligible candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment -AND-submit their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted.  

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. 

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.



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