Director, Office of School Improvement and Supports

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.

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building

200 W. Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

The Director, Office of School Improvement and Supports provides visionary leadership in the development and implementation of a state-wide system of support to local education agencies (LEAs) and private agencies to ensure that economically disadvantaged students receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education through the central administration and coordination of Title I Programs at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

The Director will support LEAs in operationalizing and deploying comprehensive policies and practices that provide high-quality instruction, support, and services to students to accelerate learning, especially for those who have been historically underserved, to improve the performance of its lowest performance schools to ensure success for every student; and in support of the MSDE’s implementation of the multiyear strategic plan and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. 

The Director, Office of School Improvement and Supports will ensure the efficient execution of the full life cycle of Title I Programs by utilizing consistent systems and processes for administering Title I, Part A programs and initiatives inclusive of Parent and Family Engagement, and the Migrant Education, Neglected and Delinquent, and State Homeless federal grant programs in LEAs. This position will increase the quality and impact of Title I programs aligned to and operating within all federal requirements; and implement year-round professional learning rooted in best-in-class school transformation and improvement practices to accelerate student achievement.

The Director will design and facilitate high-quality professional learning to build LEA capacity to develop and implement evidence-based, equitable, and best in class programs, services, instructional practices, and policies. The Director will lead the team and LEAs toward accomplishing federal program goals at scale in close collaboration with other program offices. The Director will also spearhead MSDE’s collaboration and coordination with diverse communities and stakeholders to analyze programs and strategies that promote and sustain evidence-based and culturally responsive practices for Title I schools.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree in education or a related area from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five years of experience in coordinating or administering education programs or services, including two years of experience directly related to School Improvement or Title I, Part A. Experience must include one year of supervising professional education program staff.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work in Education or a related area for two years of the required experience directly related to the position option.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for three years of the required experience.

3. The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Office of Human Resources.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education, one year of which must have been in an administrative supervisory or consultative capacity.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Experience managing the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
• Knowledge of school improvement research, evidence-based practices, and comprehensive school reform strategies
• Experience with managing Title I or other federally funded grant programs
• Experience with the design and development of the process and materials to support the School Improvement process and the state and federal guidelines and compliance
• Skills in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating educational programs, especially those focused on producing high-quality outcomes for historically disadvantaged students
• Experience with coaching and team management: the ability to set clear and high expectations and hold teams accountable to those expectations; the ability and desire to coach and develop individuals and teams to reach short- and long-term goals

Applicants are subject to a criminal background investigation in accordance with the federal Family Law Article, Section 5.5. 

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment, as well as upload a Resume. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and 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, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. 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 or mailed to the address listed.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, 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. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.