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Coordinator, Literacy Programs & Initiatives

Education Program Specialist II (*2 Positions*)

Recruitment #25-005056-0011

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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 22
Salary Range: $97,972.00 - $152,528.00
*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.

LOCATION OF POSITION

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

Main Purpose of Job

The Coordinator of Literacy Programs and Initiatives provides best-in-class program development, implementation, and support of highly effective prekindergarten through grade 12 programs and initiatives aligned to the Maryland State Literacy Standards and evidence-based practices (i.e., Science of Reading; Structured Literacy; content knowledge development; etc.) to accelerate student performance in literacy across local education agencies (LEAs) and early learning environments.

POSITION DUTIES

The Coordinator of Literacy Programs and Initiatives provides content expertise and day‑to‑day operational support across Pre‑K through grade 12 literacy and English Language Arts (ELA) programs. This position helps develop and deploy research‑based resources and tools to assist Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in building and sustaining comprehensive literacy programs that elevate instructional standards and expand equitable access to evidence‑based practices.

Duties Include:
  • Develops, implements, and monitors literacy initiatives aligned to State and National Standards and MSDE policies.
  • Provides content expertise, policy guidance, and technical assistance to ensure LEAs meet literacy‐related. requirements under COMAR, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and other state initiatives.
  • Coordinates with internal MSDE offices (Early Childhood, Assessment, Research, Special Education, etc.) to ensure coherent interpretation and implementation of literacy policy and data requirements.
  • Reviews and crosswalks local literacy plans, grant applications, and related submissions against MSDE policy requirements.
  • Prepares summary reports and recommendations for leadership and the State Board. 
  • Proactively identifies implementation challenges, recommends solutions, and escalates issues to leadership when necessary.
  • Serves as a point of contact for LEAs, responding to inquiries and connecting them with MSDE resources. 
  • Tracks LEA deliverables (e.g., literacy plans, reporting requirements) and maintain organized records of progress and compliance.
  • Designs, facilitates, and evaluates professional learning for LEA literacy leaders, with an emphasis on translating policy into classroom practice and monitoring follow‐through.
  • Maintains detailed project plans, meeting notes, and follow‐up actions to ensure accountability and continuity across MSDE teams and LEA partners.
  • Drafts communications, memos, and reports as directed by the Executive Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Master’s Degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in Education or a related area from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with Literacy, Reading and/or related programs in prekindergarten through 12 settings. One year of this experience must include supervising and/or coaching professional education staff.

Notes: 
  1. Candidates may substitute a Bachelor's Degree with 7 years of the specified content experience to satisfy the Minimum Qualifications noted above.
  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 one year 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 Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.
  4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience 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.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

One year of experience managing or leading Literacy, Reading and/or related programs in prekindergarten through 12 settings.

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.

  • Active teacher certification in any state with experience as a classroom.
  • Experience with the Science of Reading, Structured Literacy, or other literacy programs.
  • Experience providing professional development and coaching to educators and/or administrators.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced state or large district led initiative focused on increasing reading outcomes.
  • Experience with assisting LEAs with developing procedures and systems.
  • Experience producing documents and resources for LEAs, administrators, teachers, or family/communities.
  • Knowledge of early literacy programs, the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards and the Maryland comprehensive Literacy Plan.
  • Knowledge of curriculum and evidence-based instructional practices in English Language Arts and literacy. 
  • Knowledge of school improvement programs.
  • Skill in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating education programs.
  • Skill in developing and presenting professional learning programs
  • Skill in monitoring and document grant financial activity. Skill organizing/ managing multiple tasks and timelines.
  • Skill in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating education programs.
  • Skill in developing and presenting professional learning programs.
  • Knowledge of school improvement programs.
  • Skill in monitoring and document grant financial activity; skill organizing/ managing multiple tasks and timelines.
  • Ability to work as a team member to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work as a team member to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

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. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified 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 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.   

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. 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. 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request



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