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Senior Executive Director, Literacy Programs & Initiatives

Program Manager Senior IV

Recruitment #26-005485-0024

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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 26
 Salary Range $128,818 - $166,648 with progression to $203,150/year 
*State Salary Guidelines may 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 Executive Director of Literacy Programs and Initiative provides strategic and transformative leadership for the implementation of the literacy initiatives and State Literacy Framework to dramatically improve reading proficiency for students from all backgrounds in Maryland as indicated by improved outcomes on the state MCAP assessment and the NAEP exam to meet the aspirational target of Maryland to rank as one of the top ten states in reading on the 4th and 8th grade NAEP exams by 2027 established the Maryland State Board of Education. Also the position will support the State’s literacy initiatives by leading professional learning and transformative initiatives that include crafting policies aligned with Science of Reading, State and Federal requirements including but not limited to curriculum adoption, assessment, data analysis, an early warning system, interventions, and accountability.

This position provides content area expertise, and oversight to all state literacy and English Language Arts (ELA) programs, projects, and initiatives Pre-K to 12 in Maryland public schools and oversees the development and deployment of best in class, research-based support to LEAs to implement comprehensive literacy programs that are aligned to the science of reading, elevate ELA content standards in teaching and learning, and ensure access to high-quality instruction for all students across the state, especially those who have been historically underserved. Additionally, the Executive Director ensures students are proficient in reading by the end of third grade and that intervention and support is available for struggling readers throughout their Pre-K to 12 learning experience, thereby ensuring students can build content knowledge across all subjects, develop critical thinking skills, and apply their skills to authentic world problems.

POSITION DUTIES

In close collaboration with the Assistant State Superintendent of Instructional Programs provides Statewide Leadership for the Instructional Implementation of the Literacy Framework.

  • Leads the coherent statewide implementation of Maryland’s PreK–12 Comprehensive Literacy Policy and statewide rollout of universal literacy screening expectations (PreK–3 and Grades 4–12). 
  • Directs the statewide Science of Reading professional learning system, including SUNY, AIM, early childhood modules, and district‑led cohorts. 
  • Directs targeted technical assistance to LEAs needing support with HQIM fidelity, MTSS alignment, SRIPs, or adolescent literacy implementation. 
  • Oversees the development of statewide literacy guidance, standards crosswalks, instructional frameworks, SRIP templates, and intervention requirements, and statewide literacy coaching structures, including coaching networks, coaching pilots, and job‑embedded support aligned to HQIM.
  • Oversees planning, allocation, and management of philanthropic, federal (Title II, CLSD), and state funds supporting literacy initiatives and monitoring of COMAR literacy reporting requirements, including annual K–3 screening, intervention data, and literacy plan implementation updates.
  • Coordinates literacy policy alignment across offices including Mathematics, ML, Special Education, Accountability, Early Learning, and School Improvement.
  • Ensures alignment of literacy initiatives with COMAR, statute, Blueprint requirements, MTSS guidance, statewide instructional expectations fidelity to assessment protocols and compliance with grant requirements and deliverables, stewarding funds responsibly and strategically to maximize statewide impact.
  • Ensures literacy expectations are aligned with HQIM, statewide screeners, diagnostic tools, and progress‑monitoring systems.
  • Develops sustainability plans for initiatives supported by time‑limited philanthropic or federal resources, budget proposals and multi‑year investment plans that prioritize system coherence, educator capacity, and equitable literacy outcomes.
  • Leads the review and feedback cycles for LEA literacy plans, providing differentiated support and ensuring alignment to state policy expectations.
  • Coordinates with School Library Media Specialists on access to high‑quality texts, digital resources, and knowledge‑building materials to strengthen statewide literacy ecosystems and promote statewide initiatives that enhance library media programming. 
  • Oversees analysis of literacy data, including K–3 screening data, Student Reading Improvement Plan (SRIP) implementation, World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) literacy domains, Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA), and Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program / Maryland System of Testing Academic Readiness (MCAP / MSTAR) ELA. 
  • Uses statewide data trends to identify support needs, refine professional learning, and adjust implementation strategy.
  • Serves as the primary statewide spokesperson for literacy, presenting to AIB, SBOE, legislative committees, higher ed programs, philanthropic partners, and educator audiences.
  • Develops clear, consistent communication on expectations, resources, and updates tied to literacy policy implementation.
  • Represents Maryland in national literacy networks, research-practice partnerships, and cross-state learning communities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in Curriculum and Instruction, Administration, Education, or related areas from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Six years of experience in educational leadership with expertise in the areas of literacy, English Language Arts, curriculum development, coaching, professional learning, and coordinating or administering programs or services in a prekindergarten through grade 12 setting. One year of this experience must have included managing or leading Literacy, Reading and/or related programs in prekindergarten through 12 settings.

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

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. Active teacher certification in any State with experience as a classroom teacher.
  2. Experience in the Science of Reading, English Language Arts, Structured Literacy, or other literacy programs. 
  3. Experience with early literacy programs, the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards and the Maryland comprehensive Literacy Plan. 
  4. Experience with curriculum and evidence-based instructional practices in English Language Arts and literacy and school improvement programs.
  5. Experience providing leadership, professional development, and coaching to educators and/or administrators.

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. 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

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment and submit their professional resume. The application must clearly demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and mailed to MSDE Human Resources Branch, 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 Human Resources Branch address listed above.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. 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.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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