Director - Research, Policy, & Partnerships

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

• Advises the Assistant State Superintendent in the development and implementation of DEC strategic priorities aligned to MSDE’s overall strategic plan, CCDF, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and the State Superintendent’s and Governor’s key performance metrics, including policy implications of those priorities. 
• Advises the Assistant State Superintendent in the development of logic models and the development and implementation of analysis and evaluations of DEC’s mixed-delivery early childhood program investments and program data including annual child care and Pre-K needs assessments, Market Rate Surveys and Cost of Quality Care cost assessments.
• Collaborates with programmatic staff and leadership to  review and update existing policies in response to Maryland and community needs, interest-holder feedback, research evidence and/or changes in federal and Maryland law and requirements.
• Leads research, interest-holder engagement and policy drafting to develop and implement new or updated policies.
• Ensures DEC policies are clearly and accurately documented and communicated to diverse internal and external interest-holders.
• Monitors local and federal legislative, regulatory and budget processes and identifies and communicates implications and options for internal and external interest-holders.
• Develops systems and processes for progress monitoring goals, identifies potential barriers to progress and tracks progress and ensures accurate, transparent, and on-time reporting and analysis of progress and performance results.
• Provides advice and direction for Interest-holder Engagement and Workgroups.
• Advises the Assistant State Superintendent, DEC division and programmatic leaders, and other Maryland government partners on applicable State, federal and local statutory and regulatory requirements and budget processes.
• Ensures new policies or policy changes are informed by robust interest-holder input and engagement and comply with all applicable federal and local legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Represents the Assistant State Superintendent and Department and oversees coordination and collaboration with LEAs, Maryland’s mixed-delivery Pre-K programs, child care providers, Head Start agencies, and other Maryland government agencies to improve birth to five learning outcomes and transitions.
• Builds productive relationships with LEA and community-based organizations (CBO) or private provider leaders, Maryland government partners, and external interest-holders to support progress on Maryland’s early learning and school readiness goals.
• Leads preparation of legislatively mandated and evaluation reports and reports presenting Maryland early childhood policies and programs for the Maryland State Board of Education, community interest-holders, and national early childhood leaders. Manages DEC’s response to requests for information about Maryland early childhood policies.
• Develops and manages policy and planning staff in developing strong working relationships with education and child care program leaders across early learning sectors.

• Knowledge of State and federal statutes, regulations, funding, and policies governing and supporting programs and services for early childhood programs, child care licensure, scholarships, Prekindergarten programs, and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future
• Knowledge of CCDF and child care subsidy and of Early Learning and Child Care programs including Judy Centers, Patty Centers, Early Head Start/Head Start, Home Visiting programs, and issues governing education programs for Early Learning.
• Knowledge of current research and evidence-based practices related to improving outcomes for young children and their families and of CCDF and other federal programs and policies.
• Knowledge of policy development and analysis.
• Skill interacting and collaborating with legislators, local school system officials, early childhood programs, and other interest-holders.
• Skill in supervising staff and managing multiple administrative activities including oversight and evaluation of staff.
• Skill researching and interpreting data for reporting program performance and accountability and in developing mechanisms for data collection.
• Skill in managing multiple tasks, identifying potential issues, and recommending solutions.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies, laws and regulations governing State and federal early childhood programs and exercise good judgment and discretion in making decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships and partnerships.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing through the presentation of concise yet comprehensive technical assistance, analyses and reports.