Maryland EXCELS Branch Chief

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.

State of Maryland Salary Grade 22

200 West Baltimore Street

This position is Program Manager for the Office of Child Care (OCC) - Maryland EXCELS Branch, which oversees all aspects of Maryland’s quality rating and improvement system, Maryland Accreditation and Accreditation Support fund – Maryland EXCELS program for Maryland’s early care and education providers. The Branch Chief supports the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future to ensure Maryland EXCELS aligns with all aspects of the Blueprint. This Branch sets policy, manages funds, develops budgets and spending plans, manages the application and approval process for Maryland EXCELS, oversees contracts and grants to partner organizations to fully implement the program, and provides technical assistance to contract partners, and childcare providers, trainers, and technical assistance providers. The Branch has a staff of twenty-two professionals and one administrative specialist.

• Organizational Planning: Determine goals and objectives for the Office of Child Care (OCC) – Maryland EXCELS Branch, develops policies and procedures, assigns priorities, develops budgets and resource needs, and establishes budgets and resource allocations. Supports the requirements of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future by developing Maryland EXCELS bonus requirements and payment process and monitors system capacity for Maryland EXCELS program participation, quality rating, and Maryland Accreditation requirements.  
• Program Direction and Communication: Articulates and communicates agency and program goals in terms of specific program outcomes, maintains internal and external communications, directs management systems, including a performance appraisal system, for meeting organizational goals, makes decisions to facilitate program accomplishments and carries out work responsibilities.  
• Human Resource Management: Coordinates and delegates work, Monitors work progress, Appraises employees, Acts as liaison between Branch staff and Office Director and other MSDE Staff. 
• Program Monitoring and Evaluation: Develops procedures and guidelines to review quality and progress and to review fiscal resources as it pertains to agency priorities including the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Uses monitoring procedures to review quality and progress, revises programs as needed, based on review results, monitors fiscal resources, recommends resource adjustments and revises allocations as appropriate, and revises monitoring procedures as required.
• Constituent Relations: Develops and manages relationships with various constituencies of programs, including any of the following:  federal agencies, advocates, local elected and appointed officials, grantees, child care provider organizations and individuals, MSDE staff, and members of the public,  Establishes effective contacts,  Demonstrates responsiveness to feedback from and requests for information from constituents at all levels, and  Communicates the goals and objectives of the Department, Administration and Office effectively.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Child Care, Teaching, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience: Six years of experience performing the full life cycle grant management functions and financial/budget monitoring. Two years of this experience must have involved one or more of the following: the supervision of other employees, overseeing and coordinating the general operations of a unit, applying rules and regulations, or exercising responsibility for the development of policies or procedures.

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

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. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year. The selected candidate will be subject to a criminal history background check as the final step in the selection process.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

 

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If theapplicant is 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, 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, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed. 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. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.