Manager, 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.

The Manager, Office of School Improvement and Supports is responsible for managing and assisting in the central administration and coordination of Title I, Part A – Supporting Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies - at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The Manager provides assistance 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 to ensure success for every student.

The Manager will ensure the efficient execution of the full life cycle of Title I, Part A programs by utilizing consistent systems and processes for administering programs and initiatives inclusive of Parent and Family Engagement in LEAs. This position will support the Director of School Improvement and Supports to 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. 

Duties include:

• Support LEAs in the development and implementation of school improvement best practices and coordinates professional development for low performing schools.
• Supports and nurtures a collective vision across LEA networks for sustaining student improvement, increasing the achievement of all students, while also reducing academic disparities within student groups.
• Coordinates and facilitates evidence-based high-quality professional learning an support for LEAs with an emphasis on improving the performance of low performing schools.
• Provides expertise to LEAs focused on the process, planning, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated system of academic and social emotional support, and parent/family engagement in service of school improvement.
• Assists LEAs in the execution of a Comprehensive Needs Assessment/Root Cause Analysis process to identify gaps in student performance and develop evidence-based improvement plans.
• Provides coordination for the planning, implementing and evaluation of Title I programs.
• Coordinates, manages and facilitates consistent, centralized annual application processes for Title I programs.
• Manages and leads School Support Coordinators and a Network of LEAs to ensure thorough program administration.
• Assists the Director in managing, monitoring and approving mid-year and final reports.
• Reads and makes recommendations for approval of Title I applications, award recommendations, and program budgets.
• Maintains current, standard operating procedures for Title I program administration.
• Collaborates with the Office of Federal Program Coordination and Administration, Office of Grants Administration and Compliance to review and approve federal Title I formula calculation.
• Assists in the coordination of planning and the implementation of the annual monitoring plan for Title I programs and initiatives.

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.

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 Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.

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)
• 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

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

APPLICANTS MUST UPLOAD A RESUME WITH THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION. 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 placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

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.