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
LOCATION OF POSITION
Nancy S. Grasmick
Education Building
200 West Baltimore
Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Main Purpose of Job
Under the direction of the Senior
Executive Director of Office of Communications and Community Engagement, and
working closely with the division leaders, the manager will establish service
level based standards, process and support to ensure the communication products
created by the agency as part of the MSDE’s multiyear strategic plan, Blueprint
for Maryland’s Future initiatives and daily operations are accessible to all
the stakeholders across the State.
The position is also responsible for
ensuring that the training materials made available to the LEAs is accessible.
Further, this position manages and
supervises an Education Technology specialist by providing direction and
oversight for information accessibility design and presentation to ensure that
the MSDE website and online education content are in compliance with Section
508 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. Ensure that
all products, information, and activities created or purchased meet federal and
state standards and regulations of accessibility and meet the needs of the
stakeholders.
The position will also be responsible
for leading the agency in providing support to the Local Education Agency (LEA)
to ensure education and training materials are accessible.
POSITION DUTIES
Manages Web
Accessibility specific to education content, design, presentation and
remediation.
- Directs staff
with regard to education content, presentation, and remediation with regard to
Section 508 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
- Provides
leadership and guidance for assuring all web education content is accessible by
all populations.
- Oversees and remediates
documents that promote MSDE initiatives and programs and Board Presentations
and Communication collateral to be accessible.
- Supervises and
manages staff with regard to web content updates and accessibility tasks.
- Manages and provides
guidance on digital accessibility best practices (including captioning,
transcripts, etc.)
- Oversees and
conducts in-depth testing of MSDE website pages for accessibility compliance
with Section 508 and WCAG criteria.
- Leads
Department as the organizational expert on accessibility and supports agency by
providing training, guidance and staying up to date on State and Federal laws
and industry best practices.
- Supports and
provides technical assistance to Local Education Agencies for managing and
providing accessible curriculum material and for developing guidelines,
processes for MSDE and LEA compliance with any legislative changes.
- Manages vendors and
works with third parties to get documents remediated and checks the work
completed is correct and accurate.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: Master’s Degree or equivalent 36 credit hours of
post baccalaureate course work in Special Education, Instructional Technology,
Assistive Technology, We-based Design or a related field.
EXPERIENCE: Six years of related experience in coordinating
or administering education programs or services that must have included work experience with assistive
technology, digital learning, and accessibility compliance.
NOTES:
- Candidates may substitute two additional years of
experience, directly related to the position option for the required
education.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Knowledge
of current accessibility regulations, laws, Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0.
- Knowledge
and experience in the use of assistive software and hardware resources.
- Posssession of IAAP Certification
- Skill
in managing projects and staff with regard to strict specifications, remediation
and specification.
- Skill
in developing and presenting professional development programs.
- Ability
to interpret and apply laws and regulations; ability to organize, prioritize
and manage multiple tasks.
- Ability
to work as a team member and 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.
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 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.
Postmarks will not be accepted.
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. 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.