Coordinator, Literacy Programs & Initiatives (Education Program Specialist II *2 additional Pos[...]

State of Maryland; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 97,972 - 152,528; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State of Maryland benefits

Job summary

The State of Maryland is seeking a Coordinator of Literacy Programs to develop and implement literacy initiatives that align with Maryland State Literacy Standards. The role requires a dedicated leader to provide support across pre-kindergarten to grade 12 education models.

Qualified candidates will have a Master's Degree in Education, five years of experience in literacy programming, and strong communication skills. Comprehensive benefits and a collaborative work environment are part of this opportunity.

Qualifications

• Five years of administrative or teaching experience in Literacy or related programs.
• One year of supervising or coaching education staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement literacy initiatives aligned to State and National Standards.
• Provide technical assistance to meet literacy-related requirements.
• Coordinate with internal offices for coherent implementation.
• Prepare summary reports and recommendations for leadership.
• Design and evaluate professional learning for LEA literacy leaders.

Skills

Program Development

Literacy Expertise

Communication Skills

Policy Guidance

Project Management

Education

Master’s Degree in Education or related field

Job description

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 and Salary

Grade: State 22
Salary Range: $97,972.00 - $152,528.00
*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.

Location of Position

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building, 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of the Job

The Coordinator of Literacy Programs and Initiatives provides best‑in‑class program development, implementation, and support of highly effective pre‑kindergarten through grade 12 programs and initiatives aligned to the Maryland State Literacy Standards and evidence‑based practices (e.g., Science of Reading; Structured Literacy; content knowledge development; etc.) to accelerate student performance in literacy across local education agencies (LEAs) and early learning environments.

Position Duties

• Provides content expertise and day‑to‑day operational support across pre‑K through grade 12 literacy and English Language Arts (ELA) programs.
• Develops, implements, and monitors literacy initiatives aligned to State and National Standards and MSDE policies.
• Provides content expertise, policy guidance, and technical assistance to ensure LEAs meet literacy‑related requirements under COMAR, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and other state initiatives.
• Coordinates with internal MSDE offices (Early Childhood, Assessment, Research, Special Education, etc.) to ensure coherent interpretation and implementation of literacy policy and data requirements.
• Reviews and cross‑walks local literacy plans, grant applications, and related submissions against MSDE policy requirements.
• Prepares summary reports and recommendations for leadership and the State Board.
• Proactively identifies implementation challenges, recommends solutions, and escalates issues to leadership when necessary.
• Serves as a point of contact for LEAs, responding to inquiries and connecting them with MSDE resources.
• Tracks LEA deliverables (e.g., literacy plans, reporting requirements) and maintains organized records of progress and compliance.
• Designs, facilitates, and evaluates professional learning for LEA literacy leaders, with an emphasis on translating policy into classroom practice and monitoring follow‑through.
• Maintains detailed project plans, meeting notes, and follow‑up actions to ensure accountability and continuity across MSDE teams and LEA partners.
• Drafts communications, memos, and reports as directed by the Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post‑baccalaureate coursework in Education or a related area from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Five (5) years of administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with, Literacy, Reading and/or related programs in pre‑kindergarten through 12 settings. One year of this experience must include supervising and/or coaching professional education staff.

Notes: Candidates may substitute a Bachelor’s Degree with 7 years of the specified content experience to satisfy the Minimum Qualifications noted above. Candidates may substitute a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position variant for one year of the required experience.

Selective Qualifications

• One year of experience managing or leading Literacy, Reading and/or related programs in pre‑kindergarten through 12 settings.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• Active teacher certification in any state with experience as a classroom teacher.
• Experience with the Science of Reading, Structured Literacy, or other literacy programs.
• Experience providing professional development and coaching to educators and/or administrators.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced state or large district‑led initiative focused on increasing reading outcomes.
• Experience with assisting LEAs with developing procedures and systems.
• Experience producing documents and resources for LEAs, administrators, teachers, or family/communities.
• Knowledge of early literacy programs, the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, and the Maryland comprehensive Literacy Plan.
• Knowledge of curriculum and evidence‑based instructional practices in English Language Arts and literacy.
• Knowledge of school improvement programs.
• Skill in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating education programs.
• Skill in developing and presenting professional learning programs.
• Skill in monitoring and documenting grant financial activity.
• Skill in organizing/ managing multiple tasks and timelines.
• Ability to work as a team member to 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. Travel throughout the State is required.

Benefits

State of Maryland benefits as applicable.

EEO Statement

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who reflect the State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.