Director - Research, Family & Partnerships (Program Manager Senior I)

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE); Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading state department seeks a Director of Research, Policy and Partnerships to enhance early childhood programs through strategic policy development and collaboration with stakeholders. The role involves managing research, policy implementation, and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Benefits

State of Maryland Benefits

Qualifications

• Five years of professional administrative experience in management, policy development, or analysis.
• Knowledge of early childhood programs and policies.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages DEC’s research and policy development.
• Advises on strategic priorities and policy implications.
• Collaborates to review and update existing policies.

Skills

Collaboration

Policy Development

Research

Data Analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration

Job description

This position serves as the Director of Research, Policy and Partnerships reporting directly to the Assistant State Superintendent of Division of Early Childhood (DEC) providing research and policy development and implementation support for the work of all DEC offices/ branches and leading the development and implementation of DEC’s strategic policy agenda. This role is responsible for reviewing, assessing and documenting existing policies, identifying needed changes or opportunities for improvement, and coordinating internal and external research, interest-holder engagement and policy development processes to improve existing policies and adopt new policies where needed. The position focuses on early childhood and Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) policies, research and analysis including needs assessments and cost of quality studies, building mixed-delivery early learning and care systems, developing data-informed continuous improvement evaluations and systems, and interprets, shapes, and supports colleagues to implement policies that affect day to day operational and programmatic policies Maryland’s regulations governing child care licensure, scholarships, Prekindergarten programs, and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and connections to Early Head Start and Head Start.

This role serves to be a strong collaborator with an established track record of building effective working relationships with internal and external peers and partners, and an entrepreneurial policy leader capable of developing and strategically advancing policies to advance Maryland’s early childhood priorities in an inclusive and results-focused way in strong collaboration with MSDE leadership and the Office of Governmental Affairs, Education Policy, and External Relations.

Directs and Manages DEC’s Research, Strategic Planning, and Policy Development.

• 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.
  
  

EDUCATION: A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent 36-post baccalaureate credit hours of course work in Public Administration, Education, Administration/Supervision, Early Childhood, Social Work or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of professional administrative experience in management, administration, supervision, and/or policy development and research and/or analysis of Child Care - Early Learning Programs, coordinating or administering education-family programs or services, early intervention, preschool special education, or related field is preferred.

NOTE: Possession of a Master’s Degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• 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.
  
  

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.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.Specific educational and experience requirements are set by the agency based on the essential job functions assigned to the position.

State Of Maryland Benefits

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.