Project Manager for Online Testing (Education Program Specialist II)

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE); Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) seeks a leader to support the development and implementation of statewide assessments for grades prekindergarten through high school. The role coordinates MSDE staff, contractor staff, and LEA staff responsible for online testing, ensuring readiness and effective operations.

The position emphasizes facilitating training, monitoring assessment operations, and guiding schools to implement statewide assessments successfully, with collaboration across

Qualifications

• Master's degree or 36 credit hours of graduate-level coursework from an accredited college or university.
• Five years of professional experience coordinating, planning, implementing large-scale assessments at the school, district, or state level.
• Experience with assessment operations, testing logistics, implementation readiness, or resolving administration issues.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with LEA executives and education directors regarding MSDE updates and requirements for statewide assessments.
• Provide direction to MSDE Assessment Program Managers, Local Accountability Coordinators, LEA CIOs and staff on implementation and operational issues.
• Develop and disseminate protocols and best practices for statewide assessments.
• Guide LEA24 schools in developing plans to support statewide assessments' implementation.
• Monitor vendor help desks and other sources to identify issues and recommend improvements.
• Coordinate assessment administration readiness activities across LEA.
• Coordinate user acceptance testing and reviews of vendor systems before statewide implementation.
• Conduct site visits to LEA offices and LEA24 schools to support online testing and readiness.

Skills

Communication

Coordination

Training development

Education

Master's degree

Job description

This position provides leadership and technical expertise to support the development and implementation of statewide assessments for grades prekindergarten through high school. The position provides facilitation and coordination of Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) staff, the staff of contractors, and the staff of local education agencies (LEAs) responsible for implementation of online testing in schools throughout the state. This position also assists with the training and monitoring of the LEA 24-Special Placement Schools.

Responsibilities Include

• Communicate with LEA24 executive and education directors regarding MSDE updates, revisions, and requirements related to the administration of statewide assessments.
• Provide direction and support to MSDE Assessment Program Managers, Local Accountability Coordinators, LEA Chief Information Officers, and LEA- and school-based staff regarding statewide assessment implementation and related operational issues.
• Develop and disseminate protocols and best practices for the effective implementation of statewide assessments.
• Provide guidance to LEA24 schools in developing plans to support the successful implementation of statewide assessments.
• Monitor operational issues identified through vendor help desks and other sources, analyze trends, and formulate recommendations for resolution or process improvement.
• Coordinate assessment administration readiness activities across LEA.
• Coordinate user acceptance testing and operational reviews of vendor-provided assessment systems and related functionality prior to statewide implementation.
• Conduct site visits to LEA offices and LEA24 schools to support online testing implementation and assess operational readiness.
• Identify recurring issues and recommend changes to assessment systems, processes, training, and documentation to improve the statewide testing experience.

Education:

A Master's degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Five years of professional experience in the coordination, planning, implementation, or administration of large-scale assessments at the school, district, or state level, including responsibility for assessment operations, testing logistics, implementation readiness, or the resolution of assessment administration issues.

Notes

• Candidates may substitute a Bachelor's degree and two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree at an accredited college or university in a field related to the position 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 Resources Branch.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience 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.

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 coordinating, managing, or overseeing assessment administration at the school, local education agency (LEA), or state level.
• Experience designing, developing, and delivering professional learning for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders, including executive-level leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of database management, including data organization, maintenance, analysis, and reporting.

Applicants must consent to a State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency.

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.