Senior Executive Director, Literacy Programs & Initiatives (Program Manager Senior IV)

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE); Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) seeks an Executive Director of Literacy Programs and Initiative to lead statewide literacy efforts, drive the Maryland State Literacy Framework, and elevate reading outcomes from Pre-K to 12. The role focuses on policy alignment, professional learning, and equity in literacy access across districts.

The executive will coordinate across offices, lead professional development, and oversee HQIM implementation, data-informed interventions, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or 36 credit hours post-baccalaureate in Curriculum and Instruction, Administration, Education, or related area.
• Six years of educational leadership experience with literacy, ELA, curriculum, coaching, and coordinating or administering programs in a K–12 setting.
• One year leading literacy or related programs in Pre-K–12 settings.

Responsibilities

• Leads statewide implementation of PreK–12 Comprehensive Literacy Policy and universal literacy screening (PreK–3 and Grades 4–12).
• Directs the statewide Science of Reading professional learning system and district‑led cohorts.
• Directs technical assistance to LEAs for HQIM fidelity, MTSS alignment, SRIPs, or adolescent literacy implementation.
• Oversees development of statewide literacy guidance, standards crosswalks, instructional frameworks, and intervention requirements.
• Oversees budgeting for philanthropic, federal, and state funds supporting literacy initiatives and reporting.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Literacy

Curriculum development

Coaching

Data analysis

Education

Master’s degree or 36 credit hours in Curriculum and Instruction / Education

Tools

SUNY

AIM

HQIM

Job description

The Executive Director of Literacy Programs and Initiative provides strategic and transformative leadership for the implementation of the literacy initiatives and State Literacy Framework to dramatically improve reading proficiency for students from all backgrounds in Maryland as indicated by improved outcomes on the state MCAP assessment and the NAEP exam to meet the aspirational target of Maryland to rank as one of the top ten states in reading on the 4th and 8th grade NAEP exams by 2027 established the Maryland State Board of Education. Also the position will support the State’s literacy initiatives by leading professional learning and transformative initiatives that include crafting policies aligned with Science of Reading, State and Federal requirements including but not limited to curriculum adoption, assessment, data analysis, an early warning system, interventions, and accountability.

This position provides content area expertise, and oversight to all state literacy and English Language Arts (ELA) programs, projects, and initiatives Pre-K to 12 in Maryland public schools and oversees the development and deployment of best in class, research-based support to LEAs to implement comprehensive literacy programs that are aligned to the science of reading, elevate ELA content standards in teaching and learning, and ensure access to high-quality instruction for all students across the state, especially those who have been historically underserved. Additionally, the Executive Director ensures students are proficient in reading by the end of third grade and that intervention and support is available for struggling readers throughout their Pre-K to 12 learning experience, thereby ensuring students can build content knowledge across all subjects, develop critical thinking skills, and apply their skills to authentic world problems.

In close collaboration with the Assistant State Superintendent of Instructional Programs provides Statewide Leadership for the Instructional Implementation of the Literacy Framework.

Responsibilities

• Leads the coherent statewide implementation of Maryland’s PreK–12 Comprehensive Literacy Policy and statewide rollout of universal literacy screening expectations (PreK–3 and Grades 4–12).
• Directs the statewide Science of Reading professional learning system, including SUNY, AIM, early childhood modules, and district‑led cohorts.
• Directs targeted technical assistance to LEAs needing support with HQIM fidelity, MTSS alignment, SRIPs, or adolescent literacy implementation.
• Oversees the development of statewide literacy guidance, standards crosswalks, instructional frameworks, SRIP templates, and intervention requirements, and statewide literacy coaching structures, including coaching networks, coaching pilots, and job‑embedded support aligned to HQIM.
• Oversees planning, allocation, and management of philanthropic, federal (Title II, CLSD), and state funds supporting literacy initiatives and monitoring of COMAR literacy reporting requirements, including annual K–3 screening, intervention data, and literacy plan implementation updates.
• Coordinates literacy policy alignment across offices including Mathematics, ML, Special Education, Accountability, Early Learning, and School Improvement.
• Ensures alignment of literacy initiatives with COMAR, statute, Blueprint requirements, MTSS guidance, statewide instructional expectations fidelity to assessment protocols and compliance with grant requirements and deliverables, stewarding funds responsibly and strategically to maximize statewide impact.
• Ensures literacy expectations are aligned with HQIM, statewide screeners, diagnostic tools, and progress‑monitoring systems.
• Develops sustainability plans for initiatives supported by time‑limited philanthropic or federal resources, budget proposals and multi‑year investment plans that prioritize system coherence, educator capacity, and equitable literacy outcomes.
• Leads the review and feedback cycles for LEA literacy plans, providing differentiated support and ensuring alignment to state policy expectations.
• Coordinates with School Library Media Specialists on access to high‑quality texts, digital resources, and knowledge‑building materials to strengthen statewide literacy ecosystems and promote statewide initiatives that enhance library media programming.
• Oversees analysis of literacy data, including K–3 screening data, Student Reading Improvement Plan (SRIP) implementation, World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) literacy domains, Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA), and Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program / Maryland System of Testing Academic Readiness (MCAP / MSTAR) ELA.
• Uses statewide data trends to identify support needs, refine professional learning, and adjust implementation strategy.
• Serves as the primary statewide spokesperson for literacy, presenting to AIB, SBOE, legislative committees, higher ed programs, philanthropic partners, and educator audiences.
• Develops clear, consistent communication on expectations, resources, and updates tied to literacy policy implementation.
• Represents Maryland in national literacy networks, research-practice partnerships, and cross-state learning communities.

Education

A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in Curriculum and Instruction, Administration, Education, or related areas from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Six years of experience in educational leadership with expertise in the areas of literacy, English Language Arts, curriculum development, coaching, professional learning, and coordinating or administering programs or services in a prekindergarten through grade 12 setting. One year of this experience must have included managing or leading Literacy, Reading and/or related programs in prekindergarten through 12 settings.

Notes

Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position for two years of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active teacher certification in any State with experience as a classroom teacher.
• Experience in the Science of Reading, English Language Arts, Structured Literacy, or other literacy programs.
• Experience with early literacy programs, the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards and the Maryland comprehensive Literacy Plan.
• Experience with curriculum and evidence-based instructional practices in English Language Arts and literacy and school improvement programs.
• Experience providing leadership, professional development, and coaching to educators and/or administrators.

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

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.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.