Coordinator, Literacy Programs & Initiatives; Education Program Specialist II * Pos

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.

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

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

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

The Coordinator of Literacy Programs and Initiatives provides content expertise and day‑to‑day operational support across Pre‑K through grade 12 literacy and English Language Arts (ELA) programs. This position helps develop and deploy research‑based resources and tools to assist Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in building and sustaining comprehensive literacy programs that elevate instructional standards and expand equitable access to evidence‑based practices.

• 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 crosswalks 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 maintain 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.

• Education:
  
  A 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 experience administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with Literacy, Reading and/or related programs in prekindergarten 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 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…