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

Grade:
State 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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…