Director of Operations

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.

This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

GRADE
STD
0022
Salary Range: $99,442 - $142,037 with progression to $156,822
* State Salary Guidelines may apply for current State employees.

LOCATION OF POSITIONMaryland Center for School Safety Bowie State Office
14000 Jericho Park Road;
Proctor 240

Bowie, MD Main Purpose of Job
The Director of Operations (Program Manager IV) serves on the Executive Team at the
Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS), reporting directly to the Executive Director.
This executive management position provides strategic direction, operational oversight,
and program administration for core agency divisions—including the Training and
Certification Unit, Prevention and Intervention Unit, Safe Schools Maryland tipline, and
regional preparedness initiatives. The position ensures MCSS and local school systems
across Maryland meet all statutory and regulatory school safety mandates while leading
emergency readiness, incident response, and stakeholder alignment.

POSITION DUTIES
As a key member of the Executive Team, the Director of Operations will drive strategic agency priorities, lead core operational programs, and advance statewide school safety through the following primary duties:
Directing day-to-day operations, budgets, fleet resources, and cross-functional teams across MCSS operational units, including Training and Certification, Prevention and Intervention, Safe Schools Maryland, and agency preparedness functions.

Establishing and driving short- and long-term program goals, visual dashboards, performance metrics, policies, and SOPs to ensure full statutory compliance across Maryland school systems.

Ensuring immediate notification and situational reporting of high-priority school incidents and coordinates agency response and recovery efforts.

Overseeing agency readiness cycles, emergency/continuity planning, active assailant exercises, school safety assessments, and post-incident recovery support for local school systems.

Serving as the agency technical lead on juvenile and education law regarding violent threats, delivering high-stakes presentations and policy testimony to legislative committees, elected officials, and federal/state partners.

Fostering trusted partnerships with local, state, and national school safety stakeholders, public safety agencies, and local School Safety Coordinators.

Responding to emergency calls outside regular business hours and work extended shifts or weekend events during active incidents or exercises.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Six (6) years of professional administrative, operational, or program management experience. Supervisory

Experience:

Three (3) years of the required experience must include direct supervision of professional employees or management of complex, multi-faceted operational programs.

Notes:
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.
SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
Two (2) years of professional experience in operational…