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

Introduction

\r\nThe 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.\r\n

GRADE

State Salary Grade 26\r\n�Salary Range $128,818 - $166,648 with progression to $203,150/year�\r\n*State Salary Guidelines may apply for current\r\nState employees.\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy\r\nS. Grasmick Education Building\r\n200\r\nWest Baltimore Street\r\nBaltimore,\r\nMD 21201\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

The Executive Director of Literacy Programs\r\nand Initiative provides strategic and transformative leadership for the\r\nimplementation of the literacy initiatives and State Literacy Framework to\r\ndramatically improve reading proficiency for students from all backgrounds in\r\nMaryland as indicated by improved outcomes on the state MCAP assessment and the\r\nNAEP exam to meet the aspirational target of Maryland to rank as one of the top\r\nten states in reading on the 4th and 8th grade NAEP exams by 2027 established the\r\nMaryland State Board of Education. Also the position will support the State’s\r\nliteracy initiatives by leading professional learning and transformative\r\ninitiatives that include crafting policies aligned with Science of Reading,\r\nState and Federal requirements including but not limited to curriculum\r\nadoption, assessment, data analysis, an early warning system, interventions,\r\nand accountability.\r\n\r\n\r\nThis\r\nposition provides content area expertise, and oversight to all state literacy\r\nand English Language Arts (ELA) programs, projects, and initiatives Pre-K to 12\r\nin Maryland public schools and oversees the development and deployment of best\r\nin class, research-based support to LEAs to implement comprehensive literacy\r\nprograms that are aligned to the science of reading, elevate ELA content\r\nstandards in teaching and learning, and ensure access to high-quality\r\ninstruction for all students across the state, especially those who have been\r\nhistorically underserved. Additionally, the Executive Director ensures students\r\nare proficient in reading by the end of third grade and that intervention and\r\nsupport is available for struggling readers throughout their Pre-K to 12\r\nlearning experience, thereby ensuring students can build content knowledge\r\nacross all subjects, develop critical thinking skills, and apply their skills\r\nto authentic world problems.\r\n

POSITION DUTIES

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Master’s degree\r\nor the equivalent of 36 credit hours\r\nof post-baccalaureate coursework in Curriculum and Instruction,\r\nAdministration, Education, or related areas from an accredited college\r\nor university.\r\n\r\n\r\nExperience: Six\r\nyears of experience in educational leadership with expertise in the areas\r\nof literacy, English Language Arts, curriculum\r\ndevelopment, coaching, professional learning, and coordinating or administering\r\nprograms 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.\r\n\r\n\r\nNotes: Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college\r\nor university in a field related to the position for two years of the\r\nrequired experience.\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference\r\nwill be given to applicants�who possess the following preferred\r\nqualification(s).�Include clear and specific information on your\r\napplication regarding�your qualifications.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Active\r\n teacher certification in any State with experience as a classroom teacher.\r\n Experience\r\n in the Science of Reading, English Language Arts, Structured Literacy, or other\r\n literacy programs.�\r\n Experience with early\r\n literacy programs, the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards and the\r\n Maryland comprehensive Literacy Plan.�\r\n Experience with curriculum\r\n and evidence-based instructional practices in English Language Arts and\r\n literacy and school improvement programs.\r\n Experience\r\n providing leadership, professional development, and coaching to educators\r\n and/or administrators.\r\n\r\n\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants\r\nmust consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure\r\nfor all employees.\r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Please\r\nmake sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show\r\nthat you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information\r\nconcerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.\r\nSuccessful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or\r\nQualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at\r\nleast one year.\r\n

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment�and submit their professional resume.�The application must clearly demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for the position.�If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and mailed to MSDE Human Resources Branch, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.\r\nAll application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application or mailed to the Human Resources Branch address listed above.\r\nInquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.\r\nIf you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.\r\nProof 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.\r\nAs 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.\r\nWe thank our Veterans for their service to our country.\r\nAppropriate accommodations for individuals with\r\ndisabilities are available upon request.\r\n