Community Schools Specialist (Staff Specialist III)

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

18\r\n\r\n\r\nSalary will be based on qualifications and Agency Budget allowance\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building\r\n200 W. Baltimore Street\r\nBaltimore, MD 21201\r\n\r\n\r\nHybrid schedule available (up to 3 telework days permitted each week).\r\n\r\n\r\nThis position will require occasional travel to different parts of the state for school visits and other in-person engagements.\r\n

POSITION DUTIES

The Community Schools Specialist, in collaboration with the Coordinator, Community Schools, provides best-in-class support to the Executive Director, Community Schools and local education agency (LEA) staff in the effective implementation of the community schools strategy across all regions.\r\n\r\n\r\nIn close collaboration with the Executive Director, the Community Schools Specialist will drive the implementation of evidence-based policies and practices that accelerate student learning and measurable academic outcomes, with a particular focus on historically underserved students. This position will also lead efforts to strengthen and evaluate the academic performance of community schools, ensuring that instructional and wraparound supports directly contribute to improved achievement for all learners.\r\n\r\n\r\nResponsibilities include:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Provides guidance and technical assistance to coordinators, principals, and other stakeholders to strengthen community school implementation.\r\n Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of community school strategies, tools, and processes.\r\n Designs and coordinates professional learning, coaching, and capacity-building initiatives.\r\n Facilitates Communities of Practice and creates presentations, resources, and materials to support best practices that advance both wraparound services and academic success.\r\n Coordinates with local, state, and national partners to share information, build resources, and expand community school capabilities.\r\n Develops and updates digital resources and tools in collaboration with MSDE’s Office of Communications and Community Engagement.\r\n Coordinates meetings, travel arrangements, and logistics for in-person engagements.\r\n Plans and supports community schools’ trainings, conferences, and other events.\r\n Contributes to the development and review of program guidelines, regulations, and informational publications.\r\n Occasional travel to different parts of the state for school visits and other in-person engagements.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:� A Master's degree or at least 36 hours of equivalent post-baccalaureate course work from an accredited college or university.\r\n\r\n\r\nExperience:� Three years of administrative or teaching experience in a community schools program, coordinating with families, and collaborating with community parnters and/or other organizations.\r\n\r\n\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Candidates may substitute two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.\r\n2. 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.\r\n3. 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 position are on record in the Office of Human Resources.\r\n4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

\r\nPreference will be\r\ngiven 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 Experience cultivating\r\n and managing effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders,\r\n including service providers and community-based organizations, to successfully\r\n implement programs and initiatives.\r\n Proven ability to\r\n build and maintain relationships across schools, community organizations, Local\r\n Education Agencies, and/or government agencies.\r\n Experience with the\r\n design and development of the process and materials to support community\r\n schools.�\r\n Working knowledge of\r\n the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, with particular emphasis on community\r\n school policy, funding, and accountability.\r\n Experience designing,\r\n delivering, and evaluating professional learning and other collaborative\r\n short-term and long-term projects.\r\n Experience providing\r\n direct support, coaching, technical assistance, or capacity-building to school\r\n or Local Education Agency staff.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.� Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to a State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency.\r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.� All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.� We will not consider information submitted after this date.� Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least 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. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-554-9397 or 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, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the Human Resources address listed above.\r\nInquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TDD 410-333-3045. 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\n