Project Manager for Online Testing (Education Program Specialist II)

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 â students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

22

Salary based on experience and Agency budget allowance; State Salary Guidelines may apply

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building

200 W. Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Hybrid schedule available (up to 3 telework days permitted each week)

POSITION DUTIES

This position provides leadership and technical expertise to support the development and implementation of statewide assessments for grades prekindergarten through high school. The position provides facilitation and coordination of Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) staff, the staff of contractors, and the staff of local education agencies (LEAs) responsible for implementation of online testing in schools throughout the state. This position also assists with the training and monitoring of the LEA 24-Special Placement Schools.

Responsibilities include:

• Communicate with LEA24 executive and education directors regarding MSDE updates, revisions, and requirements related to the administration of statewide assessments.
• Provide direction and support to MSDE Assessment Program Managers, Local Accountability Coordinators, LEA Chief Information Officers, and LEA- and school-based staff regarding statewide assessment implementation and related operational issues.
• Develop and disseminate protocols and best practices for the effective implementation of statewide assessments.
• Provide guidance to LEA24 schools in developing plans to support the successful implementation of statewide assessments.
• Monitor operational issues identified through vendor help desks and other sources, analyze trends, and formulate recommendations for resolution or process improvement.
• Coordinate assessment administration readiness activities across LEA.
• Coordinate user acceptance testing and operational reviews of vendor-provided assessment systems and related functionality prior to statewide implementation.
• Conduct site visits to LEA offices and LEA24 schools to support online testing implementation and assess operational readiness.
• Identify recurring issues and recommend changes to assessment systems, processes, training, and documentation to improve the statewide testing experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Masterâs degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five years of professional experience in the coordination, planning, implementation, or administration of large-scale assessments at the school, district, or state level, including responsibility for assessment operations, testing logistics, implementation readiness, or the resolution of assessment administration issues.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute a Bachelorâs degree and two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree at an accredited college or university in a field related to the position for one year of the required experience.

3. 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 Human Resources Branch.

4. 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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Experience coordinating, managing, or overseeing assessment administration at the school, local education agency (LEA), or state level.
• Experience designing, developing, and delivering professional learning for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders, including executive-level leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of database management, including data organization, maintenance, analysis, and reporting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

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. The resulting list of eligible candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. 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.

All 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.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

If 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.

Proof 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.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the Stateâs diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.