Community Schools Specialist

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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. In 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.

Requirements

Education: A Master's degree or at least 36 hours of equivalent post-baccalaureate course work from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Three years of administrative or teaching experience in a community schools program, coordinating with families, and collaborating with community parnters and/or other organizations.
Candidates may substitute a Bachelor's degree and two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.
Applicants must consent to a State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provides guidance and technical assistance to coordinators, principals, and other stakeholders to strengthen community school implementation.
Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of community school strategies, tools, and processes.
Designs and coordinates professional learning, coaching, and capacity-building initiatives.
Facilitates Communities of Practice and creates presentations, resources, and materials to support best practices that advance both wraparound services and academic success.
Coordinates with local, state, and national partners to share information, build resources, and expand community school capabilities.
Develops and updates digital resources and tools in collaboration with MSDE’s Office of Communications and Community Engagement.
Coordinates meetings, travel arrangements, and logistics for in-person engagements.
Plans and supports community schools’ trainings, conferences, and other events.
Contributes to the development and review of program guidelines, regulations, and informational publications.
Occasional travel to different parts of the state for school visits and other in-person engagements.