Senior Executive Director, Literacy Programs & Initiatives

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland State Department of Education seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership for literacy initiatives and implementation of the State Literacy Framework. The role aims to improve reading proficiency for students throughout Maryland, with a goal of ranking among the top ten states in fourth- and eighth-grade NAEP reading by 2027. The position provides expertise and oversight for Pre-K–12 literacy and English Language Arts programs, projects, and initiatives in Maryland public schools, and supports local education agencies (LEAs) in implementing comprehensive, research-based literacy programs aligned with the science of reading. It also works to ensure students are proficient readers by the end of third grade and that struggling readers receive support throughout their Pre-K–12 education. In close collaboration with the Assistant State Superintendent of Instructional Programs, the Executive Director leads statewide literacy implementation, professional learning, policy alignment, technical assistance, data analysis, and communications. The role oversees literacy guidance, coaching structures, funding and grant compliance, LEA literacy plans, and statewide literacy initiatives, while coordinating with relevant MSDE offices and representing Maryland in state and national forums.

Requirements

Master’s degree or equivalent of 36 post-baccalaureate credit hours in Curriculum and Instruction, Administration, Education, or a related area from an accredited college or university.
Six years of educational leadership experience with expertise in literacy, English Language Arts, curriculum development, coaching, professional learning, and coordinating or administering programs or services in a Pre-K–12 setting.
At least one year of experience managing or leading literacy, reading, or related programs in Pre-K–12 settings.
Consent to a State and FBI (CJIS) background check.
A doctorate from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position may substitute for two years of the required experience.

Nice To Haves

Active teacher certification in any state and classroom teaching experience.
Experience in the Science of Reading, English Language Arts, Structured Literacy, or other literacy programs.
Experience with early literacy programs, the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, and the Maryland Comprehensive Literacy Plan.
Experience with English Language Arts and literacy curriculum, evidence-based instructional practices, and school improvement programs.
Experience providing leadership, professional development, and coaching to educators and/or administrators.

Responsibilities

Provide statewide leadership for instructional implementation of the Literacy Framework in collaboration with the Assistant State Superintendent of Instructional Programs.
Lead implementation of Maryland’s Pre-K–12 Comprehensive Literacy Policy and statewide universal literacy screening expectations for Pre-K–3 and grades 4–12.
Direct the statewide Science of Reading professional learning system, including SUNY, AIM, early childhood modules, and district-led cohorts.
Direct targeted technical assistance to LEAs on high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) fidelity, MTSS alignment, SRIPs, and adolescent literacy implementation.
Oversee statewide literacy guidance, standards crosswalks, instructional frameworks, SRIP templates, intervention requirements, and literacy coaching structures.
Plan, allocate, and manage philanthropic, federal, and state funds supporting literacy initiatives; monitor COMAR literacy reporting requirements.
Coordinate literacy policy alignment across Mathematics, ML, Special Education, Accountability, Early Learning, and School Improvement offices.
Ensure literacy initiatives align with COMAR, statute, Blueprint requirements, MTSS guidance, instructional expectations, assessment protocols, and grant requirements and deliverables.
Align literacy expectations with HQIM, statewide screeners, diagnostic tools, and progress-monitoring systems.
Develop sustainability plans for initiatives supported by time-limited philanthropic or federal funds, as well as budget proposals and multi-year investment plans.
Lead review and feedback cycles for LEA literacy plans, provide differentiated support, and ensure alignment with state policy expectations.
Coordinate with School Library Media Specialists to promote access to high-quality texts, digital resources, and knowledge-building materials and strengthen library media programming.
Oversee analysis of literacy data, including K–3 screening, SRIP implementation, WIDA literacy domains, KRA, and MCAP/MSTAR ELA data.
Use statewide data trends to identify support needs, refine professional learning, and adjust implementation strategies.
Serve as the primary statewide spokesperson for literacy and present to AIB, SBOE, legislative committees, higher education programs, philanthropic partners, and educator audiences.
Communicate literacy policy expectations, resources, and implementation updates.
Represent Maryland in national literacy networks, research-practice partnerships, and cross-state learning communities.