THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION. CONTINUATION IS CONTINGENT UPON AVAILABLE FUNDING.

Under the direction of the Coordinator of School Turnaround, the Educational Specialist II - Turnaround Schools supports the development, monitoring, and implementation of strategies for MSDE-designated Comprehensive Support and Improvement schools (CSI) and Targeted Support and Improvement schools (TSI). The Educational Specialist II collaborates with staff in the Academic and Schools Offices to ensure Comprehensive Support & Improvement schools and Targeted Support & Improvement schools are implementing interventions with fidelity to the specifications outlined in the grants and performs regular data analysis to ensure that the Turnaround Schools are on track to meet the performance targets outlined in the grant. The Educational Specialist II prepares and communicates results through timely reports and presentations to facilitate monitoring and necessary supports to the Turnaround Schools.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in education or related field. Degree must be from an accredited college or institution.
• Valid Maryland State Department of Education Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) with applicable endorsement.
• Three (3) years of successful related professional experience in academic coaching or in monitoring sponsored or non-sponsored projects and tracking expenditures.
• Prior experience in Title I or grants management preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of whole-school reform models, particularly in urban K-12 school systems.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local policies, including ESSA, Title I, and COMAR.
• Demonstrated ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, analyze, and present high-level quantitative data.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including staff and partners, community agencies, and federal, state, and local officials.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically while simultaneously delivering tactical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and report findings and recommendations regarding grants management processes.
• Proficient in the use of technical computer applications, including Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint and Excel.

• Supports the development of conducting schools’ needs assessment through engaging in a thorough analysis of the school’s current state to identify key areas for improvement
• Provides guidance and support to school leadership teams to build consensus and support around the development of improvement strategies and goals that will be monitored in CSI/TSI action plans
• Collaborates with appropriate principal supervisors and school-based staff to provide guidance for implementation in alignment with the district and school turnaround strategy
• Supports identified schools and collects necessary documentation and artifacts to demonstrate compliance with the grant.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by creating necessary documentation for relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinates and participates in monitoring visits from district or state leadership.
• Ensures compliance with all Title I policies and procedures.
• Provides advice and technical assistance in the implementation of related grant programs and reporting.
• Continuously monitors and analyzes the effectiveness of differentiated school strategies, using data to inform decisions and support schools in making necessary adjustments for improved outcomes.
• Works with the Coordinator - School Turnaround to ensure interventions are implemented with fidelity and in ways that positively impact student achievement.
• Participates in cross-functional teams related to the Turnaround Schools and implementation of the grant, including but not limited to assigned schools, Academic Offices, Chief of Schools, and Achievement and Accountability.
• Works in collaboration with the Data Monitoring and Compliance unit within the Office of Achievement and Accountability to track and document financial components of the grant and ensure that expenditures are made in alignment with the grant allocations.
• Coordinates with key budget and financial staff, as appropriate.
• Uses computer packages, databases, and online services to track and manage grant information and generate reports.
• Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school board policies, and professional standards.