Director of Child Care Health and Safety Program Manager Senior II

About the Role

The Maryland State Department of Education is committed to fostering a leading educational environment that equips all students for success in college and careers. This role provides critical leadership in managing Maryland’s child care licensing system, serving children from birth through age 13. The Director ensures that early childhood and school-age programs meet high standards for safety, health, and quality across the state.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the statewide Child Care Licensing System, regulatory compliance, and modernization efforts to enhance clarity, equity, and alignment with best practices.
• Develop and oversee monitoring, investigation, and enforcement processes ensuring consistent application across regional offices.
• Manage technical assistance initiatives that support program quality and safe learning environments.
• Coordinate with health, safety, and investigative agencies to maintain aligned child safety responses.
• Supervise 10-15 regional managers and central leadership, including oversight of the Criminal Background Check unit.
• Manage resolution of complex complaints involving providers, families, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to high-level inquiries and prepare legislative reports and analyses.
• Represent the department in various governmental and interagency forums related to child safety and licensing.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent 36 post-baccalaureate credit hours in Public Administration, Education, Administration/Supervision, Early Childhood, Social Work, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in professional administrative roles related to Child Care or Early Learning, including at least 1 year managing regulatory aspects of child care programs.
• Master’s degree can substitute for 2 years of administrative experience.
• Preferred: Experience in child care program coordination, health and safety standards application, understanding of Centralized Criminal Background Checks, staff supervision, and conflict resolution.

Additional Information

• Applicants must consent to State and FBI background checks as part of employment.
• Successful applicants will be placed on an eligible list valid for at least one year.
• State salary grade is 24, with a range from $113,157 to $178,453 annually. State salary guidelines apply to current State employees.
• Office location is in the Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building in Baltimore, MD.
• Benefits are provided as per State of Maryland policies.
• Applications require completion of the Maryland State Government online employment application, including a detailed resume showing qualifications.
• Maryland is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates; veterans are also appreciated for their service.

Instructions for Applicants

Ensure all qualifications are fully documented in the application by the closing date. If unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained and submitted by fax or mail to the Office of Human Resources at 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Supplementary questionnaires must accompany paper submissions. All application materials must be received timely; postmarks are not accepted. Accommodations for disabilities are available upon request.