Education Data, Analysis, and Collections Specialist (Education Program Specialist I)

Overview

The Maryland State Department of Education works to support a high-quality school system that prepares every learner for success in college and careers in the 21st century. The agency manages state and federal programs that serve a broad community of students, educators, and school leaders across Maryland.

Role Summary

This opening is for two contractual positions within the Division of Assessment and Accountability. One track focuses on data analysis and reporting support, while the other centers on education data collection and management. Both roles contribute to the department’s accountability work and help ensure that education data is accurate, usable, and ready for reporting under ESSA, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and other state and federal requirements.

Work Location and Schedule

The position is based at the Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. A hybrid arrangement is available, with up to three telework days allowed each week.

Grade and Compensation

Grade 21. Pay is determined by the candidate’s qualifications and the agency’s budget availability.

Data and Analysis Specialist Duties

• Build, organize, and maintain SAS datasets.
• Check data for accuracy, consistency, and practical use.
• Develop and support reporting tools and functions.
• Perform analyses for state and federal reporting obligations.
• Revise SAS code or other programming tools when collection methods change.
• Respond to one-off requests for education data and analytical support.
• Offer technical guidance to MSDE staff and local education agencies.

Data Collection Specialist Duties

• Gather education data from local education agencies and MSDE systems.
• Review data for accuracy, validity, and usefulness.
• Support LEA and MSDE staff so data intake and reporting match department objectives.
• Prepare documentation, including instructions and best-practice guidance, for education data collection.
• Respond to ad hoc requests for education data and analysis.
• Develop queries, datasets, and reports for legislative and public information requests.
• Summarize findings from education data and communicate results.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have a master’s degree, or the equivalent of 36 post-baccalaureate credit hours from an accredited college or university. They must also have at least four years of professional experience in data analysis and/or data collection. Experience connected to an education program is preferred.

Substitutions and Alternate Credentials

• Two additional years of directly related experience may be used in place of the required education.
• A doctorate from an accredited institution in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• The education and experience profile for each option is defined by MSDE under Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, and the specific requirements are maintained by the Human Resources Branch.
• Military service experience as a commissioned officer in education program classifications or specialty codes may be accepted on a year-for-year basis for the education and experience requirements.

Preferred Background

• Experience handling data management or data analysis in an education setting.
• Experience answering data-related questions or requests.
• Experience creating documentation, guidance, or reference materials that support data processes or reporting.

Special Requirements

Applicants must agree to a State Police investigation, including fingerprinting, as a standard condition of employment with this agency.

Selection Process

Applicants must provide enough detail in the application to demonstrate that they meet the required qualifications. All qualifications must be submitted by the closing date; later submissions will not be reviewed. Qualified candidates will be rated as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible list for at least one year.

Benefits and Leave

Contract employees working for an agency covered by the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, with a current contract and a schedule of at least 30 hours per week or an average of 130 hours per month, may qualify for subsidized health coverage for themselves and eligible dependents. The employee pays 25% of medical and prescription premiums, while the State covers the remaining 75%.

Employees may also enroll in dental insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but must pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be available after 120 days of work within a 12-month period. It accrues at one hour for every 30 hours worked and is capped at 40 hours per calendar year.

Application Instructions

The state encourages applicants to use the online Maryland government employment application. If online application is not possible, paper applications may be faxed to 410-554-9397 or mailed to MSDE Human Resources Branch, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If a supplemental questionnaire is included, it must be completed and submitted with the paper application.

All materials must arrive by the closing date. Postmarks are not accepted. Applications must be complete and include all relevant duties, even if the same information appears on a resume. Additional documents may be uploaded online, faxed, or mailed to the Human Resources address above.

Additional Information

Questions may be directed to 410-767-0012, and TDD support is available at 410-333-3045. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities. If there are issues with the user account or general questions about the online application system, contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY users should call through Maryland Relay.

Proof of authorization to work is required under the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Misstating academic or experience qualifications may lead to rejection or later termination. Maryland is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people with disabilities and bilingual candidates to apply. Veterans are thanked for their service and encouraged to consider the role.