Coordinator of Multilingual Education Programs - Education Program Specialist II

Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is committed to fostering a premier education system that equips all students for success in college and careers in today's global environment. The department oversees various State and federal initiatives supporting a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, educators, and administrators across Maryland.

Position Overview

This role serves as the statewide leader coordinating and promoting high-quality multilingual and dual language education programs. The Coordinator ensures alignment with the Maryland State Department of Education's Strategic Plan, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and guidance from the Workgroup on English Learners in Public Schools. Key responsibilities include designing systems to guarantee fair access for multilingual learners to grade-level, standards-based instruction with integrated language development across academic disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide efforts to develop, implement, and continuously refine multilingual education strategies consistent with state educational priorities.
• Create and circulate guidance and technical support to local education agencies (LEAs) and early childhood providers for delivering standards-aligned instruction and language development support.
• Offer leadership and technical expertise to assist LEAs and early childhood organizations in designing, evaluating, and scaling multilingual and dual language programs, including aspects like program scheduling and college and career readiness pathways.
• Coordinate cross-divisional initiatives within the department to ensure cohesive multilingual support across curriculum, instruction, assessment, accountability, special education, and readiness programs.
• Collaborate with various divisions to enhance multilingual education priorities, optimize the use of proficiency and achievement data, and bolster instructional frameworks.
• Act as an MSDE representative in state, regional, and national forums and cultivate partnerships with higher education institutions and other stakeholders to advance language education goals.
• Develop and enforce state policies, guidance materials, strategic efforts, and evidence-based approaches to improve multilingual education and leadership capabilities statewide.
• Monitor program implementation effectiveness and analyze relevant data to inform policy and continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

Minimum Education: Master’s Degree or 36 post-baccalaureate credit hours in Education or a related discipline from an accredited institution.

Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible experience in multilingual education or related fields within PreK-12 settings. Within these, two years must involve coordinating or administering professional learning or technical assistance in multilingual or comparable programs.

Alternate qualifications include substituting a bachelor’s degree with seven years of relevant experience or using a doctoral degree to reduce experience requirements by one year. Military service experience as a commissioned education officer may also substitute qualifications on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering professional development and technical coaching to educators and school leaders.
• Background in creating guidance documents, instructional resources, and policy communications.
• Proficiency using student performance and program data to drive evaluation and instructional decisions.
• Knowledge of multilingual education standards, assessment, Title III regulations, and relevant policies.
• Experience partnering with educational institutions and community organizations to implement initiatives.
• Track record supporting state or district-wide efforts to enhance education for multilingual learners.
• Strong communication skills in presenting, facilitating, and producing high-caliber written materials for diverse audiences.

Additional Information

• Position Grade: Salary Grade 22, salary range $99,422 to $156,822, with state salary guidelines applicable to current employees.
• Work Location: Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building, 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
• All candidates must undergo routine State and FBI background checks.
• Applicants must provide comprehensive information to demonstrate qualification by the closing date; late submissions will not be reviewed.
• Foreign education credentials require equivalency validation before hiring.
• The selection process involves ranking candidates based on qualifications, with successful candidates placed on an employment list valid for one year.
• Benefits will be provided as per State of Maryland guidelines.
• Applicants with disabilities can request accommodations during the application process.
• This employer values diversity and encourages bilingual individuals and veterans to apply.