Community Engagement Coordinator (Bilingual) (Program Manager III)

# Introduction The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population - students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

## GRADE 21 ### LOCATION OF POSITION Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building 200 West Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21201

Hybrid schedule available.

## Main Purpose of Job The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a liaison and advocate for Marylands diverse families and students within the states educational agency. This position is responsible for ensuring that the implementation of the Blueprint for Marylands Future is not just a top-down administrative process but a collaborative effort informed by the real-world needs of Marylanders. Additionally, the position will support dynamic, sustained, continuous community outreach with all stakeholders and constituents, including students, educators, parents, school staff, established education stakeholders, child advocacy organizations, and others, as we fulfill our mission to deliver an excellent and equitable education to every student.

The community engagement coordinator will focus on various issues important to students and families across the State. One key area of focus will be the experiences of immigrant students and families, given the tremendous diversity in Marylands school districts as well as the constantly evolving federal landscape and its implications for the safety and sense of belonging for students in schools. A second key area of focus will be how students and families in Maryland experience recent state and board policy changes, including the States recent literacy policy, math policy, adolescent literacy policy, and others. A third key area of focus will be maintaining strong relationships with the advocates who are part of the education ecosystem in Maryland and represent the interests of diverse communities across the state.

This position will engage community members in a dialogue, build partnerships, facilitate meetings, round tables, workshops, and more. The position will ensure that the department sustains strong community-based partnerships, builds equity-focused programming into its work, and communicates effectively and proactively to ensure the public trust.

## Duties Include

• Supports the Chief Policy Officer by implementing effective grassroots outreach through planning and hosting, as well as attending other outreach events, together with intra-agency teams, local school systems, communities, and stakeholder partner organizations.
• Conveys MSDE organization policies, mission, and programs to community officials, state and local officials, school communities, parents, students, and staff through various grassroots activities in support of MSDEs multi-year strategic plan and the implementation of Blueprint for Marylands Future initiatives.
• Solicits feedback and input for MSDE programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Seeks feedback from immigrant students and communities, as well as the advocacy organizations that represent them, and uses input to help shape agency policy and practice.
• Seeks and implements partnerships with non-profit organizations.
• Schedules, organizes, and implements in-person, virtual, and hybrid town hall meetings, workshops, roundtables, etc.
• Records progress and input and evaluates feedback to improve outcomes.
• Fosters inter-departmental collaboration by working with various agency divisions and offices to identify when community input is needed for new initiatives or policy shifts.
• Attends meetings as necessary to understand key priorities in various offices and divisions.
• Works collaboratively across the agency to facilitate opportunities for community engagement and feedback.
• Supports the community engagement function by creating relevant surveys and documents.
• Publicly reports progress, outcomes, and results through a variety of communications platforms, including but limited to social media, e-newsletters, web content, summaries, etc.

## MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Seven or more years of community engagement, community affairs, or similar work experience.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university for four years of the required experience.

## SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must meet the selective qualifications to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Qualified candidates must be fluent in Spanish.

## DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualifications. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Immigrant affairs, immigration policy, or immigrant direct services.
• Policy experience.

## SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Applicants must consent to a State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency.

## SELECTION PROCESS Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible employment list for at least one year.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

## BENEFITS Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week or on average 130 hours per month may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

## FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and mailed to MSDE Human Resources Branch, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered, including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the Human Resources address listed above.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012 (TDD 410-333-3045). Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 (TTY Users Call via Maryland Relay).

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the States diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.