EQUITY PROGRAM MANAGER (PROGRAM MANAGER II)

Introduction

This Management Service position serves at the Appointing Authority''s pleasure.

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A resume must accompany your application.

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The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is responsible for implementation of the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) Race Equity Framework through collaboration, strategic reforms, and agency capacity building. The officeâs mission is to identify system opportunities to reduce racial and ethnic disparities that may exist in policies and practices, and collaborate with local partners to reduce such disparities. OEI advances opportunities to promote equitable practices, inclusion, and racial healing to mitigate adverse outcomes for families and youth of color affected by the youth justice system.

GRADE

20

LOCATION OF POSITION

DJS/Office of Equity and Inclusion - Statewide

Baltimore, MD 21202 (HQ)

Main Purpose of Job

Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS!

The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is dedicated to transforming young lives, creating safer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate individuals for the role of Equity Program Manager (Program Manager II), so come join our team and make a meaningful impact on youth and the community at DJS!

Serving at the pleasure of OEIâs Executive Director and with managerial oversight by the OEI Deputy Director, OEI staff in the Equity Program Manager position are responsible for directing and coordinating programs and initiatives that translate the Department''s vision for racially equitable, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and restorative practices into operational reality. Guided by the DJS Mission, Vision, and Pathways to Equity Framework, this position oversees and manages complex, cross-agency projects, establishes goals and standards to drive systemic policy change, and develops short- and long-range plans to embed equitable practices across DJS operations. This position will also exercise independent judgment in overseeing specialized policy portfolios, representing the department in a liaison capacity to build partnerships, and planning, coordinating, implementing, supervising, and evaluating agency efforts to ensure initiatives move successfully from strategy to execution.

Essential Position Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Leadership & Policy Implementation

• Directs and plans the development, implementation, and evaluation of systemic reform initiatives.
• Evaluates programs and practices, performance data, policies and procedures, enacting actionable change to mitigate disparities and enhance operational equity.
• Manages comprehensive project plans and coordinates deliverables to translate executive vision into operational steps.

Cross-Agency Collaboration & Partnership, Leadership

• Develops strategic partnerships with internal divisions and community stakeholders to drive system-wide reform. Coordinates inter-agency and family-driven workgroups, committees, and advisory boards to foster participatory design, shared accountability, and culture change.
• Represents OEI as a subject matter expert, providing consultation, technical assistance, and strategic guidance to agency leadership and youth justice practitioners.
• May supervise, plan, direct, and evaluate the work of assigned staff, managing performance and providing mentorship in alignment with OEI objectives.

Capacity Building & Operational Equity

• Develops, plans, and coordinates capacity-building initiatives, toolkits, training modules, and other learning experiences that enhance staff will and skill in equity, inclusion, and restorative practices.
• Develops standardized resources and practice guides that support the practical application of equity principles in daily DJS field and facility operations.
• Analyzes youth justice data with stakeholders to guide strategy and assess the impact of agency initiatives.

Initiative Management & Other Duties as assigned

• Manages a diverse portfolio of special projects, planning strategic next steps and executing workflows independently.
• Adapts to changing priorities, continuously improves skills, and expands expertise to keep pace with and drive DJS''s reform efforts.
• Performs other duties as assigned and pivots across operational areas as needed to advance the broader mission of the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

This position offers a hybrid telework schedule with statewide travel as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelorâs degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in youth-serving, juvenile justice, or human services programs or initiatives. Experience must include leading or supporting program, operational, or reform initiatives; implementing policies or procedures; coordinating with internal and external partners; and using data or performance information to improve outcomes.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate for this position may possess any of the following qualifications:

• Professional experience evaluating programs, practices, performance data, policies, and procedures to enact actionable change that mitigates disparities and enhances operational equity
• Experience coordinating inter-agency and family-driven workgroups, committees, and advisory boards to foster participatory design, shared accountability, and culture change
• Experience shifting power and decision-making authority by formalizing and resourcing the leadership of youth and families to shape systems
• Experience developing, planning, and coordinating capacity-building initiatives, toolkits, training modules, and learning experiences that enhance staff will and skill in equity, inclusion, and restorative practices
• Experience leading or supporting system-level reform initiatives in youth justice, human services, or related settings, including equity, inclusion, restorative practices, or organizational change efforts

SELECTION PROCESS

Please ensure that your completed application includes sufficient information to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All documentation related to your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date; information received after this date will not be considered. Candidates who meet the qualifications will remain on the certified eligible list for a period of one (1) year. This list may also be used to fill similar positions within this classification in the future. Please ensure that your completed application includes sufficient information to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All documentation related to your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date; information received after this date will not be considered. Candidates who meet the qualifications will remain on the certified eligible list for a period of one (1) year. This list may also be used to fill similar positions within this classification in the future.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may involve a rating of your application based on your education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the position''s requirements. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please report all relevant experience and education. For education obtained outside the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of equivalent American education, as determined by a Foreign Credential Evaluation Service, at the time of hire. Please complete the supplemental questionnaire, if applicable. They will be used when rating applications. Please note that your answers on the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your completed application to receive credit. Missing or incomplete supplemental questionnaires may impact the overall rating of your completed application.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

If you are a Veteran applying for this position, please submit your DD 214 Long Form with your completed application to receive proper credit.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, you may submit a completed paper application and supplemental questionnaire responses via email or fax to the addresses provided below. If using fax or regular mail, ensure each page includes your First and Last Name, the Recruitment Number (located at the top of the posting), and the last four digits of your SS#. Paper application materials must be received by 5:00 PM on the closing date for the recruitment. Applications received after this time, or those with incorrect forms, will not be accepted. Postmarks will not be considered.

Maryland Department of Juvenile Services

OHR-Recruitment & Examination Unit

217 E. Redwood Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Attn: Recruitment# 26-005477-0022

Fax number 410-333-4188

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required, please contact the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Recruitment and Examination Unit at djs.careers@maryland.gov. Include the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the Stateâs diversity.

DJS values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments.

Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are welcome to apply for all recruitments.

Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.

We welcome experienced professionals transitioning from federal service to explore rewarding career opportunities.