Education Data Collection Specialist (Education Program Specialist I)

The Education Data Collection Specialist provides programmatic support and technical expertise in data collections and management within the Division of Assessment, Accountability, Performance Reporting, & Research (DAAPR) in implementing the Department’s education accountability program. This position is critical to supporting the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) mission to develop and support a strong accountability system to increase academic success for all students.

The Data Collection Specialist is responsible for defining, capturing, assuring quality, and report development for data collections related to the data requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA), the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and as required by other state and federal laws. This position provides a critical role in compiling and reporting data collected from various sources required in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

Responsibilities Include

• Collect and ensure the quality, validity, and usability of education data using standardized methods, data validation techniques, and programming languages like SAS.
• Develop and maintain documentation to support data collection processes, including guidance and best practices.
• Identify and correct errors in data entry and offer guidance on how to resolve them.
• Manage databases and applications used in data collection for local education agencies (LEAs).
• Extract data from MSDE applications, data warehouse, and operational data stores.
• Create, monitor, and document the acquisition process to meet federal and state requirements.
• Manipulate data by merging, appending, and sorting datasets.
• Provide technical support to and collaborate with MSDE staff, LEAs, and DAAPR Directors to ensure data integrity.
• Develop reporting practices and standards.
• Provide education data analyses in response to ad-hoc inquiries.
• Summarize and report findings of education data.
  
  

Education: A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Four years of professional experience in data collection, management and analysis. Experience in or affiliated with an education program is preferred.

Notes

• Candidates may substitute a Bachelor’s degree and two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree at an accredited college or university in a field related to the position for one year of the required experience.
• The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Office of Human Resources.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
  
  

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Experience in the collection, management, and analysis of education data.
• Experience in developing and maintaining documentation for education data processes.
• Experience providing technical support related to the collection of education related data.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., SAS, SQL, Python, Microsoft Excel, Cognos).
• Experience creating and managing data collection tools and systems.
  
  

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

State Of Maryland Benefits

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 Office of Human Resources, 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 or mailed to the address listed.

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 State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.