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

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., The Data and Analysis Specialist provides programmatic support and technical expertise in data management and reporting to the Performance Reporting and Accountability Branch in the implementation of the Department’s education accountability program. The Specialist is responsible for assuring data quality, validating data, conducting analyses, and preparing report-ready data for numerous requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA), the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and as required by other state and federal laws. Responsibilities for the Data and Analysis Specialist include:

• Design, create, and manage SAS datasets.
• Ensure quality, validity, and usability of data.
• Create, maintain, and support reporting functions.
• Analyze data for federal or state reporting requirements.
• Create, modify, and update SAS code or other programming languages to incorporate changes in data collection processes.
• Provide education data and analyses in response to ad-hoc inquiries.
• Provide expertise and technical support to MSDE Staff and local education agencies.

The Data Collection Specialist provides programmatic support and technical expertise in data collections and management to the Data Collections and Management Branch in the implementation of the Department’s education accountability program. The 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. Responsibilities for the Data Collection Specialist include:

• Acquire education data from local education agencies (LEA’s) and MSDE applications and databases.
• Ensure quality, validity, and usability of data.
• Provide technical support to LEA staff and MSDE staff to ensure data acquisition and reporting align with the department’s goals.
• Create documentation to support the collection of education data including guidance and best practices.
• Provide education data and analyses in response to ad-hoc inquiries.
• Develop data queries, datasets, and reports that are responsive to legislative and public information act requests.
• Summarize and report findings of education data.

Education: A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work from an accredited college or university. Experience: Four years of professional experience in data analysis and/or data collection. Experience in or affiliated with an education program is preferred. Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.
3. 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 Human Resources Branch.
4. 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 with data management or analysis of an Education program. * Experience responding to data-related inquiries or requests. * Experience developing documentation, guidance, or reference materials to support data processes or reporting., Applicants must consent to a State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency.

Pulled from the full job description

• Prescription drug insurance
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance, 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 who has worked 120 days in a 12-month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.