New

Maryland EXCELS Program Quality Specialist

Johns Hopkins University
United States, Maryland, Baltimore
Sep 13, 2025
The Johns Hopkins University Center for Technology in Education (CTE) changes lives through knowledge that matters by designing, developing, and implementing learner-centered, technology-enhanced solutions to ensure equal access to education in classrooms and work settings across the globe. Our work at CTE involves many aspects of technology and innovation in education, from online learning platforms to systems that communicate or store data to digital tools educators need to successfully increase positive outcomes for all children, including those with disabilities. Our work focuses on landscape analyses, technical assistance, professional learning, and applied research techniques to build organizations' capacity to promote inclusionary practices and maintain equity for all learners. CTE is recruiting for a *Maryland EXCELS Program Quality Specialist. Maryland EXCELS is a Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) initiative sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education to rate and improve the quality of participating early childhood and school-age programs. The primary function of this position requires application of core expertise in childcare and early childhood education. The successful candidate has strong customer service, oral and written communication skills, with the ability to develop concise and clear feedback. Knowledge of requirements for ECE systems in Maryland, including but not limited to Maryland EXCELS, Childcare Scholarship, Maryland Accreditation, and the Childcare Credential program is highly valued. The Maryland EXCELSProgram Quality Specialist works with educators and/or programs funded by sponsors of education related programs and research committed to promoting positive learning and educational experiences for children. Specific Duties and Responsibilities* Provide virtual and/or in-person support to identified schools, programs, and/or classrooms. Facilitate the progress of educational programs. Apply specializations based on specific expertise and experience, i.e. specific types of educational programs, coaching & mentoring, preassessments. Collaborate with identified partners to improve required processes and effective use of supports and resources. Work with external contacts, e.g., early childhood experts, specific education community to identify new or revise current supports and resources. Use evidence-based knowledge to make independent decisions regarding educational programs Identify and provide necessary coaching and support to schools, programs, and/or classrooms. In addition to the duties described above As the first-tier support to programs and interaction with Maryland EXCELS system, the Maryland EXCELS Program Quality Specialist primarily provides virtual support to assigned caseload. Responsibilities include documentation of communication, providing outreach to programs to support advancement in quality rating, and sharing resources for additional professional development and training related to Maryland EXCELS. Facilitates the progress of programs as they move through the Maryland EXCELS quality rating levels through review of submitted documentation and communications as well as pre-assessment of program's quality rating attainment submitted electronically via an online tool. May be assigned to specific specializations based on specific expertise and experience. For example, some Program Quality Specialists have expertise in specific types of early childhood programs, others may have expertise in coaching & mentoring, while others are highly reliable in pre-assessments. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in related field. Three years of related experience. Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula. Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree in a related field At least five years of experience working in focus area or specific education community Applicants who speak Spanish are encouraged to apply. Experience working directly in or with programs participating in ECE systems in Maryland, including but not limited to: Maryland EXCELS, Childcare Scholarship, Maryland Accreditation, and the Childcare Credential program Familiarity with Maryland childcare regulations preferred Technical Qualifications and Specialized Certifications Strong online proficiency, including downloading and attaching files; document/file management and organization; and web and computer troubleshooting skills and competency in reporting is required. Technical Skills and Expected Level of Proficiency Educational Process - Developing Interpersonal Skills - Developing Oral and Written Communications - Developing Partner Relationship Management - Developing Program Evaluation - Developing Regulatory Compliance - Developing Student Development - Developing The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs. Classified Title: Program Quality Specialist Job Posting Title (Working Title):Maryland EXCELS Program Quality Specialist Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC Starting Salary Range: $48,000 - $84,100 Annually ($70,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm FLSA Status:Exempt Location: Remote Department name: Center for Technology in Education (CTE) Personnel area: School of Education Total Rewards The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/. Education and Experience Equivalency Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job. Applicants Completing Studies Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date. Background Checks The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function. Diversity and Inclusion The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion. Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EEOis the Law https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf Accommodation Information If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/. Vaccine Requirements Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/. The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly. The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.