Professional Development Specialist en University System of Maryland Office

Description

Best consideration date for applications: March 13, 2026

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Professional Development Specialist serves as a lead facilitator and champion for teacher professional learning statewide. In this role, the Specialist designs, delivers, and evaluates dynamic, evidence-based professional development experiences in computing education for P-12 educators at all career stages. The position fosters a statewide learning community, supports teacher growth through coaching and mentoring, and cultivates collaborative innovation in instructional practice.

This is a one-year contractual role with the potential for renewal.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Professional Development Services and Operations:

• Designs, facilitates, and evaluates in-person and online professional development computer science-related or P-20-related workshops, curriculum institutes, and professional learning communities for K-12 and higher education teachers.
• Delivers interactive training sessions on effective computing pedagogy, curriculum integration, equity strategies, and emerging educational technologies.
• Provides ongoing mentoring and coaching for participating teachers to sustain instructional improvement.
• Manages the implementation of MCCE workshops and other activities designed for Maryland K-12 districts, administrators, committee members, facilitators, higher education faculty, and collaborators.
• Arranges online or in-person event venues, sets up registration, arranges accommodations, communicates with facilitators and participants, and coordinates any resources needed.
• Provides any other support required by MCCE to promote the effectiveness of meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Platform Administration & Technical Management (Canvas LMS):

• Creates and manages user accounts, roles, permissions, enrollments, and authentication methods; oversees course access and sub-account provisioning for all MCCE and P-20 accounts.
• Sets up academic terms, creates course shells, archives/concludes courses, and supports content import/export and duplication.
• Serves as the primary technical contact for Canvas-related issues; provides timely support to staff, facilitators, and participants; communicates updates, features, maintenance, and outages for all MCCE and P-20 accounts.
• Develops and maintains user guides, FAQs, tutorials, and best practices; delivers training and onboarding for facilitators and participants.
• Assists with course setup, content organization, and Canvas tool usage; advises on instructional design and accessibility (WCAG/ADA compliance).
• Aligns Canvas interface with MCCE/P-20 branding and manages shared resources, templates, and blueprint courses.
• Generates reports on usage, engagement, and enrollment trends.
• Helps develop and enforce Canvas-related policies; manages course completion certificates and MSDE CPD credit forms.

Information/Data Organization and Analysis:

• Collects, compiles, and organizes data pertinent to the effectiveness of facilitated workshops. Analyzes, summarizes, and communicates this information to appropriate USM officials.
• Assists in the preparation of annual and financial reports, recommendations, and other information resources for the improvement of MCCE and its programs.

Event Support:

• Assists in arranging online or in-person event venues, sets up registration, arranges accommodations, communicates with facilitators and participants, and coordinates any resources needed.
• Provides any other support required by MCCE to promote the effectiveness of meetings, workshops, and conferences.

ANNUAL SALARY:

$85,000-$95,000

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education Level/Certifications:

Master’s degree in Education, Computer Science, STEM, Instructional Design, Learning Technologies, or a related field.

Required Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience in education, computer science education, STEM education, instructional design, or related P–20 fields.
• Experience designing, facilitating, or supporting in-person and online professional development or training.
• Experience coordinating events or programs, including scheduling, registration, and communication with participants.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency with Canvas LMS (or comparable learning management systems), including user management, course setup, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project organization or workflow tools.
• Ability to organize and manage data, conduct basic analyses, and present information clearly in reports, charts, or graphs.
• Knowledge of instructional practices, adult learning principles, or effective facilitation methods for educators.
• Ability to develop clear written materials such as user guides, communications, or training resources.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple activities, deadlines, and stakeholder communications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., ADA/WCAG) or willingness to learn.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred Education Level/Certifications:

Advanced degree in Education, Computer Science, STEM, Instructional Design, Learning Technologies, or a related field.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience designing, facilitating, or evaluating professional development, curriculum institutes, or learning communities for adult learners or educators.
• Experience teaching in K–12 or higher education, preferably in computer science, STEM, or technology-enhanced instruction.
• Experience providing instructional coaching, mentoring, or teacher support.
• Experience planning and coordinating events, workshops, or conferences in educational settings.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to create inclusive, equity-focused learning environments for educators.
• Skill in producing user guides, tutorials, or training materials for educational technologies.
• Familiarity with WCAG/ADA accessibility considerations when designing instructional content.

Benefits

• Paid Leave: 22 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick & safe leave, 16-17 holidays, 3 personal leave days, 12 weeks paid parental leave.
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plans: Supplemental options with major providers like Fidelity and TIAA.
• Life Insurance: Optional term life and AD&D benefits through MetLife.
• Tuition Benefits: Tuition remission for employees and their families.
• Training & Development: Free professional development conferences and unlimited LinkedIn Learning access.
• Credit Union Access: Membership eligibility for SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services.

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