Staff Specialist IV - Higher Education

Associate Director of Research and Policy Analysis
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Staff Specialist IV – Higher Education (0303)

20

Nancy Grasmick Education Building
6 N Liberty Street, 10th FL
Baltimore, MD 21201

The Associate Director is a member of the Office of Research and Policy Analysis (RPA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and is responsible for providing data, information reports and in-depth analysis regarding Maryland’s postsecondary institutions and serves as the lead worker for the unit under the Director. Specific position responsibilities include:

• Prepare, coordinate and assess the effectiveness of research studies and reports pertaining to key higher education issues including but not limited to: college readiness, enrollment rates, enrollment projections, retention, graduation and transfer rates, financial aid, etc.
• Coordinate the annual accountability process for public colleges and universities culminating in the production of the Performance Accountability Report. 
• Produce cohort retention and completion reports for colleges and universities.
• Provide policy reports on specific issues as requested by the Governor’s Office and General Assembly.
• Serve as a Commission representative or staff member on assigned task forces, workgroups, or special projects. Participate on the Segmental Data Advisory Council.
• Coordinate agency’s support and contribution to the Maryland Longitudinal Data System.
• Coordinate the response to data and information requests received from other state agencies, the General Assembly, postsecondary institutions and public at-large.
• Provide workflow management and lead worker responsibilities for the staff members in the Office of RPA.

Education: Possession of a doctoral degree.

Experience: Five years of administrative or teaching experience in post-secondary education programs.

Note: Two additional years of experience in post-secondary education may be substituted for the doctoral degree.

Two years of expertise in social science research methods and knowledge of data collection and analysis techniques utilizing statistical analysis software packages such as SPSS, SAS, or STATA.

The successful candidate will possess demonstrated experience in higher education qualitative research and interpreting quantitative data, including a history of designing and coordination of large-scale collaborative projects and complex research studies, writing policy reports, and the ability to convey complex research findings to lay audiences. Applicants should have experience managing competing projects with deadlines, working collaboratively as part of a team, and leading interagency work groups. Competitive applicants will possess a Ph.D. from an accredited institution. Additionally, applicants should have:

• A solid record of using data to inform policy decisions and recommendations.
• A thorough understanding of current issues and trends in postsecondary education.
• Excellent writing, communication, and analytical skills.
  

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

For education obtained outside the U.S. you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education by a foreign credential evaluation service.

The examination will consist of a rating of all candidates’ education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position.  Therefore it is important that applicants provide complete and accurate information related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS  

Submit application, and cover letter/resume (in a consolidated PDF or Word document) via Jobaps. Online applications are strongly preferred. Papers applications may be faxed to 410-332-0275. Questions may be directed to Mr. Greg FitzGerald at gregory.fitzgerald@maryland.gov.

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

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