EQUITY PROGRAM MANAGER PROGRAM MANAGER II

Introduction

This Management Service position serves at the Appointing Authority's pleasure.

A Resume Must Accompany Your Application.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is responsible for implementation of the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) Race Equity Framework through collaboration, strategic reforms, and agency capacity building. The office's mission is to identify system opportunities to reduce racial and ethnic disparities that may exist in policies and practices, and collaborate with local partners to reduce such disparities. OEI advances opportunities to promote equitable practices, inclusion, and racial healing to mitigate adverse outcomes for families and youth of color affected by the youth justice system.

Grade and Location

• Grade: 20
• Location: DJS/Office of Equity and Inclusion - Statewide (Baltimore, MD 21202 - HQ)

Main Purpose of Job

Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS!

The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is dedicated to transforming young lives, creating safer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate individuals for this role, so come join our team and make a meaningful impact on youth and the community at DJS!

Serving at the pleasure of OEI's Executive Director and with managerial oversight by the OEI Deputy Director, staff in this position are responsible for directing and coordinating programs and initiatives that translate the Department's vision for racially equitable, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and restorative practices into operational reality. Guided by the DJS Mission, Vision, and Pathways to Equity Framework, this position oversees and manages complex, cross-agency projects, establishes goals and standards to drive systemic policy change, and develops short- and long-range plans to embed equitable practices across DJS operations. This position will also exercise independent judgment in overseeing specialized policy portfolios, representing the department in a liaison capacity to build partnerships, and planning, coordinating, implementing, supervising, and evaluating agency efforts to ensure initiatives move successfully from strategy to execution.

Essential Position Functions

Essential Position Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Leadership & Policy Implementation

• Directs and plans the development, implementation, and evaluation of systemic reform initiatives.
• Evaluates programs and practices, performance data, policies and procedures, enacting actionable change to mitigate disparities and enhance operational equity.
• Manages comprehensive project plans and coordinates deliverables to translate executive vision into operational steps.

Cross-Agency Collaboration & Partnership, Leadership

• Develops strategic partnerships with internal divisions and community stakeholders to drive system-wide reform. Coordinates inter-agency and family-driven workgroups, committees, and advisory boards to foster participatory design, shared accountability, and culture change.
• Represents OEI as a subject matter expert, providing consultation, technical assistance, and strategic guidance to agency leadership and youth justice practitioners.
• May supervise, plan, direct, and evaluate the work of assigned staff, managing performance and providing mentorship in alignment with OEI objectives.

Capacity Building & Operational Equity

• Develops, plans, and coordinates capacity-building initiatives, toolkits, training modules, and other learning experiences that enhance staff will and skill in equity, inclusion, and restorative practices.
• Develops standardized resources and practice guides that support the practical application of equity principles in daily DJS field and facility operations.
• Analyzes youth justice data with stakeholders to guide strategy and assess the impact of agency initiatives.

Initiative Management & Other Duties as assigned

• Manages a diverse portfolio of special projects, planning strategic next steps and executing workflows independently.
• Adapts to changing priorities, continuously improves skills, and expands expertise to keep pace with and drive DJS's reform efforts.
• Performs other duties as assigned and pivots across operational areas as needed to advance the broader mission of the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

This position offers a hybrid telework schedule with statewide travel as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in youth-serving, juvenile justice, or human services programs or initiatives. Experience must include leading or supporting program, operational, or reform initiatives; implementing policies or procedures; coordinating with internal and external partners; and using data or performance information to improve outcomes.

Desired Or Preferred Qualifications

The preferred candidate for this position may possess any of the following qualifications:

• Professional experience evaluating programs, practices, performance data, policies, and procedures to enact actionable change that mitigates disparities and enhances operational equity
• Experience coordinating inter-agency and family-driven workgroups, committees, and advisory boards to foster participatory design, shared accountability, and culture change
• Experience shifting power and decision-making authority by formalizing and resourcing the leadership of youth and families to shape systems
• Experience developing, planning, and coordinating capacity-building initiatives, toolkits, training modules, and learning experiences that enhance staff will and skill in equity, inclusion, and restorative practices
• Experience leading or supporting system-level reform initiatives in youth justice, human services, or related settings, including equity, inclusion, restorative practices, or organizational change efforts

Selection and Examination Process

Please ensure that your completed application includes sufficient information to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All documentation related to your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date; information received after this date will not be considered. Candidates who meet the qualifications will remain on the certified eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

The assessment may involve a rating of your application based on your education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the position's requirements. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Benefits and Further Instructions

This position offers State of Maryland benefits. The online application process is STRONGLY recommended.

Attn: Recruitment# 26-005477-0022 Maryland Department of Juvenile Services OHR-Recruitment & Examination Unit 217 E. Redwood Street Baltimore, MD 21202

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.