Project Director

Overview The Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program (MECLP), housed in The George and Betsy Sherman Center, is an early childhood workforce development program designed to develop and support early childhood leaders who will generate positive change poised to shape the future Maryland's early childhood ecosystem and significantly improve school readiness and related outcomes for early learners, particularly disadvantaged and vulnerable children and their families. The Project Director will oversee the administration and direction of this Program. Organization context The George and Betsy Sherman Center supports transformational education in four connected areas: Outstanding teaching: The Sherman Teacher Scholars Program develops STEM and early childhood educators who are skilled, passionate and committed to an excellent education for all children. School Community Partnerships: The Sherman School Partnerships program works with schools, families and community groups to create innovative, responsive, and effective partnerships that help students thrive. Early Childhood Learning: The Sherman Center engages parents, community groups, and schools to ensure that a child’s early years become the foundation for life-long learning. Research: The Sherman Center supports applied research linking the insights of UMBC’s outstanding faculty with the daily educational experience of school communities. Responsibilities Define and execute the strategic vision for the leadership program in alignment with the Sherman Center, MECLP Advisory Committee, the Provost’s Office, and the university’s overall mission. Identify, cultivate, and secure diverse external revenue-generation strategies and funding streams, including public-sector, philanthropic, corporate, foundations and individual donors. Develop long-term program sustainability including potential student scholarship opportunities. Lead grant-writing initiatives and serve as Principal Investigator (PI) for local, state, and federal grants, working with members of the Advisory Committee, Sherman Center, and Business Specialist. Maintain administrative and financial records for MECLP. Selection and support for MECLP Cohorts; oversee staff development of the MECLP Program. Oversee the compilation, analysis, and utilization of program data to drive continuous quality improvement. Establish rigorous metrics to evaluate and demonstrate the program’s impact on fellows’ career trajectories and the broader early childhood ecosystem. Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree in Early Childhood education, Educational Leadership, Public Policy, Non-Profit Management, or a related field. 5 years of progressive leadership experience 1 year of program and budget oversight and fundraising Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Strong organization and ability to make deadlines Ability to deal diplomatically with faculty, staff, and fellows Strong written and verbal communication skills Preferred Qualifications Ability to bridge higher education, early childhood systems, or educational non-profits. Teaching/instructional experience 2+ Years in Early Childhood Education Experience seeking out grants and writing proposals Understanding of the early childhood education context in Baltimore and Maryland Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment Benefits Life and disability insurance Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan) Wellness opportunities More benefits may be available Salary and Hours Salary: $83,000 - 94,000 depending on qualifications and experience. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Hours: Full-time Type: Regular FLSA Status: Exempt Equal Opportunity UMBC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodation and Work Authorization If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io or MD TTY Relay Service View phone number on click.appcast.io between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Work Authorization: As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work. Advertised and Application Details Advertised: Jul 14 2026 09:00 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: Open Until Filled #J-18808-Ljbffr