Deputy Chief, Legislative Affairs

State of Maryland•Anne Arundel, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will serve as a Senior Political Strategist and Legislative Liaison for the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), within its Office of Policy and Government Affairs (OPGA). This position will act as a primary representative for the agency, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of legislative developments within the Maryland General Assembly, as well as evolving trends across the cannabis industry. This position will also be responsible for analyzing stakeholder positions, assessing the impact of proposed legislation, and providing strategic guidance to agency leadership on complex policy matters and interest group dynamics. Additionally, this position will provide MCA leadership with data-driven policy analysis, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations to safeguard the agency’s regulatory framework. Such responsibilities will include monitoring emerging policy trends and stakeholder coalitions to proactively anticipate potential challenges to the agency's regulatory authority. Furthermore, this position will serve as a key representative in legislative discussions, collaborating with lawmakers and stakeholders to evaluate and refine legislative amendments, therefore ensuring alignment with legislative intent while upholding the MCA’s operational capabilities and public safety mandates.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy; Political Science; Law; Government Affairs; or a related field.
Five (5) years of experience in legislative affairs, government relations, and/or Public Policy.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience working with State legislatures, regulatory agencies, and/or government officials.
Professional healthcare experience, including experience with cannabis policies and/or with highly regulated industries.
A J.D. or a Master's degree in Public Policy; Political Science; Law; Government Affairs; or a related field.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Senior Political Strategist and Legislative Liaison for the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA).
Act as a primary representative for the agency.
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of legislative developments within the Maryland General Assembly and evolving trends across the cannabis industry.
Analyze stakeholder positions and assess the impact of proposed legislation.
Provide strategic guidance to agency leadership on complex policy matters and interest group dynamics.
Provide MCA leadership with data-driven policy analysis, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations.
Monitor emerging policy trends and stakeholder coalitions to proactively anticipate potential challenges to the agency's regulatory authority.
Serve as a key representative in legislative discussions.
Collaborate with lawmakers and stakeholders to evaluate and refine legislative amendments.
Ensure alignment with legislative intent while upholding the MCA’s operational capabilities and public safety mandates.