Director of Government & Legislative Affairs

State of Maryland•Anne Arundel, MD

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) supports State and local government agencies, as well as local non-profit organizations and the citizens of Maryland, by providing facilities management, real estate and surplus property services, as well as security and law enforcement for State buildings. DGS is also responsible for a full spectrum of facilities engineering, design and construction services, almost $1 billion in annual contract administration, and overseeing the State procurement process. This is a Political Special Appointment position and therefore serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority (“at-will”). The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) is looking to hire a talented and experienced Director of Government & Legislative Affairs within our Office of External Affairs. The Director will oversee DGS’s Office of Government & Legislative Affairs and will provide updates to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of External Affairs, the Secretary of DGS, and other appropriate executive staff as it relates to legislative activities both during and outside of the annual Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly (MGA). As DGS’s liaison with state, local, and federal governments, as well as elected officials, the Director oversees the effective and efficient functioning of the agency’s legislative office.

Requirements

Experience working in a government role (e.g., legislative staff, agency advisor) or experience directly engaging with lawmakers in the public and/or private sectors is required.
In-depth knowledge of legislative processes at the federal, state, and local levels, and proven experience advocating for policy positions and influencing legislative outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex policy issues, develop strategic positions, and craft legislation or regulatory proposals.
Strong experience building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and key stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey policy positions and legislative priorities to diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Public Administration, or a related field.
Master’s degree in one of these subject areas is preferred.
At least 10+ years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or public policy, with at least 2-3 years in a senior or leadership role.
Experience within the State of Maryland is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Timely review of state and federal legislation
Analysis and input on proposed legislation
Tracking legislation
Submission of reports
Editing and completing fiscal impact statement requests received from the Department of Legislative Services (DLS)
Managing the completion of information requests from the DLS, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), members and staff of the General Assembly, and others within the Executive and Legislative branches
Consulting with and advising the DGS divisions and other relevant Executive Branch agencies on legislation that may affect the agency and/or the State
Drafting (and, in some cases, the presentation) of testimony to legislative committees upon internal agency, Governor’s Legislative Office approval, and, if applicable, DBM
Managing and assisting in the timely completion, review, editing, and submission of mandated reports
Responding to legislative inquiries promptly and completely
Establishing and continuing to develop legislative relationships with elected officials and staff
Monitoring live sessions of the Maryland General Assembly, committees, and budget hearings