Executive Director of Government Affairs

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

About The Position

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland. This position serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Government Affairs, which involves the development and management of state and federal legislative strategy and operations for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). This includes managing departmental relations with elected officials at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels, with a focus on the Maryland General Assembly; working with offices across the Department to develop policy options and recommendations; leading the Department’s regulatory development and review process; and managing relationships with key education advocacy organizations on behalf of the State Superintendent. This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Five years of experience in State or federal policy or politics, including experience in legislative strategy and process.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a master’s degree or 36 post-baccalaureate credits from an accredited college or university in public policy, political science, education, or a related area for two years of the required experience.

Nice To Haves

Trusted relationships with Maryland elected officials and their teams or demonstrated ability to quickly develop and cultivate relationships
Ability to analyze policy, data and research to generate recommendations for executive leadership
Strong written and oral communication skills, including an ability to tailor communication of complex information for various audiences
Experience with designing and implementing systems and processes requiring collaboration from multiple stakeholders
Ability to effectively lead as well as supervise and train staff, manage projects, monitor performance, and provide timely feedback
Knowledge of Maryland's education system and the Blueprint for Maryland's Future

Responsibilities

Developing and implementing the agency's legislative strategy at the federal, State, and local levels, with a focus on the Maryland General Assembly
Leading the development of annual legislative priorities in coordination with the State Superintendent and State Board to ensure alignment with agency goals and policy objectives
Developing and reviewing MSDE testimony, legislative language, and feedback on legislative proposals
Coordinating the timely submission of required agency reports that are high-quality and responsive
Supporting agency staff at all levels and across divisions in the development of laws, regulations, State Board resolutions, State Superintendent guidance, and grant priorities
Maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, including its goals, priorities, and implementation requirements, to ensure alignment between MSDE's legislative strategy and Maryland's long-term education reform goals
Developing and leading agency-wide regulatory development and review processes to ensure that regulations are updated, aligned with statute, and reflective of agency's policies
Representing the agency and State Superintendent at select external meetings, commissions, panels, and forums