Logo
State of Maryland

PROGRAM MANAGER III

State of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Save Job

Introduction We are seeking a highly organized, mission-driven Chief of Staff to support the Director and drive strategic initiatives at a dynamic government agency focused on improving public services, supporting local businesses, and advancing housing affordability.

The ideal candidate is a confident, strategic thinker with strong communication and project management skills. They should be excited to delve into details and research emerging technologies, including AI implementation, to enhance agency operations.

Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional initiatives, monitoring key programs (especially technology upgrades), preparing briefings, and advising leadership.

This role suits someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering measurable community impact.

This position is a Management Services Appointment.

GRADE 21

LOCATION OF POSITION Director’s Office 700 E. Pratt Street, 2nd Floor Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Main Purpose of Job This managerial position provides direction and guidance to all SDAT programs as needed and at the direction of the Director. The Chief of Staff identifies and oversees implementation of policy, legal compliance, and procedure changes across the agency; serves as Project Manager on a variety of special projects; and serves as the Director’s surrogate and Department Spokesperson as needed. Direct supervision includes a staff of professional and clerical employees.

POSITION DUTIES Serve as Project Manager for strategic initiatives and agency improvement projects. Provide directions and guidance to all SDAT programs as needed and in the direction of the Director. Identify changes in policy, procedure, legal compliance, and regulations that will benefit the Department and its customers and oversee implementation by providing clear directions and communication to agency programs. Ensure that state laws, procedures, and regulations governing the Department are administered and enforced by establishing procedures.

Supports legislative and regulatory initiatives, outreach and communications and responses. Identify changes in law and regulation that would benefit the Department and its customers, draft and obtain approval for bills, and liaison with the Attorney General’s Office to ensure their legality. Ensures Government Affairs Director tracks legislation during the General Assembly Session, coordinates responses to the Department of Legislative Services’ and the Department of Budget and Management’s requests for fiscal analysis, advocates or opposes bills by communicating and meeting with legislators and other interested parties and/or through written and oral testimony and liaises with the Governor’s Legislative Office and state agencies’ legislative personnel. Communicate with SDAT programs to oversee the clear and uniform implementation of new policies, procedures, and regulations resulting from changes in law.

Assist with the Department’s communications initiatives, public responses, and communications staff. Review and approve reports completed by the Public Information Officer (PIO) and senior staff for the legislature, control agencies, and other public and governmental outlets. Provide guidance to the PIO and other agency staff on responding to media inquiries and Public Information Act requests. Ensure websites, apps and digital content are current and customer friendly.

Liaison with other agencies to implement inter-agency initiatives and to expedite inter-agency action. Identify inter-agency initiatives that will benefit Marylanders and the state and draft memos and make recommendations to the Director and the Governor’s Office. Serve as the Director’s surrogate as needed.

Liaison with local governments and their agencies to create efficiencies and resolve mutual problems. Serve as the Director’s surrogate when communicating or meeting with stakeholder groups (Maryland State Bar Association, Chambers of Commerce, Maryland Association of Counties, Tax Professional Associations, etc.) to listen to concerns and identify solutions. Represent the Department at public events.

Ensure direct reports receive adequate supervision and are properly trained. Always facilitate production of procedure manuals to promote cross-training and aid in a succession plan.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.

Master’s degree preferred (e.g., MPA, MBA, JD or a related discipline), particularly with a focus on strategic planning, organizational leadership, or technology implementation in the public sector.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is strongly preferred.

Additional certifications or training in strategic planning, change management, or emerging technologies (e.g., AI applications in public sector) are a plus.

A combination of education and extensive, directly relevant experience in project and strategic initiatives management may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

Selective Qualifications

Extensive experience coordinating and managing complex projects across multiple teams or departments.

Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Ability to conduct research and analyze emerging technologies, including AI applications.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including briefing preparation for senior leadership.

Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in fast-paced environments.

Experience with government operations, policies, and regulatory frameworks is helpful.

Confident in taking a firm stance and addressing difficult issues head-on.

Adept at managing conflict and fostering positive staff relationships while maintaining control.

Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and work under pressure.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with leadership and staff.

SELECTION PROCESS Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider the information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report on all experience and education that is related to this position.

Benefits

Health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.

Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).

Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.

Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.

Pension - State employees earn credit for a retirement pension.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Office of Human Resources, 700 E. Pratt, 2nd Floor, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Paper application materials must be received by 5pm in our office on the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the State Department of Assessments and Taxation at 410-767-1137, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

#J-18808-Ljbffr