Executive Director of Government Affairs

Introduction 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. GRADE Grade 25 LOCATION OF POSITION Maryland State Department of Education 200 W. Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21201 POSITION DUTIES 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. Position Duties Include: 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 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university Experience: Five years of experience in State or federal policy or politics, including experience in legislative strategy and process. Notes: 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. DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualifications. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications. 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 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Candidates must consent to a State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency. 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 information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.