Introduction
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. Here at DGS, we truly Do Great Service… Consider joining our team!
This is a Political Special Appointment position and therefore serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority (“at-will”).To apply, see the Further Instructions section below.
GRADE
21
LOCATION OF POSITION
Annapolis, Maryland (hybrid / telework eligible)
Main Purpose of Job
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.
POSITION DUTIES
The Director’s responsibilities include the timely review of
state and federal legislation; analysis and input on proposed legislation;
tracking legislation; submission of reports; and editing and completing fiscal
impact statement requests received from the Department of Legislative Services
(DLS). The Director manages 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. The
Director is required to understand the agency's various operations and to
consult with and advise the DGS divisions and other relevant Executive Branch
agencies on legislation that may affect the agency and/or the State. The
Director is responsible for the drafting (and, in some cases, the presentation)
of testimony to legislative committees upon internal agency, Governor’s
Legislative Office approval, and, if applicable, DBM. The Director manages and
assists in the timely completion, review, editing, and submission of mandated
reports, and responds to legislative inquiries promptly and completely.
The Director is responsible for establishing and continuing to
develop legislative relationships with elected officials and staff, and for
monitoring live sessions of the Maryland General Assembly, committees, and
budget hearings.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
- 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 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.
- Experience within the
State of Maryland is highly desirable.
- 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.
BENEFITS
The State of Maryland offers a generous benefits package that includes:
- Tuition reimbursement, if funding is available, for those who qualify
- Free mass transit in Baltimore & Annapolis
- Generous paid leave that increases with years of service
- Paid holidays
- Health coverage with low out-of-pocket costs
- Employee & employer contributory pension plan
Click on the link below for more information.
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Interested applicants should email a resume and cover letter to dgs.resumes@maryland.gov.Include “Director Legislative
Affairs” in the subject line of the e-mail.
Apply by June 29th
for best consideration!
For questions, call our HR Office at 410-767-4985.
DGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer