AGENCY GRANTS SPECIALIST SERIES

As a State agency, Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov   

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a dedicated, detail-oriented team player passionate about serving underserved populations with experience and/or aptitude for project development, oversight and reporting grant managing grants to serve as a Grant Specialist. MOPD advocates statewide for securing justice, protecting civil rights, and preserving liberty. We are 900+ employees strong and have been the voice of the voiceless across Maryland since 1972. Our work spans criminal, juvenile, parental defense and involuntary commitment proceedings. OPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 The development team, part of OPD’s external affairs unit, works with leadership throughout OPD to bring financial and operational management support to increase services and advocacy on behalf of OPD clients. OPD, in partnership with its partner non-profit organization the Association for the Public Defender of Maryland, has secured more than $5 million in grant funds and employs more than a dozen contractual employees via grant funding.

Trainee Grade 13 $22.65 - $36.09 per hour

Specialist I Grade 14 $24.09 - $38.51 per hour

Specialist II Grade 16 $27.30 - $43.87 per hour

The Grant Manager will be deeply involved in innovative projects throughout the state that benefit marginalized populations, such as connecting justice involved individuals with community-based mental health and/or substance abuse treatment; developing and implementing release plans for long-sentence servers, integrating new technologies in public defender practice, and expanding training opportunities for OPD staff. Reporting to the Chief of External Affairs, the Grant Manager will oversee grant data collection, monitoring and reporting, and assist with project development and proposal drafting. This position will be located in Baltimore City, Maryland, with flexible hybrid/remote telework options.

●       Draft grant proposals, reports, and informational materials.

●    Work with OPD leadership team and managers to monitor and ensure compliance with grant terms and conditions; oversee and analyze data collection; manage, track, and report on expenditures.

●    Manage a reporting schedule for all grants and contracts, ensure all required reports are prepared accurately and submitted on time.

●     In collaboration with the Chief of External Affairs and the Fiscal Division support the development of grant project proposals and budgets.

●       Identify new funding opportunities.

●      Develop strategies to improve and optimize the grant administration processes in coordination with the Chief of External Affairs and the CFO.

●       Perform other duties as required.

Agency Grants Specialist Trainee:

Experience: Four years of experience in grant evaluation and monitoring or budget preparation, presentation and execution.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the Budget Officer classifications or Financial Management specialty codes in the Budgeting field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience. 

Agency Grants Specialist I

Experience: Five years of experience in grant evaluation and monitoring, or budget preparation, presentation and execution.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of experience in grant evaluation and monitoring, or budget preparation, presentation and execution, for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute graduate education from an accredited college or university in Accounting; Business Administration; Economics; Finance; Political Science; or, Public Administration, at a rate of 30 credit hours for five years of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a Commissioned Officer in the Budget Officer classifications or Financial Management specialty codes in the Budgeting field of work, on a year-for-year basis, for the required experience.

Agency Grants Specialist II:

Experience: Seven years of experience in grant evaluation and monitoring or budget preparation, presentation and execution.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of experience in grant evaluation and monitoring or budget preparation, presentation and execution for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute graduate education from an accredited college or university in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, political science or public administration at a rate of 30 credit hours for five years of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service  experience as a commissioned officer in the Budget Officer classifications or Financial Management specialty codes in the Budgeting field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

●       Passion for the mission of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.

●   Ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision in an effective manner.

●    Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, including the ability to convey complex information in a clear manner to a diverse audience.

●       Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

●       Superior attention to detail and organizational skills.

●      Experience in project management, data analysis, and budget development and projection skills are strongly preferred.

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 ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position. Applicants selected for interview will be required to provide a writing sample.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

Online applications preferred.  Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.

Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8500, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258. 

Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.

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.