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!
GRADE
21
LOCATION OF POSITION
Annapolis, Maryland (hybrid / telework eligible)
Main Purpose of Job
This is a Political Special Appointment position and therefore serves at the
pleasure of the Appointing Authority (“at-will”).
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’ 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’ 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.
The Director’s responsibilities include the timely review of
state and federal legislation, analysis and input to proposed legislation,
tracking of legislation, submission of reports, and editing and completion of
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 various operations of the
agency and to consult with and advise the DGS divisions, and other relevant
Executive Branch agencies, on legislation that may impact 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, the 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 the establishment and continued
development of legislative relationships, both with elected officials and
staff, and the monitoring of live sessions of the Maryland General Assembly,
committees and budget hearings.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED 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 for those who qualify
- Flexible work schedules and telework
opportunities for many positions
- Free mass transit in Baltimore &
Annapolis
- Generous paid leave that increases with
years of service
Interested applicants
should e-mail a resume and cover letter by October 18, 2024 to dgs.resumes@maryland.gov – include “Director Government Affairs” in the
subject line of the e-mail.
For questions, call
our HR Office at 410-767-4985.
