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PROGRAM MANAGER IV

Manager of Customer Advocacy

Recruitment #24-005479-0048

Introduction

Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program makes sure all workers in Maryland have paid time off for medical and family reasons. FAMLI is a social insurance system covering 2.6 million workers and 180,000 employers, delivered as a digitally native, public-facing service. We’re in the early stages of building something as big and as far-reaching as unemployment insurance or a new health department. We know that delivering services primarily through a website, over the Internet, is a new way of doing business in government. The Employer Services Directorate plays a pivotal role in supporting employers as they navigate this new benefit. It ensures accurate, timely compliance with reporting requirements, fosters a smooth participation experience, and upholds employer accountability. Within this framework, the Customer Advocacy team acts as a central point of support, providing clear communication and effective problem resolution for employers. The Manager of Customer Advocacy will lead and develop a team dedicated to responding to escalated employer inquiries, coordinating across FAMLI’s various divisions to ensure employers have the information and guidance they need. This role requires a candidate who can envision and execute a proactive customer advocacy strategy, guiding the team to deliver exceptional service. As an experienced leader and problem-solver, the Manager will collaborate closely with the Director and Deputy Director of Employer Services to establish policies, processes, and standards for the Customer Advocacy team, building a service-oriented unit from the ground up. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape a foundational component of FAMLI, combining strategic insight, innovation, and leadership to establish an exemplary support system for Maryland’s employers.

This is a Management Service position that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

Resumes are acceptable.

GRADE

22

LOCATION OF POSITION

100 S. Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Manager of Customer Advocacy is a senior leader within the Employer Services Directorate in the Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) at the Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL). This role is responsible for establishing and executing the organizational strategy for the Customer Advocacy team, which serves as the primary point of contact for employer inquiries, issue resolution, and escalations. The Manager of Customer Advocacy will ensure that employers have a seamless experience with FAMLI by coordinating closely with the Customer Care, Policy, and Compliance teams, as well as other MDOL divisions. Through proactive problem-solving, clear communication, and collaborative efforts, the Manager will enhance employer engagement, support compliance with reporting requirements, and uphold a high standard of service for all employers participating in the FAMLI program.

POSITION DUTIES

Duties of this position include but are not limited to:
● Manage and oversee responses to escalated employer inquiries and issues within the FAMLI program.
● Track and report trends related to employer interactions, escalating unresolved issues and providing insights to the Director of Employer Services  
● Collaborate with the Customer Care, Policy, and Compliance teams to address complex employer concerns and ensure consistent, accurate information is delivered across all channels. 
● Establish and implement policies and procedures for the Customer Advocacy team to provide high-quality service and issue resolution.  
● Oversee the use of the FAMLI customer relationship management (CRM) platform to manage inquiries and ensure timely responses to employers.  
● Develop, implement, and manage both short- and long-term plans for the Customer Advocacy team, aligning goals with broader Employer Services objectives.      
● Plan, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate the work of subordinate employees within the Customer Advocacy team.
● Prescribe and oversee training and professional development programs for Customer Advocacy team members. 
● Manage communications with employers to ensure clarity and support for FAMLI participation requirements.  
● Represent the Employer Services Directorate in discussions with state officials, legislative committees, and senior managers or executives to address employer service matters  
● Perform other related leadership duties as required to advance FAMLI’s mission and support Maryland employers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
● A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Experience:
● Five years of professional experience in customer service management, advocacy, or a related field, with a demonstrated ability to resolve complex issues and enhance customer experiences. 
● Five years of supervisory experience managing or leading teams, with a focus on customer support, service delivery, or program management. 

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

● Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, communications, or a related field.
● Proven ability to identify issues and implement innovative, effective solutions in a customer service or advocacy setting. 
● Exceptional supervisory and leadership skills with a focus on team development and performance. 
● Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on clear, empathetic, and effective customer interactions.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Salesforce and Google Workspace (Drive, Sheets, Calendar, etc.), as well as experience with customer relationship management (CRM) platforms. 

You’ll fit right in at FAMLI if
● You value autonomy in your work, strive to achieve mastery in your field, and are energized by working for a mission-driven organization 
● You’re a strong and inclusive leader who works well with people 
● You’re an excellent collaborator 
● You are excited about solving complex human and organizational issues 
● You’re an organized person who has experience coordinating complex projects 
● You’re great at delegating ownership to capable people

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All candidates are subject to a background check against files maintained by the Division of Unemployment Insurance (Labor/DUI) to determine whether any monies are owed to Labor/DUI as a result of unemployment insurance overpayment/fraud. Any unpaid debt may have an impact on whether or not a candidate is offered employment.

SELECTION PROCESS

All information concerning the qualifications, including any required documentation (diploma, transcript, certificate, etc.) must be submitted and received by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be considered. Applications that meet minimum and/or selective qualifications will be referred to the hiring unit for interview selection. Units will select those candidates most closely demonstrating the qualifications for the interview. A resume and cover letter are strongly encouraged for this position. Please upload one Word or PDF file that includes your combined cover letter and resume using the “Transcript” upload function, or via the JobAps “Other” tab.

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. 

BENEFITS

This is a full-time, permanent position and eligible for full State benefits, which include:
  
● Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking 
● Paid holidays 12-13 per year 
● Generous paid leave package (annual, sick, personal and compensatory leave) 
● State Pension ("defined benefit" plan)
● Tax-deferred supplemental retirement savings plans (401(k) and 457) 
● Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic prescriptions, and free preventive heath services        
● Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare 
● State Employees Credit Union 

To learn more, please click this link: 

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is STRONGLY preferred. However, if you are unable to apply online, or having difficulty with your login or password, please contact DBM's Helpdesk directly at (410) 767-4850 (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, except for holidays and weekends). After business hours, please submit an email request to Application.Help@maryland.gov. If you encounter difficulty attaching required or optional documentation, you may submit via mail or deliver in person. Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply. If you are seeking veteran's preference, please submit a copy of your DD-214.

The paper application must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. 

PLEASE DO NOT FAX OR EMAIL UNSOLICITED DOCUMENTATION 

Completed applications, required documentation, and any required addendums may be mailed to: 

Maryland Department of Labor/ Office of Administration
Attn: Erika Leonard-Anderson   24-005479-0048 
100 S. Charles Street, 5th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
For additional information, please contact Erika Leonard-Anderson at 410-767-3417or via email Erika.leonard-anderson1@maryland.gov.
   
The MD State Application Form can be found online
   
Maryland Department of Labor is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of LABOR that all persons have equal opportunity and access to employment opportunities, services, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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