Executive Director of External and Legislative Relations

The Executive Director of External and Legislative Relations serves at the pleasure of the Secretary of Higher Education.

22

217 E. Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

The Executive Director of External Relations is responsible for representing the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the Secretary of Higher Education in a high profile liaison capacity. This position serves as the Commission’s legislative officer to the Maryland General Assembly, Governor’s Office, and other State and Federal Agencies regarding legislative issues. The position is responsible for performing routine and assigned tasks to support the Secretary. The Director of Legislative and External Affairs is responsible for the following responsibilities listed below.

• Legislative Liaison (State and Federal) Serve as the agency’s primary legislative strategist, proactively monitoring and analyzing higher education legislation to brief the Secretary, the Commission, and agency leadership. Lead the development and coordination of departmental legislation, and collaborate closely with the Governor’s legislative staff to support the drafting and advancement of administrative bills. 
• Develop and refine testimony, position statements, and policy recommendations for the Secretary and agency leadership to effectively advocate on behalf of the agency’s legislative priorities. Work in close partnership with the Finance Policy Division to align legislative activities with the agency’s budget strategy and funding objectives. 
• Act as a central resource for legislators, legislative staff, students, citizens, state agencies, and higher education legislative liaisons—delivering clear, timely, and policy-relevant information to support informed engagement. 
• Facilitate weekly coordination meetings with higher education legislative liaisons to promote collaboration and alignment across institutions. 
• Oversee and track all agency reports submitted to the Department of Legislative Services (DLS), ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with legislative mandates. 
• Prepare the agency’s annual report on General Assembly activity and coordinate the Commission’s interim legislative initiatives and planning efforts. 
• Review, track, and report on higher education legislation to the Secretary, the Commission, and the agency staff. Coordinate the drafting of departmental bills and assist the Governor’s legislative staff in drafting administrative bills. Draft testimony and position statements for the 
• Secretary and agency. Coordinate staff hearings and work closely with the Finance Policy Division on budget matters. Provide information to legislators, legislative staff, students, citizens, government agencies, and higher education legislative liaisons. Organize and conduct weekly meetings of the higher education legislative liaisons. Prepare an annual report on the General Assembly and coordinate the legislative interim activities of the Commission, leading to the development of annual legislative priorities. 
• Coordinate all activities for the Commission, including, but not limited to, scheduling meetings, compiling meeting agendas and meeting materials, recording and providing all follow up items. This position will also be responsible for supporting all other Commission activity, such as supporting Policy Committees and all special projects. 
• Coordinate meetings and agendas; serve as the Secretary’s designee when called to represent the Secretary or MHEC, and carry out such other duties as may be other purposes, meetings, as assigned in coordination with the Chief of Staff..

Education: A master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Higher Education, or another relevant major from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Eight years of experience in external and/or legislative relations.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

The successful candidate will be an experienced leader in postsecondary education with excellent communication skills and budgeting experience. Applicants should possess current knowledge and two years or more of senior administrative experience in higher education involving planning and execution with the direct management and supervision of staff. Additionally, applicants should have experience managing projects with hard and rapid deadlines in addition to working collaboratively as part of an executive leadership team or supervising and guiding a communications team.

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. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.