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Lt. Governor’s Opioid Policy and Communications Advisor

ADMINISTRATOR VI

Recruitment #25-007876-0003

Introduction

To apply, please submit your resume to Geri Byrd (geri.byrd@maryland.gov) by the deadline, Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11:59PM ET. The subject line should read: YOUR NAME – Lt. Governor’s Opioid Policy and Communications Advisor

GRADE

21

LOCATION OF POSITION

Annapolis, Maryland

POSITION DUTIES

General Purpose: The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland is seeking a highly qualified Opioid Policy and Communications Advisor with a strong background in medicine, public health, or scientific research to serve as a subject matter expert on opioid-related policy and strategy. This individual will play a critical role in managing State and Federal funding, shaping strategic messaging, and leading public outreach and policy initiatives to combat the opioid crisis in Maryland.

Responsibilities: 
  • Scientific and Policy Expertise
    • Serve as the Lieutenant Governor’s primary scientific and medical expert on opioid use disorder, treatment, harm reduction, and overdose prevention. 
    • Provide data-driven recommendations for improving Maryland’s response to the opioid epidemic, based on the latest research and best practices. 
    • Evaluate and advise on state and national policies, legislation, and public health initiatives related to opioid prevention and treatment.  
    • Collaborate with healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health officials to inform policy decisions.  
  • Funding and Program Management
    • Oversee the administration and strategic allocation of state and federal opioid- related funding, ensuring resources are used effectively for prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. 
    • Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including federal grants and research partnerships.
    • Ensure compliance with funding regulations and reporting requirements. 
    • Assess the effectiveness of funded programs and make recommendations for improvements.  
  • Messaging and Communications
    • Develop and execute a comprehensive science-based communications strategy to raise public awareness of opioid prevention and treatment efforts. 
    • Serve as a trusted public health voice, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s Office in media interviews, public forums, and stakeholder meetings. 
    • Draft speeches, talking points, press releases, and social media content for the Lieutenant Governor, ensuring messaging is accurate, evidence-based, and accessible. 
    • Work with government agencies and healthcare organizations to combat misinformation about opioid use disorder and available treatments. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Public Outreach
    • Advise and coordinate with policymakers, public health officials, healthcare providers, and community organizations on opioid-related initiatives. 
    • Build relationships with scientific institutions, medical organizations, and research entities to foster collaboration on innovative opioid response strategies. 
    • Engage with individuals and families affected by the opioid crisis to ensure policy solutions reflect lived experiences and public health needs. 
    • Represent the Lieutenant Governor’s office at national conferences, public hearings, and scientific panels on opioid-related issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree in public health, epidemiology, addiction medicine, or a related medical field. 
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience in opioid policy, addiction research, public health leadership, or a related field. 
  • Experience working in government, academia, public health institutions, or healthcare administration. 
  • Expertise in grant management, program evaluation, and healthcare policy implementation. 
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy 
  • Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours, as needed

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • MD (Doctor of Medicine), PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), DrPH (Doctor of Public Health), or equivalent terminal degree in public health, epidemiology, addiction medicine, or a related medical field. 
  • Board certification in addiction medicine, psychiatry, emergency medicine, or related fields.

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

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please submit your resume to Geri Byrd (geri.byrd@maryland.gov) by the deadline, Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11:59PM ET. The subject line should read: YOUR NAME – Lt. Governor’s Opioid Policy and Communications Advisor

The State of Maryland is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The State of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or disability, or any other legally protected basis. The State of Maryland is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the hiring process and on the job, as required by applicable law. The State of Maryland will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited.



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