Introduction
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 Office of the Public Defender is currently seeking applicants for an Administrative Specialist I position at our Legislative Affairs Division. The primary responsibility for this role is to support the Legislative Affairs Division with day-to-day administrative duties. We are looking for candidates who are detail-oriented and possess excellent organizational, database management, writing, and problem-solving skills. Start in December 2026 and end April 20, 2027, with option to extend.
GRADE
STD0010
LOCATION OF POSITION
45 Calvert Street Annapolis MD 21401
Main Purpose of Job
An Administrative Specialist I is the advanced level of administrative work requiring regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting rules and regulations in accordance with agency laws and policies. This position is responsible for providing administrative support to the Government Relations Division and will be assigned administrative responsibilities to providing solutions and alternative to administrative problems and the resolution of administrative issues facing the Government Relations Division. Employees in this class may supervisor assigned technical and clerical personnel to include lower-level Administrative Specialists.
POSITION DUTIES
Government Relations Team and Legislation Support:
· Help plan, coordinate and schedule meetings, briefings, and presentations for the Government Relations Team (GRT).
· Take notes at GRT meetings and report out deliverables/action items
· Help sign up and organize witnesses to testify in Maryland’s General Assembly, including educating GRT members on the process and being available to answer questions.
· Attending meetings with elected officials, advocates, community members, and other stakeholders and drafting, cataloguing, and emailing out meeting notes from those meetings
· Being in the Annapolis office 4 days a week during the legislative session and assisting with as needed tasks during the legislative session
· Assisting with Bill tracking and updating Bill information in Engagifii, including saving testimony correctly, updating bill information and monitoring hearing dates
· Coordinating Lobby Day organization and scheduling member meetings, presenters, food and beverages for the day
· Assisting with community event preparation on an as needed basis
Tasks and assignments from Director of Government Relations on an as needed basis in the Annapolis Office (January-April)Comms and calendar management:
· Managing calendar and running zooms for meetings and events
· Maintain database of grassroots organizations and members
· Organize and assist scheduling meetings with members
· Maintain calendar of OPD community events and GRT activities
· Assisting EMH and with calendaring meetings with legislators
Planning events:
· Help plan and coordinate community events, Lobby Day, and Gideon's Day for GRT and senior leadership· Walk throughs
· Securing vending space and vendor coordination
· Drafting and maintaining emails for each event
· Drafting and sending thank you email
· Poster and canvasing (as needed/makes sense)
This request is being submitted because the workload peaks during the legislative session. The GRT requires dedicated administrative support to maintain legislative tracking, coordinate witness, manage calendars, run virtual/hybrid meetings, and support outreach and events. A hire will expand team capacity, reduce risk of missed deadlines or opportunities, and ensure high-quality coordination.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Six months of experience performing administrative staff, clerical, clerical technical, or secretarial work.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer involving staff work requiring regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting rules and regulations in accordance with agency laws and policies on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Qualifications:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite(Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Workspace, and database software (e.g.,Smartsheets).
Experience managing calendars, booking travel, taking meeting minutes, and maintaining office records.
Experience communicating clearly with staff and the public, along with customer service or client relations experience.
Proven ability to handle confidential information, multitasking, and paying attention to detail.
Experience in scheduling, office management, and supporting executives.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESS
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 eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
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.
BENEFITS
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 at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online Applications and Resumes Preferred. Please fax all paper applications, resumes 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 emailing Janynee.bailey-covington@maryland.gov, calling Janynee Bailey-Covington (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.
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. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
