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PROGRAM OFFICER

ADMINISTRATOR I

Recruitment #26-002586-0058

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Introduction

DSCI is building a driven team dedicated to service as a method for connection and growth. The collaborative, high-performing culture allows us to achieve ambitious goals together. DSCI offers a flexible work schedule, hybrid telework, and a competitive salary.

Agency Mission


"Whether they're preparing our state for climate change, tutoring our students, or caring for the sick, young people should have the option to perform important service today and build a foundation for our shared future. This is the first effort of its kind in the nation, and Maryland will lead the way."
– Governor Wes Moore announcing the Service Year Option

The Department of Service and Civic Innovation was established by the Serving Every Region Through Vocational Exploration (SERVE) Act of 2023 with the purpose of promoting service and volunteerism in the state of Maryland. The SERVE Act also launched two new exciting service pathways for eligible youth and adults, in addition to existing volunteer and service opportunities available through the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism (GOSV).

GRADE

STD0016

LOCATION OF POSITION

45 Calvert Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Main Purpose of Job

The Program Officer plays a key role in supporting the effective administration, compliance, quality, and impact of federally funded grant programs administered by the agency. The position works directly with funded organizations and program staff to strengthen program performance, ensure compliance with federal and agency requirements, and help grantees translate requirements and expectations into strong program practices. Rather than serving solely as a compliance monitor, the Program Officer builds collaborative relationships with grantees and provides coaching, technical assistance, and strategic support throughout the grant lifecycle. The position helps identify opportunities for improvement, elevate promising practices, connect grantees to resources and peers, and use program data and other information to support continuous improvement and demonstrate impact. The Program Officer will also contribute to community outreach and engagement efforts designed to strengthen awareness of the agency's programs, understand community needs, and develop relationships with current and potential partners.

POSITION DUTIES

Grantee Relationship Management & Coaching

  • Serve as a primary point of contact and trusted partner for an assigned portfolio of grantees.
  • Develop and maintain strong, professional relationships with grantee organizations, program staff, and community partners.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, technical assistance, and problem-solving support to help grantees successfully implement their programs.
  • Conduct regular check-ins, site visits, and other monitoring activities to understand program progress, identify challenges, and provide support.
  • Identify areas where grantees may need additional training, resources, or technical assistance and coordinate appropriate support.
  • Facilitate connections and peer learning among grantees to encourage sharing of effective practices and solutions.
Program Compliance & Grant Monitoring

  • Monitor assigned grants for compliance with federal regulations, grant agreements, agency policies, and program requirements.
  • Review program reports, performance data, policies, and other documentation to assess progress and compliance.
  • Identify potential compliance concerns and work collaboratively with grantees to develop corrective actions and improvement strategies.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of monitoring activities, technical assistance, communications, and grantee performance.
  • Support formal monitoring processes, including desk reviews, site visits, corrective action plans, and follow-up activities.
  • Elevate significant risks, performance concerns, or compliance issues to agency leadership and collaborate on appropriate responses.
  • Stay current on applicable federal requirements, agency policies, and emerging issues affecting grant administration and program implementation.
Program Strategy & Impact

  • Work with grantees to strengthen program design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
  • Help grantees connect their program activities to intended outcomes and broader community priorities.
  • Review program performance information and identify trends, opportunities, challenges, and areas for improvement.
  • Use data, grantee feedback, community input, and program experience to inform agency strategy and grantmaking.
  • Identify promising practices and examples of program impact that can be shared across the agency and with external stakeholders.
  • Contribute to the development of program guidance, training materials, tools, and resources that strengthen grantee capacity.
  • Support agency efforts to assess and communicate the impact of grant investments.
Internal Collaboration & Grant Administration

  • Collaborate with other agency staff to coordinate grant administration, program support, compliance, and communications.
  • Contribute to grantmaking activities, including application review, program recommendations, grant modifications, and renewal processes.
  • Participate in internal discussions regarding grantee performance, risk, strategy, and resource allocation.
  • Prepare clear written summaries, reports, briefing materials, and recommendations for agency leadership and other stakeholders.
  • Maintain complete and accurate records in the agency's grant management systems and other required platforms.
  • Support development and implementation of agency policies, procedures, guidance, and training related to program administration.
  • Participate in special projects and agency initiatives as assigned.
Community Outreach & Engagement

  • Represent the agency at community meetings, conferences, trainings, and other events.
  • Develop relationships with community organizations, nonprofit leaders, public agencies, and other stakeholders.
  • Conduct outreach to increase awareness of agency programs, funding opportunities, and resources.
  • Gather information about community needs, emerging issues, and potential partnerships and share relevant insights with agency leadership.
  • Support outreach and engagement strategies that broaden participation in agency programs and strengthen connections with communities served by funded programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Four years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for- year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

  • Completed a service program (some examples include AmeriCorps and Peace Corps)
  • Experience working for an AmeriCorps grantee or subgrantee
  • One year of customer service experience 

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 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

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may email the completed application, supplemental questionnaire, and other materials (if applicable) to the email address below before the filing deadline. 

 
You must include the following information on at least one of the pages you submit: 
 
1. First and Last Name
2. Recruitment Number (located at the top of the bulletin)
3. The last four digits of your SS# 
 
If you have questions or concerns regarding this recruitment, please email DSCI.HR@maryland.gov at the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, Human Resources Office. Incomplete applications and/or resumes in lieu of an application will not be accepted. If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov
 
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply for all recruitments. 
 
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 
 
DSCI values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country and welcomes them to apply.


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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