DDA EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

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MDH Developmental Disabilities Administration, Baltimore MD

The Director of External Affairs provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Developmental Disabilities Administration's external engagement functions, including legislative affairs, constituent services, communications, and stakeholder relations. This position serves as the principal advisor to the Chief of Staff on external affairs strategy, ensuring consistent messaging, proactive and responsive constituent engagement, key stakeholders, and effective communication of the Administration's policies, initiatives, and priorities. The Director fosters collaboration with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, providers, advocacy organizations, state and local government partners, and the public to advance DDA's mission, strengthen public trust, and support informed policy development and implementation.

Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and six years of health or human services administrative or professional experience, including three years at a supervisory or managerial level. Experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, public policy, journalism, business administration, marketing, is preferred.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive leader with significant experience in media relations, external affairs, legislative and government relations, strategic communications, public policy, constituent services, and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to advise senior leadership, develop and execute organization-wide external affairs strategies, and effectively represent the Administration with legislators, government partners, advocacy organizations, providers, families, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the media and public. Candidates should possess exceptional written, verbal, and executive communication skills, strong political and strategic judgment, and a demonstrated ability to translate complex policies and initiatives into clear, accessible messages.

This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. A resume must be uploaded to the application.

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 MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or 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.