Executive Director of the Office of Administration

Lead with Vision. Govern with Purpose. Deliver Results.

The Maryland Department of Labor is seeking a highly accomplished, strategic, and forward-thinking executive director to provide executive-level leadership, organizational oversight, and strategic direction in advancing its mission and operational priorities. This pivotal leadership role requires an individual with the vision and executive presence to guide complex operations, influence agency-wide decision-making, and translate high-level strategic objectives into measurable results.

Working in close collaboration with executive leadership, commissioners, directors, and key stakeholders, the Executive Director will drive organizational performance, strengthen operational accountability, advance policy implementation, and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership judgment, the ability to navigate complex and sensitive matters, and a proven capacity to align people, resources, and strategic initiatives with organizational goals.

The ideal candidate is more than an experienced administrator; they are a strategic leader, trusted advisor, and organizational change agent who can build leadership capacity, strengthen cross-functional partnerships, anticipate emerging challenges, and deliver sustainable outcomes that advance the agency's mission and public service responsibilities.

This position is a management services position and serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Resumes are strongly encouraged

•  Provide executive oversight and direction for Human Resources, Fiscal Services, Procurement, Information Technology, and General Services. Establish priorities, expectations, service standards, and key performance indicators for unit heads. 
•  Monitor and evaluate the performance of functions and leadership, identify deficiencies, and direct corrective actions. 
•  Ensure administrative services are aligned with and responsive to the department's strategic and programmatic needs. 

•  Lead business process improvement across all administrative functions to improve integration and provide high-quality support to divisions. 
•  Assess existing systems, workflows, policies, and business practices. 
•  Identify opportunities to streamline and improve efficiency, accountability, customer service, and cross-functional coordination. 

•  Serve as the primary administrative lead for labor relations matters across the agency. 
•  Foster collaborative working relationships with union representatives and bargaining unit employees. 
•  Lead management participation in Labor-Management Committee (LMC) meetings and joint initiatives.
•  Ensure agency actions align with collective bargaining agreements and broader labor relations goals. 

•  Direct short- and long-range organizational and resource planning for the Office of Administration.
•  Assess organizational structure, staffing levels, workforce capabilities, technology, facilities, and other resource needs. 
•  Recommend changes necessary to meet current and anticipated agency requirements. 
•  Oversee workforce development, succession planning, and training for personnel. 

•  Establish and oversee agency-wide administrative policies, procedures, and standards governing HR,   fiscal operations, procurement, IT, and general services. 
•  Approve or deny expenditure requests by program personnel from a fiscal, funding, and budgetary   perspective. 
•  Represent the agency before federal, state, and local officials, legislative committees, and senior   managers of other agencies. 
• Interpret federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines to determine their impact on department   and procedures. 

• Operates under the managerial supervision of the Deputy Secretary of Labor with strategic support from the Chief of Staff. 
•  Assign and review work, approve leave, sign annual performance ratings, interview and select new employees, train staff, and handle employee discipline. 
•  Supervise and lead key administrative directors, including the Chief Information Officer, HR Director, Fiscal Director, Procurement Chief, and other senior program managers.