Senior Procurement Policy Advisor

The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) supports State and local government agencies, as well as local non-profit organizations and the citizens of Maryland, by providing facilities management, real estate and surplus property services, as well as security and law enforcement for State buildings. DGS is also responsible for a full spectrum of facilities engineering, design and construction services, almost $1 billion in annual contract administration, and overseeing the State procurement process. Here at DGS, we truly Do Great Service… Consider joining our team!  

 

The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) is looking to hire a talented and experienced policy advisor to serve as the agency’s Senior Procurement Policy Advisor within the Office of State Procurement.  This position will serve as an in-house subject matter expert on Maryland State Procurement laws, regulations, policies, processes, and procedures in order to support the DGS’ Office of State Procurement (OSP) and the Executive Branch Agencies under the jurisdiction of OSP in understanding, interpreting, and applying current or proposed laws, regulations, policies and procedures.  This position will directly advise the State’s Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), Deputy Chief Procurement Officer (DCPO) and the Director of Policy, Training and Compliance, in addition to agency leadership and executives.  

Additionally, the Senior Policy Advisor will be responsible for updating current documents and drafting new documents as needed, to include drafting proposals for changes to policies, statute and regulations. This position will also be responsible for analyzing the impact of proposed legislation to OSP, and will support the Maryland Procurement Academy by providing policy training content, leading sessions and answering questions.

• Spearhead the development and continual refinement of Statewide procurement policies and procedures; Facilitate initiatives to promote operational efficiency and other best practices for the State and OSP.
• Review policies and procedures within OSP to identify opportunities for streamlining processes, enhancing efficiencies, and implementing best practices.
• Update the State of Maryland Procurement Manual as required, ensuring that it remains current, accurate, and reflective of the latest regulatory frameworks, best practices, and organizational needs.
• In collaboration with all interested stakeholders, meticulously examine legislation and State procurement activities, offering expert insights and recommendations; play a pivotal role in the development, implementation, and administration of relevant procurement policies and procedures for use by agencies within the CPO’s responsibility and authority.
• Thoroughly evaluate proposed legislation and prepare comprehensive Fiscal Notes, offering detailed analyses of the potential impacts and implications on procurement activities and operations.
• Provide expert guidance and consultation on the operationalization of procurement laws, regulations, and procedures.

• Analyze key business processes, operational activities, roles, and responsibilities, and identify and implement efficiency improvements.
• Advise and support leadership with policy guidance, development of strategic and business plans, and development of high OSP standards.

Maryland Procurement Academy (MDPA) and Change Management:

• Collaborate and assist MDPA to ensure continuous improvement of comprehensive Statewide procurement training programs and OSP professional development programs and Change Management Initiatives. Ensure the training curriculum reflects current policies and procedures.
• Develop, update, and/or conduct formal training classes and workshops within Maryland State procurement.
• Provide assistance in the development of the annual training plan offered to State agencies and local government personnel, and the OSP training program that implements individual staff development and successfully on-boards new employees to the OSP.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Writing, Communications, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field is required.  A Juris Doctorate or Juris Doctorate candidate is preferred.
• Five (5) years of experience drafting and researching laws, regulations, policies, procedures or processes, to include at least three (3) years of experience handling these functions in a procurement or contract management environment.
• Experience in state government (public) procurement and contracting is preferred, preferably with the State of Maryland.
• Demonstrated success in improving procurement systems and policies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for interacting with executive and senior leadership, agency management, staff, and government officials.
• Experience creating and implementing policies and procedures to guide processes that are efficient and appropriate to the tasks and goals involved.