Director, Policy

The Governor's Office for Children serves as a central coordinating office to support the well-being of children and families and reduce the number of children living in poverty, which requires a holistic, coordinated approach within State government and across public and private sectors at the federal, State, and local levels. The Governor's Office for Children will lead statewide efforts to build a comprehensive and efficient network of supports, programs, and services for children and their families in order to promote social and emotional well-being, reduce food insecurity, combat youth homelessness, expand access to health services, improve educational outcomes and job readiness, expand access to good jobs, and increase economic opportunity in sustainable ways in jurisdictions that historically have experienced underinvestment. The Governor's Office for Children will also work with multi-sector partners to implement place-based strategies designed to provide "cradle to career" access to high quality education and care; connect workers to high quality jobs; enable family-sustaining income and access to affordable high quality housing, child care and health care, including reproductive, maternal, behavioral and mental health care; and increase community health and safety.

To apply, please submit your resume to Cleo Hirsch (cleo.hirsch@Maryland.gov) by the deadline, 4/3/24 at 11:59PM ET. The subject line should read: (YOUR NAME – Position Title.)

23

Annapolis based, work location in both Annapolis and Baltimore

General Purpose: The Director of Policy will lead policy and implementation efforts designed to improve services and opportunities for children related to early education and care, child welfare, elementary and secondary education, education and training after high school, social and emotional well-being, maternal, infant, and child health, juvenile justice, and community development including issues such as housing, transportation and access to green space.

The Director will assist the Special Secretary in re-establishing the Governor’s Office for Children as a coordinating body across state agencies to ensure a holistic approach to improve the well-being of children in Maryland and drive progress toward reducing child poverty in the state. The Director will play a leadership role in reestablishing the Children’s Cabinet and leading inter-agency initiatives in line with the Children’s Cabinet priorities.

This is a hybrid position based in Annapolis and requires flexibility to report to locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, and other areas of the state as needed.

Responsibilities:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• At least 5 years of experience in public policy, preferably in a government or political setting 
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to analyze and interpret data 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion in all matters 
• Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours, as needed

• Master’s degree preferred

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

To apply, please submit your resume to Cleo Hirsch (cleo.hirsch@Maryland.gov) by the deadline, 4/3/24 at 11:59PM ET. The subject line should read: (YOUR NAME – Position Title.)

The State of Maryland is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The State of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or disability, or any other legally protected basis. The State of Maryland is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the hiring process and on the job, as required by applicable law. The State of Maryland will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited.