Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary

Maryland Department of General Services

Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary

(Designated Admin. Manager II)

Position is Open Until Filled

Salary Range: Grade 20 - $85,000 - $110,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)

Office location: Baltimore City, Maryland (full time)

This is a Special Appointment position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority (“at-will”).

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 professional to serve as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary within the Office of the Secretary. The Special Assistant provides high-level strategic and operational support to the Deputy Secretary, overseeing special projects and managing sensitive issues with significant policy and programmatic impact across the agency. The individual may represent the Deputy Secretary in meetings with internal and external stakeholders, with limited decision-making authority. The Special Assistant exercises sound judgment in assuring that the agency’s needs are met, and objectives and overall goals are achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

Directs the preparation of materials for the Deputy Secretary: gathers and reviews information and reports compiled for meetings; ensures necessary updates are provided, drafts position papers; gathers and reviews policy information.

Develops targeted strategies and works with stakeholders to meet goals and objectives. Develops analytical and special reports for the Deputy Secretary to be forwarded to other internal and external entities. Initiates recommendations for improved procedures for greater efficiency and effectiveness within the agency.

Conducts research and fact-finding investigations, and analyzes, interprets and documents projects. Establishes priorities and follows through on major projects to ensure that deadlines are met before matters are referred to the Deputy Secretary. Identifies problems and specific issues in a particular area and recommends solutions or alternatives.

Conducts research on best practices, policy issues, and resources to guide and inform on the development of major projects. Identifies and develops priorities and best practices to meet any gaps in such efforts, to foster continued activities and improvements.

Facilitates communications with internal and external stakeholders: independently initiates correspondence with stakeholders; provides regular updates on key projects. Prepares reports, Decision Memos, and Briefing Memos to inform decision-making by the Deputy Secretary.

Handles various administrative and operational problems that are presented to the Deputy Secretary on a day-to-day basis, some of a sensitive and confidential nature. Assesses the day-to-day management and administrative problems and issues that surface, and based upon the assessments made, identifies actual or potential problem areas.

Conducts a variety of analyses with regard to assigned research projects. Responsible for researching the issues and correlating and analyzing facts to draw conclusions and to provide meaningful recommendations to the Deputy Secretary.

Attends high-level meetings with (or on behalf of) the Deputy Secretary: provides support and ensures appropriate information is available for decision-making. Responsible for following up on complex issues and ensuring they are addressed in a timely manner. Attends executive staff and operational meetings to keep abreast of plans, projects, decisions, problems, etc., pertaining to the various functions of the agency.

Drafts, edits, reviews, and finalizes Department correspondence on behalf of the Deputy Secretary, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and appropriate tone. Proofread documents for technical accuracy and political sensitivity before presenting them to the Deputy Secretary for signature.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, or a related field. Master’s degree in Public Administration, Policy, Law, or a related field is highly desired.

At least 3 years of experience directly supporting or assisting executive leadership in a government, nonprofit, or complex organizational environment.

Demonstrated experience drafting professional documents such as reports, memos, and policy papers. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, manage competing deadlines, and anticipate administrative needs.

Strong analytical and organizational skills; excellent oral and written communication skills.

Skilled in problem solving, negotiation strategies and project management to conduct in-depth research and analysis.

Expert-level writing and editing skills are highly desirable, including experience finalizing documents for executive signature and public release.

Stakeholder Engagement – ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at senior levels.

Benefits:

The State of Maryland offers a generous benefits package that includes:

Tuition reimbursement for those who qualify

Free mass transit in Baltimore & Annapolis

Generous paid leave that increases with years of service

Paid holidays

Health coverage with low out-of-pocket costs

Employee & employer contributory pension plan

Click on the link below for more information.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should e-mail a resume and cover letter to – include “Special Assistant” in the subject line of the e-mail.

For questions, call our HR Office at .

For more information about DGS, please visit:

DGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer