Policy Director
About the Company
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.
About the Job
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 running the Children’s Cabinet, leading inter agency initiatives in line with the Children’s Cabinet priorities, and shaping a state-wide policy agenda to eradicate child poverty in Maryland. 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
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, including behavioral and mental health, juvenile justice and community development
Drive interagency processes with sub-cabinet agency staff to develop and implement ideas and initiatives designed to ensure that all state agencies are maximizing resources in order to promote child well-being and economic mobility
Drive external engagement with key stakeholders working on child well-being, education and health, including local and national experts and key stakeholders. Ensure incorporation of stakeholder input into the development of GOC’s initiatives and programs. Support stakeholder engagement with relevant agency staff to ensure effective implementation of services and programs
Manage the GOC’s Policy Team
Develop effective communication materials related to the Children’s Cabinet, ENOUGH Act, and the Governor’s Office for Children’s policy priorities
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
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
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree
