ASSISTANT SECRETARY, OFFICE OF REAL ESTATE Executive VII

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking a talented senior leader to join the executive leadership team as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Real Estate (ORE). The role provides strategic direction and oversight for a 6 million square foot commercial lease portfolio and related services across State government from Baltimore, MD.

Responsibilities include developing strategic plans, guiding policy, managing budgets, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is required; Master’s or JD preferred.
• Eight years of progressive professional experience in commercial/government real estate operations.
• At least five years in a senior/executive leadership role.
• Proven track record managing large, complex portfolios and strategic plans.
• Strong knowledge of real estate principles, practices, and regulations.
• Experience with change management, data-driven insights, and process improvement.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and lead diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for the Office of Real Estate.
• Set goals aligned with DGS mission and values; lead policy development.
• Provide strategic advice to the Secretary and oversee procurement and leases.
• Review legislation and public policies related to real estate; offer recommendations.
• Provide leadership to ORE staff; manage performance and staffing.
• Oversee ORE budget, monitor expenditures, and pursue cost savings.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders; represent DGS in various forums.
• Promote continuous improvement and adoption of new technologies.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Master’s degree or Juris Doctor preferred

Job description

Introduction The

Here at DGS, we truly Do Great Service… Consider joining our team!

This is an Executive Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority (“at-will”).

GRADE

EPP 0004

Introduction 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! This is an Executive Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority (“at-will”). GRADE EPP 0004

LOCATION OF POSITION

DGS Office of Real Estate
300 W. Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) is looking to hire a talented and experienced senior leader to fill an opening on our executive leadership team. The Assistant Secretary for DGS’ Office of Real Estate (ORE) will play a pivotal role in providing executive-level leadership and oversight for the Office of Real Estate. ORE provides real estate support services to state government, including managing a commercial lease portfolio comprising 6 million square feet of space. The Office of Real Estate provides comprehensive real estate services to state government, overseeing lease management and procurement, space planning and utilization, lease construction and compliance, land acquisition and disposal, valuation and appraisal, and state-owned portfolio management. The Assistant Secretary provides strategic oversight and administration over all ORE units, supported by the ORE Director of Operations. The Assistant Secretary’s role involves developing and implementing comprehensive management strategies, ensuring optimal performance across the division, and maintaining the highest standards of service delivery to State agencies and customers.

POSITION DUTIES

Strategic Leadership

Key Responsibilities :

• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for the Office of Real Estate.
• Set goals and objectives aligned with DGS’ mission, vision, and values.
• Lead the development and execution of policies and procedures to enhance operations.
• Provide strategic advice and professional assistance and recommendations on agency-wide issues to the DGS Office of the Secretary that enhance the development and implementation of DGS’ overall mission and goals.
• Review legislation, executive orders, and public policies related to real estate, and provide recommendations to the Secretary of DGS.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction to the ORE staff.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes professional growth and development.
• Provide guidance and leadership to ORE managers and staff. Prepare performance appraisals and mediate and address disciplinary issues, and ensure vacant positions are filled in a timely manner. Provide leadership and training opportunities for growth and development of staff.
• Direct and oversee personnel-related activities with DGS’ Office of Human Resources, including the approval of human resource plans or activities, and the selection and hiring of managers or other staff within ORE.

Financial Management

• Responsible for oversight and implementation of ORE’s fiscal year budget for all subprograms, as well as budget requests for the new fiscal year.
• Monitor and control expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the subject matter expert and executive-level point of contact for matters related to the Office of Real Estate. Interact and consult with government officials, boards, commissions, and legislative bodies as a representative for DGS.
• Ensure ORE effectively incorporates DGS’ messaging and goals, aligning with other Divisions that positively represent the Department. Provide technical expertise and communicate this expertise to a variety of groups. Use all events as an opportunity to educate about and enhance the mission of DGS.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including State and Federal agencies, contractors, and community partners.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to keep them informed of facilities management activities and initiatives.

Innovation And Improvement

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across the ORE team.
• Implement new technologies and practices to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Modernize ORE business processes and workflows using industry best practices and technologies.

Desired Or Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is required. Master’s degree or Juris Doctor preferred.
• Eight years of progressive professional experience overseeing commercial or government real estate operations, to include experience in lease management, construction management, and land acquisition and disposal, with at least five years in a senior/executive leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing large, complex portfolios, developing strategic plans and implementing policies and procedures across the organization.
• Strong knowledge of real estate principles, practices, and regulations.
• Experience managing and overseeing organizational change management within a large organization, and experience in analyzing business operations and workflows and creating efficiencies and improved operations.
• The ability to work independently and multi-task in a very fast paced environment is critical.
• Experience leading diverse teams overseeing comprehensive project portfolios.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and financial performance. Experience in procurement and contract negotiation is preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent project management skills and strong analytical skills, including the ability to decipher needs and insights from data.

SELECTION PROCESS

It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please include all experience and education that is related to this position. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date; information submitted after the closing date will not be considered. Credit is given for relevant part-time, temporary or volunteer experience based on the number of hours worked per week; you must include the time spent on such activities on your application. Note that for any position requiring a college degree or college credit, you will be required to submit a college transcript prior to being offered a position. You may submit your transcript as part of the application process. Please note that selected candidates may be required to complete and successfully pass a State and Federal fingerprint background check prior to being hired. You must be legally authorized under the United States Immigration Reform and Control Act to be hired in the