Deputy Director of the Special Projects Unit (PROGRAM MANAGER III)

Maryland; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

State benefits

Pension credit

Paid leave

Job summary

The Maryland State Retirement Agency is seeking a Deputy Director of the Special Projects Unit in Baltimore to guide the development, implementation, and execution of agency policies and programs, ensuring fiduciary obligations are met. The role directs staff across professional and administrative levels and coordinates with the Director and legal department on complex claims and processes.

Telework eligible on a hybrid schedule after required training; the position is part of the Benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or University.
• At least five (5) years of professional work experience, including at least three (3) years of experience leading or supervising staff.
• Notes: Additional experience may substitute on a year-for-year for the degree requirement.
• Experience managing, coordinating, or overseeing complex programs, processes, or assignments, preferably involving retirement benefits, audits, claims, compliance, or other regulated government functions.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff while actively managing day-to-day operations, balancing competing priorities, and ensuring work is completed accurately and timely.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects, special assignments, and evolving responsibilities while maintaining daily operations, meeting deadlines, and collaborating with internal Agency staff and outside agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to research and resolve complex issues, review and analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and develop practical solutions to operational challenges.
• High level understanding of pension law, regulations, and tax law.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing agency special projects/programs requiring the establishment of goals, standards, controls, and the management of professional, paraprofessional, technical, and/or clerical staff.
• Overseeing the disability claim process which includes implementation of processes and procedures for the intake and processing of claims.
• Liaising between the disability unit and the legal department to process claims efficiently and timely in compliance with the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Code of Maryland Regulations.
• Working with directors and supervisors to oversee the development and training of staff with regard to general technical expertise, specific enacted legislative programs, statutory changes, and established procedures across a broad range of administrative processes.
• Participating in the establishment, implementation, and revision of administrative policies and procedures regarding matters affecting the Administrative Division.
• Designing, developing, modifying and/or utilizing spreadsheets to assist in auditing and calculating payment amounts to facilitate plan administration.
• Coordinating the proper handling of complicated and/or sensitive cases brought to the attention of the Retirement Administrator by stakeholders.
• Providing direction to staff in resolving problems that require sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Formulating and implementing procedures and policies for handling complex and sensitive cases.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland State Retirement Agency is the administrator of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (“System”). The System is a defined benefit retirement system covering State and local government employees of Maryland. It’s composed of twelve (12) separate retirement and pension systems with over 50 different rule sets. The System has over 433,000 participants (customers), including 210,000 members who are actively employed and participating in the System, 179,000 payees who receive a monthly payment from the System, and 44,000 vested members who are no longer actively employed but have earned a benefit that will become payable at a future date. Located in Baltimore’s Central Business District, SRPS offers a purpose-driven workplace with modern amenities, including panoramic city and harbor views, renovated common areas, upgraded elevators, and an on-site caf�. Employees enjoy comprehensive state benefits including medical, dental, prescription coverage, generous paid leave, participation in the state pension system, and supplemental retirement savings options (401(k), 457(b), and more). Additional perks include an on-site fitness center with showers and lockers, 24/7 building security, and easy access to restaurants, shops, public transit, and major highways. If you're seeking a career with impact, stability, and a supportive environment, explore opportunities with MSRPS.

This position is designated as telework eligible for a hybrid schedule under the State of Maryland’s Telework Policy, after successfully completing the defined required training period.

This is a Management Services Position that serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

GRADE

STD0021

LOCATION OF POSITION

120 East Baltimore Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The Deputy Director of the Special Projects Unit is a highly skilled managerial position. This position assists the Benefits Administrative Division in the development, implementation, and execution of Agency policies, programs, plans, and procedures, and provides administrative oversight to ensure fiduciary obligations of the system are met.

POSITION DUTIES

This position works closely with the Director of Special Projects in providing direction, control, and program management to ensure that the unit operations meet the Agency mission statement of efficiently and effectively administering the benefits provided by retirement law and providing timely, current and correct benefit information. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing agency special projects/programs requiring the establishment of goals, standards, controls, and the management of professional, paraprofessional, technical, and/or clerical staff.
• Overseeing the disability claim process which includes implementation of processes and procedures for the intake and processing of claims.
• Acting as the liaison between the disability unit and the legal department to process claims efficiently and timely in compliance with the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Code of Maryland Regulations.
• Working with directors and supervisors to oversee the development and training of staff with regard to general technical expertise, specific enacted legislative programs, statutory changes, and established procedures across a broad range of administrative processes.
• Participating in the establishment, implementation, and revision of administrative policies and procedures regarding matters affecting the Administrative Division.
• Designing, developing, modifying and/or utilizing spreadsheets to assist in auditing and calculating payment amounts to facilitate plan administration.
• Coordinating the proper handling of complicated and/or sensitive cases brought to the attention of the Retirement Administrator by stakeholders.
• Providing direction to staff in resolving problems that require sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Formulating and implementing procedures and policies for handling complex and sensitive cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or University.

Experience: At least five (5) years of professional work experience, including at least three (3) years of experience leading or supervising staff.

Notes: Additional experience may substitute on a year-for-year for the degree requirement.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Please note that your answers to the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your application to receive credit.

• Experience managing, coordinating, or overseeing complex programs, processes, or assignments, preferably involving retirement benefits, audits, claims, compliance, or other regulated government functions.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff while actively managing day-to-day operations, balancing competing priorities, and ensuring work is completed accurately and timely.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects, special assignments, and evolving responsibilities while maintaining daily operations, meeting deadlines, and collaborating with internal Agency staff and outside agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to research and resolve complex issues, review and analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and develop practical solutions to operational challenges.
• Experience in the medical or legal fields evaluating workers’ compensation, personal injury claims, insurance, or medical malpractice claims.
• High level understanding of pension law, regulations, and tax law.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the minimum for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.

Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year. This list will be used by the hiring agency to select employees.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire. The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

• Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
• Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
• Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
• Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least thirteen (13) holidays per year.
• Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
• Positions may be eligible for telework.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

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