Executive Director, External Affairs & Public Policy

State of Maryland; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration seeks a Director of External Affairs in Baltimore to lead external engagement, including legislative affairs, constituent services, communications, and stakeholder relations. The role reports to the Chief of Staff and shapes messaging and policy implementation for the Administration’s priorities.

The ideal candidate is an experienced executive leader with strong skills in policy, media relations, and stakeholder engagement,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and six years of health or human services administrative or professional experience, with three years in a supervisory role.
• Master’s degree substitutes for one year of general experience; Doctorate substitutes for two years.
• Additional experience may count as time toward the degree requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for external engagement functions (legislative affairs, constituent services, communications, stakeholder relations).
• Advise the Chief of Staff on external affairs strategy and ensure consistent messaging and proactive constituent engagement.
• Foster collaboration with legislators, government partners, advocacy groups, providers, families, and the public to advance policy and trust.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic communications

Public policy

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Legislative affairs

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree substitutes for 1 year of experience

Doctorate substitutes for 2 years of experience

Job description

The State of Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration seeks a Director of External Affairs in Baltimore to lead external engagement, including legislative affairs, constituent services, communications, and stakeholder relations. The role reports to the Chief of Staff and shapes messaging and policy implementation for the Administration’s priorities.

The ideal candidate is an experienced executive leader with strong skills in policy, media relations, and stakeholder engagement,