Policy Advisor for Children's Policy & Equity

State of Maryland; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Maryland's Governor's Office for Children seeks a Policy Advisor to advance policy development and implement initiatives across Children’s Cabinet priorities, including programs for at-risk youth and child welfare. The role supports the Policy Director and requires hybrid work with reporting to Annapolis and Baltimore locations.

You will coordinate with state agencies, staff Cabinet meetings, prepare briefing materials, and manage multiple workstreams.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in public policy; master’s may substitute for up to 3 years.
• Experience leading high-impact, cross-agency initiatives with strategic delivery responsibility.
• Deep subject-matter expertise in at least one policy area with system-wide impact.
• Proven ability to represent the organization in high-stakes settings with leadership and external partners.
• Experience advising agency leadership and contributing to statewide policy agendas.
• Experience mentoring and supervising staff in high-performance environments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; data interpretation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; confidentiality.
• Flexibility to work outside regular hours.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop policy proposals based on GOC priorities.
• Draft memos to the Special Secretary and Governor on policy issues.
• Staff the Children’s Cabinet and coordinate next steps with agencies.
• Communicate efficiently with Governor’s Office staff and agency leadership.
• Build and maintain interagency connections and coordinate high-priority issues.
• Provide policy recommendations where relevant.
• Contribute to briefing materials and manage team contributions.
• Project manage multiple workstreams and rapid turnaround requests.
• Staff the Special Secretary and other senior leaders as needed.
• Assist with special projects including events and site visits.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Policy analysis

Cross-agency collaboration

Public speaking / communication

Project management

Data interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring / staff supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Master’s degree in public policy

Job description

The State of Maryland's Governor's Office for Children seeks a Policy Advisor to advance policy development and implement initiatives across Children’s Cabinet priorities, including programs for at-risk youth and child welfare. The role supports the Policy Director and requires hybrid work with reporting to Annapolis and Baltimore locations.

You will coordinate with state agencies, staff Cabinet meetings, prepare briefing materials, and manage multiple workstreams.