Strategic External Affairs Director

Maryland Department of Health; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Department of Health seeks a Director of External Affairs for the Developmental Disabilities Administration to lead legislative affairs, communications, constituent services, and stakeholder relations. You will advise the Chief of Staff on external affairs strategy and ensure consistent messaging across initiatives.

The role requires executive leadership, superb communications skills, and the ability to engage diverse partners including legislators, advocacy groups, providers, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus six years of health or human services admin or professional experience, including three years in a supervisory/managerial role.
• Master's degree substitutes for one year of general experience; Doctorate substitutes for two years.
• Experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, public policy, journalism, business administration, or marketing preferred.

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 messaging to advance policies and priorities.
• Foster collaboration with individuals with disabilities, families, providers, advocacy groups, government partners, and the public to strengthen public trust and policy implementation.

Skills

Executive leadership

External affairs

Media relations

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Public policy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctorate

Job description

Maryland Department of Health seeks a Director of External Affairs for the Developmental Disabilities Administration to lead legislative affairs, communications, constituent services, and stakeholder relations. You will advise the Chief of Staff on external affairs strategy and ensure consistent messaging across initiatives.

The role requires executive leadership, superb communications skills, and the ability to engage diverse partners including legislators, advocacy groups, providers, and