Assistant Secretary for Program Administration - Job Opportunity at Maryland Department of Human Services

Baltimore, US
Full-time
Executive
Posted: March 7, 2025
Hybrid
USD 116,548 - 188,528 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare package with low-cost health, dental, and vision coverage - competitive within public sector
Generous paid leave: 6 personal days, 10 vacation days, 15 sick days annually
Progressive parental leave policy offering 60 paid days for birth/adoption
13+ paid holidays annually - above private sector average
State pension plan with lifetime benefits - increasingly rare benefit
401(k) retirement savings option with state matching
Flexible work arrangements including telework possibilities
Stable government employment with clear advancement paths

Key Responsibilities

Serve as strategic advisor to Deputy Secretary for Programs on major policy initiatives affecting three administrations
Direct cross-departmental research and implementation of statutory compliance programs
Lead consensus-building efforts across multiple stakeholder groups and government levels
Oversee program administration within established policy frameworks and budget constraints
Develop and issue field guidance affecting statewide social service delivery
Represent department leadership in high-level government and community partner meetings
Author position papers and testimony for governmental entities regarding key social service programs

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Social Work or related fields (Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Services Administration, Health, Education, Psychology, Sociology)

Experience

Five years of professional employment in human service program

Required Skills

Staff supervision Program evaluation Government regulations knowledge Policy development processes Program implementation strategies Strong organizational skills Advanced communication abilities Change management expertise Relationship building capabilities Leadership abilities
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Public sector social services are experiencing increased demand due to post-pandemic social challenges and economic pressures Growing focus on data-driven program evaluation and outcome measurement in social services administration Shift toward integrated service delivery models requiring cross-department collaboration Rising emphasis on digital transformation in government services delivery

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range is competitive for public sector executive roles in the Mid-Atlantic region, falling within the 75th percentile for similar positions. The wide range (116K-188K) allows for experience-based placement and performance growth.

Role Significance

Indirect oversight of 3000+ employees across multiple administrations and local departments
Executive level position with direct influence on statewide social service policy and implementation

Key Projects

Statewide policy implementation initiatives for social service programs Cross-agency collaboration frameworks development Regulatory compliance modernization programs Strategic planning for service delivery optimization

Success Factors

Ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships across government levels Strong policy analysis and development capabilities Excellence in change management and organizational transformation Deep understanding of social service delivery systems and challenges

Market Demand

High demand position due to increasing complexity of social service administration and retirement wave in public sector leadership

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Strategic planning and policy development expertise essential for program direction Stakeholder management capabilities crucial for cross-agency collaboration Change management skills vital for program modernization efforts

Beneficial Skills

Data analytics understanding for program evaluation Public speaking and presentation skills Budget management experience Grant administration knowledge

Unique Aspects

Rare combination of policy influence and direct program implementation oversight
Opportunity to impact millions of lives through social service program administration
Position at intersection of policy, operations, and community engagement

Career Growth

Typical tenure in role is 4-6 years before advancement or transition to higher executive positions

Potential Next Roles

Deputy Secretary for Programs State Secretary of Human Services Federal Program Director Non-profit Executive Director

Company Overview

Maryland Department of Human Services

Maryland DHS is the state's primary social service provider, managing a comprehensive range of programs affecting millions of residents

Leading state agency with significant budget authority and wide-reaching program implementation capabilities
Central player in Mid-Atlantic social services administration with strong federal partnerships
Professional government environment with emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decision making
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