Program Manager

Introduction The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is the State’s higher education regulatory and coordinating board, responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public & private colleges and universities, as well as for the for-profit career schools. MHEC also administers more than $100 million each year through financial aid programs that positively impact students as they work to achieve their higher education goals. MD Higher Education Commission is seeking an energetic highly motivated individual to serve as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Liaison. GRADE 19 LOCATION OF POSITION 217 E. Redwood Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 POSITION DUTIES Position Duties Stakeholder Engagement & Convening Facilitates and leads regular, structured convenings with HBCU leadership and campus representatives to ensure direct lines of communication, foster collaboration, and address institutional needs. Serves as the primary executive‑branch point of contact for Maryland's HBCUs, building strategic partnerships with internal state agencies and external entities (e.g., federal agencies, workforce boards, philanthropic organizations) to support campus infrastructure and student success initiatives. Coordinates cross‑agency efforts to streamline communication, share best practices, and improve operational alignment between state government and the HBCUs. Grant Oversight & Legislatively Mandated Reporting Manages and provides oversight for state‑funded grant programs and special appropriations specifically designated for Maryland's HBCUs. Monitors grant compliance, evaluates program outcomes, and works alongside institutional partners to ensure resources are utilized effectively to support student and institutional success. Drafts, compiles, and submits legislatively mandated reports regarding HBCU initiatives, funding outcomes, and strategic goals on behalf of MHEC to the Governor's Office and the General Assembly. Partners with MHEC’s research and data divisions to gather and analyze metrics on HBCU performance, enrollment, and postsecondary attainment to fulfill statutory reporting requirements. Policy Awareness & Legislative Affairs Monitors, analyzes, and briefs the Secretary on state and federal higher education policies, tracking their potential impacts on HBCU operations and student populations. Serves as a subject matter expert during the legislative session, reviewing proposed bills, preparing informational briefings, and communicating with the General Assembly to provide context on HBCU‑related priorities and state initiatives. Synthesizes national higher education trends and research (such as SHEEO state policy research on supporting HBCUs) to inform Maryland’s higher education policy frameworks, ensuring an awareness of the historical context and unique demographic footprint of HBCUs. Institutional Capacity Building & Support Leads initiatives focused on ways to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs to provide the highest quality education and increase their participation in statewide postsecondary programs. Identifies and works collaboratively to resolve administrative or operational barriers within state processes that may hinder HBCU operations or the efficient utilization of available state and federal resources. Acts as an internal resource within the Commission to ensure HBCU perspectives are integrated into broader state attainment goals and workforce alignment strategies. Decisions & Recommendations Makes recommendations to the Secretary regarding the implementation, modification, or review of state higher education policies affecting HBCUs. Recommends frameworks for grant administration, compliance monitoring, and reporting structures for HBCU‑specific funds. Decides on the prioritization of legislative tracking and the structure/agenda of executive convenings with institutional representatives. Nature of Supervision The incumbent operates with wide latitude and independent judgment, establishing their own work plans and priorities in alignment with the Secretary’s broader vision. Work is evaluated based on the health of institutional relationships, the accurate and timely completion of legislative reports, effective grant management, and the successful advancement of MHEC's strategic goals for HBCUs. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Higher Education Administration, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field. Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education administration, state/federal government, public policy, or government relations. DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your resume regarding your qualifications. Doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or J.D.) in a relevant discipline. Experience working within a State Higher Education Executive Office (SHEEO) or equivalent coordinating/governing board. Familiarity with the Maryland General Assembly, state budgeting processes, and Maryland's specific higher education landscape. Demonstrated professional experience working directly with or advocating on behalf of HBCUs. Comprehensive understanding of the historical context, unique missions, and current landscape of HBCUs at both the state and national levels. Proven ability to build consensus and maintain relationships with high‑level stakeholders, including university executives and elected officials. Strong working knowledge of higher education policy, state legislative processes, and executive branch operations. Experience managing or overseeing grant programs, ensuring compliance, and evaluating program outcomes. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable legislative reports and executive briefings. EXAMINATION PROCESS The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position. BENEFITS STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS The State of Maryland is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The State of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or disability, or any other legally protected basis. The State of Maryland is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the hiring process and on the job, as required by applicable law. The State of Maryland will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited. #J-18808-Ljbffr