Chief of Staff

Closing date: Open until filled (with a 1st resume review date July 22, 2026) Salary Range: $113,157 - $155,350 (depending on experience and qualifications) Primary office location: 301 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 (with frequent travel to Annapolis and throughout the State) This is a Political Special Appointment Position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority ("at-will"). The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) supports State and local government agencies, as well as local non-profit organizations and the citizens of Maryland, by providing facilities management, real estate and surplus property services, as well as security and law enforcement for State buildings. DGS is also responsible for a full spectrum of facilities engineering, design and construction services, almost $1 billion in annual contract administration, and overseeing the State procurement process. The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking to hire a talented and experienced Chief of Staff. This position will primarily provide high-level support to the DGS Secretary by conducting research, providing information, and coordinating across all divisions within the agency to advance special projects and strategic priorities. This position will also travel with the DGS Secretary to various other Maryland locations to attend meetings with stakeholders and complete comprehensive projects. Duties Serve as a principal advisor to the Secretary by coordinating cross-functional initiatives, developing implementation strategies, and providing recommendations on agency priorities and organizational objectives. Manage and coordinate special projects identified by the Office of the Secretary and executive staff. Manage multiple projects simultaneously and track and meet deadlines. Review and edit Department correspondence and documents on behalf of the Secretary. Analyze policy issues and draft comprehensive memos for an executive audience, to include the DGS Secretary and the Office of the Governor. Meet with executives and DGS staff to coordinate and create project plans and provide regular updates to the DGS Secretary. Represent the Secretary at internal and external meetings, workgroups, and interagency discussions, ensuring appropriate follow-up and execution of assigned action items. Coordinate with staff to follow up and resolve constituent issues raised to the Secretary. Provide executive staffing and advance support for the Secretary at meetings, events, public engagements, and official functions, coordinating logistics and briefing materials in partnership with the Office of External Affairs. Liaise with various entities, including the Maryland General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, elected officials, and local governments, on priority issues and projects. Foster collaboration across the Department to ensure alignment with the Secretary's strategic priorities, improve organizational effectiveness, and facilitate timely decision-making. Develop and implement systems to track executive priorities, monitor performance, and ensure accountability for agency commitments and strategic initiatives. Perform other duties and special assignments as directed by the Secretary. Preferred Qualifications Possession of an advanced degree in Business Administration/Management, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field. Juris Doctorate (JD) is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and managing high-priority projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. Significant experience serving in a Chief of Staff, executive leadership, senior advisor, or comparable role supporting a Cabinet Secretary, elected official, senior executive, or other high-level government official. Experience researching, analyzing, and developing policy recommendations, executive briefings, correspondence, and strategic communications for executive leadership. Exceptional analytical, organizational, and strategic planning skills, with the ability to anticipate issues, identify solutions, and drive successful outcomes. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level correspondence, reports, speeches, and presentations. Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and customer service skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and work effectively across diverse organizations. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with executive leadership, elected officials, agency partners, stakeholders, and the public. Knowledge of Maryland State government operations, the legislative process, executive branch functions, and intergovernmental relations is strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple competing responsibilities while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and responsiveness under tight deadlines. Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle highly sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. #J-18808-Ljbffr