Senior Project Manager in Baltimore, MD - Hybrid Role (State or Federal Project experience Must)

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nRole: Sr. Project ManagerLocation: Baltimore, MD. Hybrid, 2-3 days onsite per week\n\nEnd Client: MD Department of Human Services (Local candidates only)\n\nDuration: 6 months\n\n(State or Federal Project experience Must)\n\nResponsibilities:\n\nThis position serves as the Senior project manager to the Deputy Secretary for Operations at the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), providing critical executive leadership to support the department’s operational integrity, fiscal management, and strategic alignment with state and agency priorities. Acting with delegated authority, the incumbent oversees cross-divisional coordination and policy execution across key operational units: the Division of Administrative Operations, the Office of Technology for Human Services, and the Procurement Division. The Senior project manager provides expert guidance on legislative, budgetary, and planning matters; leads high-priority special projects; and ensures that departmental activities are consistent with DHS’s mission, DBM policies, and the Governor’s strategic goals. The position holds significant fiscal responsibilities, managing both the Office of the Secretary's ~$4.1 million operating budget and a $400,000 parking lease/facilities management portfolio, ensuring financial integrity and audit readiness. The incumbent is also responsible for multiple critical roles beyond day-to-day operations. These include serving as the DHS Records Officer, overseeing records retention and compliance with state and federal regulations; Legislative Liaison, monitoring and analyzing legislation and audits; and Clearinghouse Review Coordinator, ensuring DHS input on statewide planning initiatives. The role includes coordinating interagency partnerships, leading the development of department-wide policies and standard operating procedures, ensuring continuity of operations, and advising executive leadership on strategic initiatives. Acting as a trusted advisor and principal point of coordination for the Deputy Secretary, the incumbent plays a vital role in maintaining operational continuity, legal compliance, and effective governance across the department’s statewide systems.\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t1. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND OTHER ASSIGNED DUTIES - List duty and responsibility statements that identify the essential job functions and other assigned duties. Essential job functions are the fundamental job duties of a position that if not performed will alter the job. (Identify essential job functions by highlighting, underlining, etc.)\n\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t % of Time and/or Weight of Importance\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\n\t\t\t \n\n\t\t\tJob Duty\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\n\t\t\t40%\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOversight and Direction of the DHS Operations Team\n\n\t\t\t \n\n\t\t\tProvides executive-level oversight and strategic direction for the daily operations of the Office of the Deputy Secretary for Operations. With delegated authority, the incumbent manages and coordinates the core functions of the Division of Administrative Operations, Office of Technology for Human Services, and the Procurement Division. This includes executing critical operational decisions related to budget actions, personnel matters, policy implementation, contracts, and interagency initiatives. The incumbent supports the Deputy Secretary by preparing comprehensive issue briefings and coordinating departmental responses to facilitate informed executive decision-making.\n\n\t\t\tThe incumbent oversees and enforces internal controls and standard operating procedures to ensure operational efficiency, compliance with policies, and risk mitigation. Serving as the central liaison, they manage incoming inquiries and assignments from the Governor’s Office, legislators, local departments, and external stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate responses. The incumbent reviews and approves high-level administrative requests including correspondence, timekeeping certifications, travel authorizations, and expense reimbursements, maintaining strict adherence to DHS policies and fiscal controls.\n\n\t\t\tThe incumbent ensures that all operations under their supervision align closely with DHS strategic priorities and directives from the Deputy Secretary, contributing to the overall effectiveness and reputation of the department.\n\n\t\t\t \n\n\t\t\tAt all times, the incumbent will provide customer service to both internal and external customers that meets or exceeds the standard set by the Department.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\n\t\t\t \n\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t20%\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFiscal Oversight and Strategic Budget Management\n\n\t\t\tActs as a key fiscal strategist on behalf of the Deputy Secretary for Operations, collaborating closely with the Department of Budget and Finance, Department of General Services (DGS), and DHS’s Procurement Division to ensure regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment of financial resources. Oversees two major budgets: the Office of the Secretary’s operating budget and the Parking Lease/Facility Management portfolio. Supports the development of performance and expenditure goals, monitors spending across operational programs, and advises on budget allocations for critical initiatives. Leads fiscal planning for special projects and ensures alignment with statewide priorities and DHS objectives.\n\n\t\t\tThe incumbent is responsible for supporting and ensuring compliance with the Department’s corporate purchasing card (CPC) program, in collaboration with the Office of Budget and Finance (OBF). This includes responding to audit inquiries, addressing irregularities, and coordinating with vendors when necessary to correct transactions. The incumbent ensures that purchases made using CPCs adhere to DHS fiscal policies and the State’s tax-exempt status.\n\n\t\t\tIn cases where sales tax is inadvertently charged, the incumbent is tasked with coordinating the recovery of funds by contacting vendors to request refunds and submitting revised documentation, including corrected receipts, as part of the monthly CPC log submission. This role also involves ongoing communication with OBF to track and resolve audit findings, ensuring fiscal accountability and audit readiness.\n\n\t\t\tThe incumbent advises staff on best practices for CPC usage and ensures that procurement actions taken under their purview comply with all applicable policies, including proper vendor notification regarding the Department’s tax-exempt status.\n\n\t\t\t \n\n\t\t\t \n\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSpecial Projects\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t20% \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe incumbent serves as the statewide DHS Records Officer and is responsible for developing, updating, and enforcing DHS’s records retention policies in compliance with State of Maryland guidelines and federal legal standards. This includes periodic policy reviews, agency-wide training on proper records management, coordination with legal counsel in response to litigation or public information requests, and ensuring audit readiness through documentation control, retention schedules, and destruction protocols. These efforts are critical to safeguarding DHS’s legal standing, transparency obligations, and operational efficiency.\n\n\t\t\t As the DHS Clearinghouse Review Coordinator, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Planning, the incumbent facilitates comprehensive reviews of infrastructure, housing, transportation, and environmental proposals that may affect DHS programs or clients. The incumbent evaluates cross-agency impacts, coordinates feedback from relevant DHS divisions, and ensures DHS positions are accurately reflected in statewide planning efforts.\n\n\t\t\tThe incumbent serves as the primary DHS liaison to the OAG for all matters related to the Child Victims Act litigation, coordinating extensive records retention efforts and compiling time-sensitive document productions. This work is critical to ensuring DHS complies with litigation holds and evidentiary requirements, protects sensitive data, and fulfills legal obligations across all impacted programs and jurisdictions.\n\n\t\t\tThe incumbent also acts as the principal advisor and administrative point of contact for the Deputy Secretary for Operations, managing daily workflow, triaging correspondence, fielding high-level inquiries, and ensuring timely resolution of urgent issues. The incumbent facilitates effective communication across internal divisions, external stakeholders, Cabinet-level agencies, and the Governor’s Office, enabling the Deputy Secretary to make well-informed, strategic decisions.\n\n\t\t\tAdditionally, the incumbent leads high-impact special projects and executive initiatives, such as planning and executing senior staff retreats, agency conferences, and cross-agency task forces. This includes overseeing vendor procurement, contracts, logistical planning, and budgeting. The incumbent also drives continuity of operations (COOP) and strategic planning activities to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of core DHS services during emergencies or major transitions.\n\n\t\t\tThe incumbent conducts independent research, drafts executive-level reports, and provides data-driven recommendations that shape agency operations and policy. The position works closely with executive leadership to develop operational frameworks, budget structures, and administrative systems that promote long-term efficiency, compliance, and service quality across all DHS divisions.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t20%\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tPolicy and Procedures\n\n\t\t\tThe incumbent holds a critical leadership role in the development, direction, implementation, and ongoing refinement of DHS policies and procedures that extend well beyond the Office of the Secretary and Operations administrations.\n\n\t\t\tThese efforts guarantee that departmental operations not only comply with current state and federal regulations but also actively support and advance the Governor’s strategic priorities and statewide mandates. The incumbent’s work is fundamental to risk mitigation, the enhancement of service delivery, and the improvement of operational efficiency throughout the entire DHS state network.\n\n\t\t\tPerforms other related duties as assigned.\n\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n \n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t PART IV PERFORMANCE STANDARDS\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n \n\nPERFORMANCE STANDARDS - For each essential job function described in Part II, list the standard(s) necessary for satisfactory performance. If additional space is required, attach a separate sheet.\n\nExercise Rigorous Budget Oversight for the DHS Office of the Secretary and Parking Lease Portfolio\n\nTake full accountability for managing and safeguarding allocated funds. Ensure meticulous tracking of expenditures and deliver comprehensive, accurate budget reports that directly influence strategic financial planning and resource allocation.\n\nLead Stakeholder Collaboration for Development and Revision of Key Policies\n\nSpearhead engagement with internal and external stakeholders to create and refine policies that are fully compliant with legal standards and operationally effective. Ensure policies remain current and responsive to evolving regulations and departmental priorities.\n\nMaintain Strategic, Timely Vendor Communications for Effective Budget and Procurement Management\n\nEnsure continuous, transparent communication with vendors. Skillfully negotiate terms and provide critical budget updates to safeguard DHS’s procurement objectives and maintain strong vendor partnerships.\n\nOversee and Manage Facility Inspections and Compliance Assessments\n\nTake leadership in coordinating thorough facility inspections, promptly addressing deficiencies, and maintaining detailed records. Drive continuous improvements in facility safety, compliance, and operational readiness.\n\nLead High-Impact Special Projects and Prepare Executive-Level Reports\n\nManage critical special projects with a focus on strategic alignment, timely completion, and quality outcomes. Deliver well-prepared, insightful reports that support data-driven decision-making by DHS leadership.\n\nEnsure Rigorous Internal and External Review of Statewide Policy Compliance\n\nLead efforts to review, update, and enforce statewide policies. Guarantee that DHS operations consistently meet all regulatory requirements, while facilitating swift communication and implementation of policy changes department-wide.\n\nChampion Clear and Timely Communication of Critical Issues to Senior Leadership\n\nTake charge of monitoring and prioritizing critical operational and policy issues. Deliver succinct, prioritized, and actionable information to senior leadership, empowering them to make informed, high-stakes decisions quickly.\n\n \n\nRequired Skills:\n\n \n\nMinimum Education & Experience\n\n\tBachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Government, Law, Information Systems, Finance, or a related field.\n\tSeven (7) years of progressive experience in executive-level project management, program administration, or operational leadership within a large public sector or multi-division organization.\n\tExperience coordinating cross-functional teams, leading strategic initiatives, and managing high-impact projects with executive visibility.\n\tExperience interpreting, developing, or implementing state or federal policies, audits, or legislative requirements.\n\nPreferred Education & Experience\n\n\tMaster’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, Information Systems, or related field.\n\tExperience in human services, statewide government operations, or multi-agency program coordination.\n\tDemonstrated experience managing operating budgets, fiscal planning, or financial oversight with multimillion‑dollar programs.\n\tExperience serving as a Records Officer, Legislative Liaison, or managing compliance‑related functions.\n\nRequired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities\n\nProject & Operational Leadership\n\n\tMastery of project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, hybrid approaches).\n\tAbility to lead complex, cross‑agency operational initiatives with minimal oversight.\n\tStrong ability to develop and enforce internal controls, operational policies, and standard operating procedures.\n\tDemonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving executive environment.\n\nStrategic & Analytical Skills\n\n\tStrong analytical, organizational, and critical‑thinking skills.\n\tAbility to develop briefing materials, executive reports, and data‑driven recommendations for senior leadership.\n\tAbility to analyze legislation, audits, and external mandates and translate them into actionable operational guidance.\n\nFiscal & Budget Management\n\n\tExperience overseeing budgets, monitoring expenditures, evaluating financial risk, and ensuring audit readiness.\n\tFamiliarity with state fiscal policies, procurement processes, and expenditure controls.\n\tAbility to manage corporate purchasing card (CPC) compliance, vendor coordination, and tax‑exempt procurement procedures.\n\nRecords, Compliance, and Policy Administration