Senior Project Manager in Baltimore, MD Hybrid Role

Baltimore, MD - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 3 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Role: Sr. Project ManagerLocation: Baltimore MD. Hybrid 2-3 days onsite per week

End Client: MD Department of Human Services (Local candidates only)

Duration: 6 months

(State or Federal Project experience Must)

Responsibilities:

This 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 departments 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 DHSs mission DBM policies and the Governors strategic goals. The position holds significant fiscal responsibilities managing both the Office of the Secretarys $4.1 million operating budget and a $400000 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 departments statewide systems.

1. 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.)

% of Time and/or Weight of Importance

Job Duty

40%

Oversight and Direction of the DHS Operations Team

Provides 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.

The 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 Governors 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.

The 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.

At all times the incumbent will provide customer service to both internal and external customers that meets or exceeds the standard set by the Department.

20%

Fiscal Oversight and Strategic Budget Management

Acts 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 DHSs Procurement Division to ensure regulatory compliance operational efficiency and strategic alignment of financial resources. Oversees two major budgets: the Office of the Secretarys 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.

The incumbent is responsible for supporting and ensuring compliance with the Departments 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 States tax-exempt status.

In 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.

The 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 Departments tax-exempt status.

Special Projects

20%

The incumbent serves as the statewide DHS Records Officer and is responsible for developing updating and enforcing DHSs 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 DHSs legal standing transparency obligations and operational efficiency.

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.

The 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.

The 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 Governors Office enabling the Deputy Secretary to make well-informed strategic decisions.

Additionally 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.

The 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.

20%

Policy and Procedures

The 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.

These efforts guarantee that departmental operations not only comply with current state and federal regulations but also actively support and advance the Governors strategic priorities and statewide mandates. The incumbents work is fundamental to risk mitigation the enhancement of service delivery and the improvement of operational efficiency throughout the entire DHS state network.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

PART IV PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

PERFORMANCE 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.

Exercise Rigorous Budget Oversight for the DHS Office of the Secretary and Parking Lease Portfolio

Take 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.

Lead Stakeholder Collaboration for Development and Revision of Key Policies

Spearhead 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.

Maintain Strategic Timely Vendor Communications for Effective Budget and Procurement Management

Ensure continuous transparent communication with vendors. Skillfully negotiate terms and provide critical budget updates to safeguard DHSs procurement objectives and maintain strong vendor partnerships.

Oversee and Manage Facility Inspections and Compliance Assessments

Take leadership in coordinating thorough facility inspections promptly addressing deficiencies and maintaining detailed records. Drive continuous improvements in facility safety compliance and operational readiness.

Lead High-Impact Special Projects and Prepare Executive-Level Reports

Manage 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.

Ensure Rigorous Internal and External Review of Statewide Policy Compliance

Lead 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.

Champion Clear and Timely Communication of Critical Issues to Senior Leadership

Take 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.

Required Skills:

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration Business Administration Government Law Information Systems Finance or a related field.
Seven (7) years of progressive experience in executive-level project management program administration or operational leadership within a large public sector or multi-division organization.
Experience coordinating cross-functional teams leading strategic initiatives and managing high-impact projects with executive visibility.
Experience interpreting developing or implementing state or federal policies audits or legislative requirements.

Preferred Education & Experience

Masters degree in Public Administration Business Public Policy Organizational Leadership Information Systems or related field.
Experience in human services statewide government operations or multi-agency program coordination.
Demonstrated experience managing operating budgets fiscal planning or financial oversight with multimillion dollar programs.
Experience serving as a Records Officer Legislative Liaison or managing compliance related functions.

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities

Project & Operational Leadership

Mastery of project management methodologies (Waterfall Agile hybrid approaches).
Ability to lead complex cross agency operational initiatives with minimal oversight.
Strong ability to develop and enforce internal controls operational policies and standard operating procedures.
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast moving executive environment.

Strategic & Analytical Skills

Strong analytical organizational and critical thinking skills.
Ability to develop briefing materials executive reports and data driven recommendations for senior leadership.
Ability to analyze legislation audits and external mandates and translate them into actionable operational guidance.

Fiscal & Budget Management

Experience overseeing budgets monitoring expenditures evaluating financial risk and ensuring audit readiness.
Familiarity with state fiscal policies procurement processes and expenditure controls.
Ability to manage corporate purchasing card (CPC) compliance vendor coordination and tax exempt procurement procedures.

Records Compliance and Policy Administration

Knowledge of state and federal records retention laws litigation hold procedures and PIA-related requirements.
Ability to develop revise and enforce policies and procedures that align with statewide mandates and regulatory guidelines.
Experience coordinating policy implementation across multiple divisions and ensuring consistent compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills including drafting high-level correspondence legislative responses and executive briefings.
Proven ability to liaise with Cabinet agencies legislators vendors federal partners and internal leadership.
Ability to monitor prioritize and communicate urgent issues to executive leadership and ensure timely resolution.

Technical & Administrative Competencies

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite project tracking tools and collaboration platforms.
Ability to manage interagency workflows coordinate special projects and support continuity of operations (COOP) planning.
Ability to organize track and manage complex operational assignments with accuracy and attention to detail.

Preferred Certifications

PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent.
Agile/Scrum Certification (e.g. CSM PMI ACP).
Records management policy administration or government compliance related certifications (preferred but not required).

Behavioral & Leadership Competencies

Demonstrated integrity and commitment to public service.
Sound judgment in high stakes politically sensitive or time sensitive situations.
Ability to build trust and serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership.
High degree of discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
Customer service orientation in all interactions consistent with DHS standards.

Role: Sr. Project ManagerLocation: Baltimore MD. Hybrid 2-3 days onsite per week End Client: MD Department of Human Services (Local candidates only) Duration: 6 months (State or Federal Project experience Must) Responsibilities: This position serves as the Senior project manager to the Deputy Se...