DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAM MANAGER IV

Main Purpose of Job

The OAG seeks an exceptional Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs to serve under the strategic guidance of the Director of Legislative Affairs in advancing the OAG's legislative and policy agenda. This high-impact role sits at the intersection of law, policy, and public service and is ideal for an experienced legislative strategist who excels at translating complex policy into actionable strategy and building coalitions that deliver meaningful results. The Legislative Affairs Unit is housed within the Office of Equity, Policy & Engagement (OEPE), which was established to develop and implement strategies that combat systemic inequities and promote justice for all Marylanders.

POSITION DUTIES

• Legislative Advocacy & Strategic Execution
  • Represent the Attorney General before legislative committees through written and oral testimony.
  • Track and analyze legislation, including amendments, fiscal notes, bill movement, and committee dynamics.
  • Prepare high-level briefing materials, session trackers, priority bill summaries, and strategic recommendations for the Attorney General and Executive Leadership Team.
  • Monitor, communicate, and advance OAG’s budget priorities throughout Maryland’s budget process.
  • Synthesize post-session outcomes and develop recommendations for future legislative efforts.
• Policy Development & Interim Strategy
  • Support development of OAG policy initiatives during the legislative interim, from research and stakeholder engagement through bill drafting and introduction.
  • Lead or contribute to special projects assigned by the Attorney General or Director of Legislative Affairs.
  • Integrate legislative strategy with work of OEPE.
  • Anticipate emerging issues and prepare internal and external partners for upcoming policy needs.
• Congressional & Stakeholder Relations
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with legislators, legislative staff, committee counsel, and agency partners.
  • Coordinate with legislative affairs offices across state government to advance shared priorities.
  • Engage advocacy organizations, external stakeholders, and community partners.
  • Represent the OAG on interagency workgroups and legislative policy forums.
• Reporting
  • Prepare the OAG’s annual legislative report, including updates on budget matters, statutory changes, and agency accomplishments.
  • Manage mandated reports to the Department of Legislative Services, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
  • Coordinate information gathering across divisions to support reporting and legislative analysis.
• High-Level Support & Communication
  • Draft testimony, talking points, background materials, and executive-level briefings.
  • Prepare clear, accurate, and concise policy analyses that distill complex issues into actionable insights.
  • Provide strategic recommendations to the Attorney General and senior leadership.
  • Serve in a lead capacity during high-volume periods when needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree or J.D. is highly preferred. Candidates should have 7-10+ years of experience in state government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, or a related field, with strong preference for direct experience with the Maryland General Assembly.
• Successful candidates will demonstrate exceptional writing skills suitable for executive audiences (a writing sample will be required); deep knowledge of Maryland’s legislative process, budget dynamics, and policy landscape; strong analytical and strategic-thinking abilities; and a proven record of developing and advancing policy through the full legislative cycle.
• The role requires excellent relationship-building and coalition-development skills, strong organizational abilities, sound judgment, and the capacity to work effectively under tight deadlines—particularly during legislative session. Comfort shifting between detailed drafting and high-level strategy, familiarity with fiscal and legislative analysis, and experience coordinating multi-stakeholder processes (including RACI-type frameworks) are strongly preferred.
• A commitment to public service, equity, and the mission of the Office of the Attorney General is essential.

BENEFITS

• The successful candidate will be eligible for subsidized health benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage) and life insurance; leave, including annual (vacation), personal, sick, and paid parental leave; and will be eligible for participation in a contributory defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after ten years.
• The State also offers a free mass transit benefit for local bus and express bus services.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. Please upload a resume in addition to the on-line application. If the online application process is not available, please send your paper application and supplemental questionnaire to careers@oag.maryland.gov or fax to 443-681-1062. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.

If you have specific questions about recruitment, email careers@oag.maryland.gov

The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, religion or belief, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, pregnancy, family or parental status, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected category prohibited by local, State or federal laws.