HBCU Liaison PROGRAM MANAGER I

Position Duties

• 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.
• Captures and 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.
• Maintains 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

• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of 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

• 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.

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.