Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Reporting to the IGSR Director, the Program Director for Government Services and Engagement is responsible for performing and administering applied research and technical assistance projects to enhance policies, operations, and outcomes in the delivery of public services. Together with IGSR ITS function manager, the Program Director is also responsible for collaborating with state agencies and other external partners in support of the Institute’s Statewide Maryland Automated Record Tracking (SMART) system. This position involves developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to secure funding that advances IGSR’s public service mission by cultivating local and state government relationships, translating research ideas into sponsored projects, and submitting proposals for local, state, federal, and philanthropic funding. It entails significant outreach responsibilities for a range of constituents on issues affecting local and state governments and nonprofit organizations. The Program Director also performs the role of principal investigator or project manager on grants and contracts initiated by IGSR or other University or external partners. This position serves as the deputy administrative officer and assumes delegated authority for management of general operations in absence of Institute Director.

Education: Master’s in public policy, public administration, political science, behavioral or social science, community development, or closely related field from an accredited university/college.

Experience: A minimum six (6) years of professional experience in a core area of expertise performing research, program development, or consulting activities in areas of policy analysis, program evaluation, community engagement, strategic planning, or education and training, as a team member or project manager in higher education, non-profit, or government entities. Two (2) years of experience as principal investigator or supervisor. Two (2) years of experience securing grants and/or professional service contracts. Experience in applied research/evaluation approaches practiced by government and non-profit agencies desired. Public service experience at the leadership level is desired.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain professional relations with key stakeholders, local and state government officials, nonprofit organization professionals, and community leaders. Demonstrated knowledge of public organizations and ability to work with diverse constituencies. Excellent judgement and interpersonal skills, knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analytical methods, and strong oral and written communication, editorial, and presentation skills. Knowledge of Internet and office technology tools (MS-Office, Google Apps Suite, Google Analytics, presentation software) required. Knowledge of survey methods and software (Survey Monkey, Qualtrics) required. Knowledge of statistical software used to manage large databases desired (SPSS, SAS, STATA, R). Must be results-oriented, well-organized, self-directed, and a team player who can multi-task and set priorities in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. Ability to seek out and respond to funding opportunities, navigate complex professional environments, and build alliances across boundaries desired. A quick study who possesses an appreciation of the value of public service, as well as abilities to be entrepreneurial and creative also desired.

Earned doctorate in relevant discipline or doctoral candidacy desired.

Survey research certification desired. Project management certification desired.

Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the USA. No visa sponsorship is offered for this position.

This is an office position where teleworking can be a consideration and travel to attend meetings and conduct projects both on and off campus can be necessary. Primarily sedentary work with exertion up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Repetitive typing motions involved. Vocal and written communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas, and hearing is required to perceive information. Visual acuity is required to: review and analyze data, spreadsheets, figures, written documents, and presentations for accuracy and thoroughness; view a computer screen, and observe general surroundings and activities.

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.