Grants and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator (STAFF SPECIALIST I, HIGHER EDUCATION)

----------------

Maryland Higher Education Commission is seeking to hire an highly motivated and energetic individual to work as their Grants and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator.

---------

17

------------------------

217 E. Redwood St., Suite 2100

Baltimore, MD 21202

-----------------------

The Grants and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator leads the design, administration, and continuous improvement of Maryland’s institutional grant programs at the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Reporting to the Deputy Secretary, this role is central to reimagining how MHEC’s institutional grants are structured and used, ensuring they advance statewide postsecondary priorities, drive institutional innovation, and improve outcomes for Maryland learners.

This position does not manage federally funded grants but instead focuses on state-funded institutional grantmaking that aligns with the agency’s strategic vision and the Maryland State Plan for Higher Education. The Coordinator will collaborate closely with internal teams-particularly the Office of Research and Policy Analysis and the Office of External Affairs-to assess program impact and inform policy.

This is a cross-functional role ideal for a professional who excels at project design, grants management, and strategic coordination in service of large-scale systems change.

-------------------

Program Strategy and Design:

• Develop and refine Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that reflect statewide higher education goals and agency priorities
  

• Design competitive grant programs that promote affordability, workforce alignment, credential attainment, and institutional capacity-building
  

• Establish criteria for proposal review and coordinate fair and rigorous selection processes
  

• Grant Management and Oversight
  

• Administer the full lifecycle of grant programs, from launch to close-out
  

• Review grantee budgets, work plans, and reports to ensure alignment with program goals and compliance requirements
  

• Monitor programmatic and fiscal progress through periodic check-ins, reporting reviews, and desk audits
  

• Maintain internal tracking systems for performance, timelines, and documentation
  

Evaluation and Policy Alignment:

• Partner with MHEC�s Office of Research and Policy Analysis to assess the outcomes of grant-funded programs
  

• Use evaluation findings to inform program design and identify areas for continuous improvement
  

• Prepare internal briefings, memos, and summary reports to support agency leadership and strategic decision-making
  

Cross-Agency Coordination and Communication

• Collaborate with the Office of External Affairs and Communications to document the impact of grant-funded initiatives
  

• Coordinate with other MHEC offices to align grant programs with broader agency initiatives
  

• Represent MHEC in meetings with institutional stakeholders, policy partners, and other state agencies as appropriate
  

--------------------------

Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: One year of administrative or teaching experience in post-secondary education programs.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

---------------------------------------

• Experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, with intermediate or advanced Excel skills preferred
  

• Familiarity with Maryland�s higher education systems and policy landscape
  

• Experience designing or managing state-funded or institutionally focused grant programs
  

---------------------

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

-----------------------

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

------------

------------------------

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.