Administrative Specialist -Contractual; Government Relations Division

As a State agency, Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire;

to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation.

If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor,  tawandal.jackson.

The Office of the Public Defender is currently seeking applicants for an Administrative Specialist I position at our Legislative Affairs Division. The primary responsibility for this role is to support the Legislative Affairs Division with day-to-day administrative duties. We are looking for candidates who are detail-oriented and possess excellent organizational, database management, writing, and problem-solving skills. Start in December 2026 and end April 20, 2027, with option to extend.

STD
0010

45 Calvert Street Annapolis MD 21401

An Administrative Specialist I is the advanced level of administrative work requiring regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting rules and regulations in accordance with agency laws and policies. This position is responsible for providing administrative support to the Government Relations Division and will be assigned administrative responsibilities to providing solutions and alternative to administrative problems and the resolution of administrative issues facing the Government Relations Division.

Employees in this class may supervise assigned technical and clerical personnel to include lower-level Administrative Specialists.

• Help plan, coordinate and schedule meetings, briefings, and presentations for the Government Relations Team (GRT).
• Take notes at GRT meetings and report out deliverables/action items.
• Help sign up and organize witnesses to testify in Maryland’s General Assembly, including educating GRT members on the process and being available to answer questions.
• Attending meetings with elected officials, advocates, community members, and other stakeholders and drafting, cataloguing, and emailing out meeting notes from those meetings.
• Being in the Annapolis office 4 days a week during the legislative session and assisting with as needed tasks during the legislative session.
• Assisting with Bill tracking and updating Bill information in Engagifii, including saving testimony correctly, updating bill information and monitoring hearing dates.
• Coordinating Lobby Day organization and scheduling member meetings, presenters, food and beverages for the day.
• Assisting with community event preparation on an as needed basis.
• Tasks and assignments from Director of Government Relations on an as needed basis in the Annapolis Office (January-April).
• Managing calendar and running zooms for meetings and events.
• Maintain database of grassroots organizations and members.
• Organize and assist scheduling meetings with members.
• Maintain calendar of OPD community events and GRT activities.
• Assisting EMH and with calendaring meetings with legislators.
• Planning events:
  Help plan and coordinate community events, Lobby Day, and Gideon's Day for GRT and senior leadership, Walk throughs, Securing vending space and vendor…