Policy Analyst; Program Manager II

Position Information

• Grade: 20
• Location:
  
  Maryland Department of Human Services
  Office of the Secretary-Policy Office
  25 South Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201
• Employment Type:
  
  Full‑time contractual position

The Policy Analyst is a professional position responsible for analyzing, developing, recommending, and drafting human services policies within the Policy Unit, comprised of policy, legislative, and data functions. This position requires discretion, independent judgment, verbal and written communication skills, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis to assess policy impacts, identify trends, and support evidence‑based decision‑making across policy, legislative, and data functions.

The Policy Analyst works collaboratively with internal teams, government agencies, and external stakeholders to shape, communicate, and implement human services policies that improve service delivery and outcomes for Maryland residents.

• Undertake policy, quantitative, and qualitative data analyses to assess impacts on Maryland state and federal human services laws, regulations, and court decisions, informing policy development and decision‑making.
• Draft, review, and revise policy documents, regulations, and legislative proposals in support of the Department’s information systems, CSA, FIA, and SSA.
• Provide technical assistance on policy interpretation and implementation to internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor Maryland legislation and federal legislative and policy changes affecting DHS programs and budget.
• Coordinate with Department legislative, policy, and data teams to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Identify the need for and prepare detailed memoranda and position papers related to human services.
• Translate complex overarching concepts into accessible policy recommendations for a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Support grant applications and grants management by aligning policy initiatives with funding opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison between the Policy Unit and other state agencies, federal partners, advocacy organizations, and local service providers, as directed.
• Participate in policy work groups, task forces, and interagency committees, as directed.
• Lead or support special projects and initiatives related to policy development and implementation.
• Manage timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement for policy‑related projects.
• Utilize performance metrics to guide policy decisions and measure project and initiative outcomes.

• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience in public policy, public administration, social work, law, political science, economics, sociology, or a related field (e.g., MPP, MSW, JD).
• Two years of professional experience in policy analysis, development, or implementation within a government agency, nonprofit organization, or related setting. Two of these years must include experience working with human services–related programs or populations.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative policy analyses.
• Two years experience drafting or reviewing legislation, regulations, or internal policy documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing clear, concise policy briefs and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
• Ability to synthesize complex legal and policy information into accessible recommendations.
• Two years experience collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders including government agencies, advocacy organizations, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, including managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
• Experience with federal and Maryland human services policies and programs (e.g., child welfare, economic assistance, child support) is strongly preferred.
• Two years experience supporting and aligning policy work in both the federal and state sectors.
• Experience engaging communities or stakeholders with lived experience to inform policy.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the…