HBCU Liaison Program Manager I

Introduction

The Maryland H igher Education Commission (MHEC) is the State’s higher education regulatory and coordinating board, responsible for establishi ng statewide policies for Maryland public & private colleges and universities, as well as for the for-profit career sc hools. MHEC also administe rs more than $100 million each year through financial aid programs that positively impact students as they work to achieve their higher education goals.

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E. Redwood Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

The HBCU Liaison is a dedicated executive role within the Commission designed to strengthen the capacity of Maryland's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The HBCU Liaison focuses on robust stakeholder engagement, convening institutional representatives, providing oversight for state programs, and maintaining broad policy awareness. The primary purpose is to ensure state higher education policies effectively support the unique missions, sustainability, and student success goals of Maryland’s HBCUs.

This position reports directly to the Secretary of Higher Education.

• This is a Management Service position that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority***

• 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.
• Coordinates cross-agency efforts to streamline communication, share best practices, and improve operational alignment between state government and the HBCUs.

• Manages and provides oversight for state-funded grant programs and special appropriations specifically designated for Maryland's HBCUs.
• Monitors 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.

• Monitors, analyzes, and briefs the Secretary on 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.

• Leads initiatives focused on ways to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs to provide the highest quality education and increase their participation in statewide postsecondary programs.
• 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.

• Makes recommendations to the Secretary regarding the implementation, modification, or review of state higher education policies affecting HBCUs.
• Recommends frameworks…