Chief Human Resources Officer Program Manager Senior III

Introduction

Join the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) in Maryland for a rewarding career offering competitive salary, extensive benefits including pension, generous leave, and robust opportunities for growth and advancement within one of the state’s largest agencies, employing nearly 12,000 staff with an annual budget exceeding $1 billion. DPSCS is committed to safety and innovative justice solutions supporting offender reintegration.

Position Overview

The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) acts as the department’s executive leader and strategic architect for human capital management. As the principal advisor, this role implements workforce strategies to optimize organizational performance, employee involvement, and equity, while leading departmental HR policy representation in labor negotiations, interagency collaborations, and legislative testimony. This is a special appointment position reporting to the appointing authority.

Core Responsibilities

• Develops and reviews long-term goals and plans for aligning human resources policies with departmental functions.
• Sets policies, procedures, and deadlines for comprehensive HR responsibilities ensuring alignment with operational priorities.
• Leads culture transformation efforts, strategic planning, and employee engagement initiatives with strong leadership.
• Conducts program evaluations and proposes adjustments to maintain alignment with organizational mission and resource optimization.
• Ensures compliance with personnel actions relative to employment law and regulations.
• Administers HR programs conforming to state statutes, agency policies, union agreements, federal mandates, and correctional standards.
• Oversees and innovates HR business processes and related IT systems to meet evolving needs.
• Manages workforce development including succession planning, talent recruitment, performance assessment, and analytics.
• Maintains effective departmental communication and collaboration with multiple stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Builds and nurtures relationships with internal teams and external agencies at local, state, and federal levels.
• Administers staff development, personnel management, and mentoring to bolster workforce effectiveness.
• Leads initiatives promoting equity, inclusion, and an accountable organizational culture prioritizing service and continuous improvement.
• Controls departmental fiscal resources ensuring cost-efficient contract and operational expenditure management within applicable budget frameworks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, or related disciplines.
• At least 10 years of progressive HR experience with a minimum of 5 years in senior managerial roles within public sector environments managing multiple HR units and operations including recruitment, personnel regulations, and promotional activities.

Substitution Policies

• Up to four years of required education may be substituted with professional HR management experience or paraprofessional personnel work involving public sector employment procedures.
• Thirty graduate credit hours in relevant fields may substitute for up to two years of experience.
• Military service in human resources roles can substitute experience and education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional HR certification (SHRM-SCP, HRCI SPHR, or PSHRA SCP).
• Experience with large-scale organizations (5,000+ employees).
• Prior work in collective bargaining environments.
• Demonstrated leadership in HR functions for corrections, law enforcement, or public safety agencies.

Selection and Examination Process

Applicants must supply complete qualification details by the deadline to be considered. Assessment will rate education, training, and experience relevant to the position requirements. Candidates will be placed on an eligibility list valid for at least one year.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options at low cost.
• Annual personal leave (6 days prorated), annual leave (10 days), sick leave (15 days), and up to 60 days paid parental leave.
• At least 12 state holidays annually.
• Participation in the State pension and supplemental retirement programs.

Additional Information

This Special Appointment is subject to the discretion of the appointing authority. The location for this role is in Baltimore City at 6776 Reisterstown Road. Maryland is an equal opportunity employer encouraging applications from veterans, people with disabilities, and bilingual candidates. Application submission is recommended online, with paper applications accepted by the stated deadline. Inquiries can be addressed to the Department of Budget and Management Recruitment and Examination Division.