HBCU Liaison Program Manager I

Introduction

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is the state body responsible for regulating and coordinating higher education policies across Maryland's public and private colleges, universities, and for-profit career schools. Annually, MHEC administers over $100 million in financial aid programs aimed at helping students achieve their academic goals. The Commission is seeking a motivated and energetic individual to fulfill the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Liaison.

Role Overview

This executive-level position is dedicated to bolstering Maryland's HBCUs by proactively engaging stakeholders, convening institutional representatives, overseeing state programs, and maintaining awareness of relevant policies. The HBCU Liaison ensures that state higher education policies support the missions, sustainability, and student success objectives of these institutions. This role reports directly to the Secretary of Higher Education and functions with significant autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize and lead structured meetings with HBCU leadership and representatives to foster collaboration and address institutional priorities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Maryland’s HBCUs and executive branch agencies, building partnerships with state and federal entities, workforce boards, and philanthropic groups to advance campus and student initiatives.
• Coordinate inter-agency efforts to enhance communication, share best practices, and better align operations between HBCUs and state government.
• Manage state-funded grants and special appropriations for HBCUs by monitoring compliance, evaluating outcomes, and ensuring effective resource use.
• Compile and submit required legislative reports on HBCU programs and funding to the Governor’s Office and General Assembly, collaborating with MHEC’s research teams for data collection and analysis.
• Monitor and analyze state and federal higher education policy developments, advising the Secretary on potential impacts related to HBCUs.
• Act as a subject matter expert during legislative sessions by reviewing bills, preparing briefings, and communicating HBCU priorities to lawmakers.
• Incorporate national trends and research to guide Maryland’s higher education policy, emphasizing the historical significance and distinct demographics of HBCUs.
• Lead initiatives that enhance HBCU capacity for delivering quality education and participating in statewide postsecondary efforts.
• Identify and address administrative barriers within state processes that may impede HBCU operations or resource utilization.
• Represent HBCU interests within the Commission’s broader strategic goals, including workforce alignment and state attainment targets.
• Recommend policy modifications, grant frameworks, and priorities for legislative tracking and institutional engagement to the Secretary.

Supervision & Work Environment

The role allows for independent judgment and the development of work plans aligned with the Secretary’s vision. Performance is assessed by the quality of institutional relationships, legislative reporting accuracy and timeliness, grant management efficiency, and progress on strategic HBCU goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Higher Education Administration, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, government, public policy, or government relations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or J.D.) in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with State Higher Education Executive Offices (SHEEO) or similar governing bodies.
• Knowledge of Maryland’s General Assembly, state budgeting, and higher education landscape.
• Direct experience working with or advocating for HBCUs.
• Deep understanding of HBCU history, missions, and current challenges at state and national levels.
• Proven track record of building consensus and maintaining relationships with high-level officials and university leaders.
• Strong expertise in higher education policy, legislative processes, and executive branch functions.
• Experience managing grant programs, compliance monitoring, and evaluating outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill complex data into clear legislative reports and executive summaries.

Equal Opportunity and Additional Information

The State of Maryland is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunity. It strictly prohibits discrimination based on legally protected characteristics and is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and on the job.

This position operates at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.