Policy and Program Assistant

JOB: Policy and Programs Assistant - Maryland Commission for Women

Full Time Contractual Position

Maryland Department of Human Services

Salary: $54,000-$58,000 annually

Benefits: Contractual benefits, including 75% health care coverage with 25% employee co-pay

Location of Position: Hybrid (Based in Rockville, MD)

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: This is an early-career position. Bachelor's degree and 1-2 years professional experience preferred. Candidates may substitute substantial professional internship experience with excellent recommendations, a law degree, master's degree or PhD for the required experience.

Main Purpose of the Job

This is a contract position that will support the policy agenda and programs of the Maryland Commission for Women. Our policy agenda supports women in the workforce and society, women’s health and investments in the care economy. Additional Commission programs include the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame, the Over-the-Counter Contraception Collaborative, and State and National Women’s Issues partnerships. The Policy and Programs Assistant staffs the Legislative and Policy Subcommittees of the Commission and supports the work of the Maryland's Women's Issues Clearinghouse. The role is also responsible for supporting the Executive Director and Program Manager as needed in programmatic and policy work.

Required Skills: 

The early-career position requires strong organizational, writing and research skills, excellent communications skills and knowledge of issues impacting women in Maryland. It requires the ability to schedule and staff meetings, write reports and other communications materials, and work collaboratively with diverse community stakeholders including appointed Commissioners. Must be able to juggle multiple priorities and pivot between programs. We are a small office, and every staff member is expected to pitch in with special events, communications, and regular Commission meetings.

Position Duties: 

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct research and draft talking points.
• Organize the Commission’s “Night in Annapolis” event to advance women’s rights. 
• Draft and submit legislative testimony.
• Staff commission subcommittee meetings; maintain minutes and notes.
• Track progress on women’s rights legislation in the state throughout the interim and during the legislative session. 
• Support Commissioners including by signing them up to provide legislative testimony, ensuring they are well prepared for public speaking engagements, and keeping them up to date on women’s rights issues in Maryland.
• Draft annual end-of-session report summarizing progress on women’s rights issues.
• Work with partner organizations to advance women’s rights through conducting and presenting research, participating educational programs and enabling advocacy.
• Support outreach and special events including Maryland Women's Hall of Fame, Local Commissions for Women Annual Meeting and monthly Commission meetings. 
• Promote Commission programs and legislative priorities through newsletter and social media engagement. 
• Manage Commission events photo inventory and events list for Annual Report.
• Represent the Commission at public events. 
• Support Executive Director as needed. 
• Occasional weekend and evening work is required for special events, evening meetings and community outreach.  

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Maryland women's rights landscape and Maryland's legislative process; some Annapolis legislative session experience. 
• Demonstrated experience working on women’s rights. 
• Experience with a variety of communications tools including social media, and website content development.
• Ability to juggle multiple competing priorities.
• Attention to detail. 
• Highly organized and efficient with time management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Interest in growing with the job. 
• Professional demeanor. Ability to work effectively with senior executive volunteers. 
• "Can do" and joyful attitude. 

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, 1-2 page writing sample, three references and availability start date to Maryland Commission for Women Executive Director Ariana Kelly at Ariana.Kelly@Maryland.gov. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a final deadline of Wednesday April 1st.