Assistant Secretary, Finance and Administration (PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR II)

Job description

Introduction

The Assistant Secretary of Finance and Administration is a
seasoned senior administrator responsible for leading MHEC’s Finance Policy and
ensuring all-encompassing student- and staff-centered financial and
administrative operations.

The Maryland
Higher Education Commission advances the State’s strategic goals for higher
education—ensuring affordability, accessibility, and academic excellence.

MHEC
sets statewide policy; administers student financial aid and capital funding;
manages data systems; and partners with institutions, government, and community
stakeholders to promote innovation and economic growth.

GRADE

LOCATION OF POSITION

217 E.

Redwood St., Suite 2100Baltimore, MD 21202

POSITION DUTIES

-
Manages the Office of Finance Policy, which is responsible for:

Analyzing
the fiscal and programmatic implications of higher education finance policies;

Administering
State financial aid to the community colleges and the independent institutions;

Making
recommendations on the appropriate level of State operating and capital support
for postsecondary education;

Preparing
fiscal notes on proposed legislation;

Calculating
funding guidelines for public senior institutions;

Preparing
annual budget estimates for State financial aid to the institutions;

Maintaining
the Community College Capital Grant Program;

Conducting
research on fiscal issues impacting postsecondary education;

Responding
to national data requests related to finance and facility matters; and

Preparing
reports on finance and facilities for the Secretary, the Commissioners, and the
General Assembly.

-
Manages the Office of Student Financial Assistance, which is responsible for:

Administering
the State’s 20 student financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships,
and loan assistance repayment programs;

Recommending
changes to student financial aid programs to improve the efficiency of the
office, respond to customer needs, provide access for financially needy
students, and address workforce shortage areas;

Working
with the Governor’s office and the General Assembly on legislation impacting
student financial aid;

Preparing
annual program budget requests for State financial aid programs; and planning
and coordinating outreach activities for student financial aid.

-
Manages the Office of Budget and Administration, which is responsible for:

Administering,
including developing and implementing policies and procedures for, the agency
budget and all programs included within the MHEC budget;

Formulating,
defending and coordinating the agency budget.

Reviewing
and approving all procurements for appropriateness, compliance with laws and
regulations and availability of funds;

Executing
RFPs, RFAs, and contracts for services performed on behalf of agency
operations;

Working
collaboratively with DBM Office of Personnel Services and Benefits (OPSB) to
administer agency personnel programs including personnel/position actions and
fringe benefits and advise the Secretary of the fiscal impact of personnel
actions.

Working
collaboratively with MSDE liaison to maintain oversight of the agency’s
facility including issues such as security, COOP Plan and risk management,
capital improvements and general maintenance; and Oversee Director of Budget
and Administration’s role as Legislative Auditor liaison to coordinate audits, resolve audit
issues and prepare formal responses.

-
Manages the Office of Information Technology, which is responsible for:

Planning
and directing the States Postsecondary Education Information Program for its
institutions of higher education and independent postsecondary schools;

Directing,
organizing, and controlling all agency on-site and off-site system applications
and related functions using computer software and hardware;

Providing
technology assistance to the Office of Student Financial Assistance;

Evaluating,
recommending, and directing procurement of new information technology.

Coordinating
the implementation of the State’s Longitudinal Data System.

Instructing
various officials of public, private and proprietary institutions on compliance
with the State and federal program.

Responding
to audits and making changes or recommend changes on the basis of audit
results;

Participating
as member of State’s Information Technology Advisory Committee

-
Provides administrative support for the Commission and its workgroups by:

Preparing
and presenting reports;

Analyzing
postsecondary fiscal issues;

Proposing
legislation, regulations, and agency guidelines; and making recommendations on
fiscal issues impacting postsecondary education.

-
Representing the Secretary and the Commission by:

Serving
on external task forces, committees or other entities concerned about
postsecondary education issues;

Developing
and providing testimony to the General Assembly;

Working
closely with staff at the Department of Budget and Management and the
Department of Legislative Services to ensure a cooperative and responsive
relationship; and developing and preparing presentations and information for
external constituents on a variety of issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public
administration, or related field.

Experience:
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership in financial
management, budgeting, policy development, or administrative operations,
preferably within higher education or State government.

Technical
Skills: Strong analytical ability; proficiency with financial systems and
integrated data platforms; expertise in budget modeling and fiscal note
preparation.

Leadership
& Management: Demonstrated capacity to lead multi‐disciplinary
teams; strong project management and organizational skills.

Communication:
Excellent interpersonal, written, and presentation skills, with experience
conveying complex financial and policy information to diverse audiences.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced Degree: Master’s in public administration,
business administration, finance, or related field.

Professional Certification: CPA, CIA, or equivalent.

Legislative/Budgetary Experience: Direct involvement in
State budgeting, procurement, legislative analysis, or audit processes.

Equity & Inclusion: Track record of integrating
diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into policy and operational
decisions.

Required Skill Profession

Secretaries And Administrative Assistants