Assistant Director, Government Programs, Research, and Strategic Development

Position Summary

The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) is seeking an experienced and highly collaborative Assistant Director, Government Programs, Research & Strategic Development to support the implementation, management, and evaluation of strategic government-funded initiatives and innovation ecosystem programs. Reporting to the Chief Governmental Program Development, Affairs & Policy Officer, this position will play a key leadership role in advancing TEDCO’s legislative, policy, research, and programmatic priorities.

The Assistant Director will lead coordination efforts across State agencies, legislators, ecosystem partners, consultants, and TEDCO internal teams to support newly authorized programs and strategic initiatives. The role combines program implementation, government relations, research, policy analysis, grant administration, and operational coordination.

This position is ideal for a strategic thinker with strong project management skills, exceptional relationship management abilities, and a deep understanding of Maryland State government and innovation policy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Government Relations & Policy Support

• Represent TEDCO initiatives and programs before state and local stakeholders, agencies, and ecosystem partners.


• Assist the Chief Governmental Program Development, Affairs & Policy Officer in building and strengthening relationships with policymakers, legislators, and executive branch officials.


• Monitor legislation, attend hearings, draft testimony, prepare briefing materials, and assist with policy analysis.


• Coordinate and support TEDCO’s legislative and regulatory priorities.


• Collaborate with the Maryland General Assembly, Governor’s Office, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Legislative Services, Department of Commerce, and other agencies.


• Prepare and/or support the preparation and submission of mandated reports, compliance reporting, and legislative responses.


• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve reporting efficiencies and policy alignment.

 Research & Strategic Analysis

• Conduct research and analysis related to innovation policy, economic development trends, workforce initiatives, and emerging technologies.


• Develop briefing documents, reports, presentations, and impact narratives using data and performance metrics.


• Support the identification of local, state, and federal funding opportunities.


• Respond to information requests from policymakers, stakeholders, and executive leadership.


• Research program outcomes and provide recommendations to improve effectiveness and long-term impact.

Maryland Advanced Manufacturing Program

• Assist in the implementation and administration of the Maryland Advanced Manufacturing Program.


• Coordinate with the Department of General Services, Department of Budget and Management, and other stakeholders regarding program implementation.


• Support the development of program regulations, criteria, grant administration processes, and reporting.


• Assist in managing capital grant administration and program evaluation activities.


• Coordinate work with external consultants, legal counsel, and program partners.

New Program Development & Evaluation

• Support the development and implementation of newly authorized TEDCO programs.


• Coordinate internal program evaluation processes to assess effectiveness and impact.


• Work with program managers to identify recommended legislative, operational, and policy improvements.


• Assist leadership in identifying statutory and regulatory changes necessary to support programmatic goals.


• Help develop compelling program impact stories and strategic communications materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree, MPA, MBA, JD, or related advanced degree preferred.


• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in government affairs, program management, public policy, economic development, legislative affairs, research, or related fields.


• Strong understanding of Maryland State government, legislative processes, and budgetary procedures.


• Experience coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.


• Experience preparing reports, testimony, briefing documents, or policy analysis.


• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.


• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.


• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.


• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across organizations and agencies.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with innovation, technology commercialization, venture development, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, or economic development programs.


• Familiarity with State grant administration and compliance reporting.


• Experience supporting legislative strategy or government relations initiatives.

Work Environment

This position operates in a hybrid work environment, with employees generally expected to work on-site at TEDCO’s offices at least two days per week, subject to business and operational needs. The role may also require attendance at legislative hearings, meetings, conferences, and ecosystem events.

TEDCO offers equal employment opportunity to qualified applicants and employees in all facets of the employment relationship, and will not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or any characteristic protected by law.