Skip to Main Content

Position Announcement – New Director

The Governor’s Office is seeking qualified individuals to apply for the position of Director of the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH). Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to the Governor’s Appointments Office at gov.appointments@maryland.gov by May 22, 2015.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position is a very senior manager on the Governor’s Leadership Team providing strategic direction to ODHH which impacts service delivery and advocacy on behalf of citizens within the State of Maryland who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind.

Minimum Qualifications:

The Director must be:

  • A deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind person knowledgeable and experienced with issues affecting deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals
  • Proficient in communicating with individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind using varying communication modes
  • In possession of a graduate degree and bring five years of experience working with the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind community in a management and advocacy capacity.

Desired Qualifications:

The Director shall:

  • Have a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights laws as it applies to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind
  • Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with multiple disability and stakeholder groups to promote the agenda of the Office.
  • Be fluent in American Sign Language
  • Have a broad range of professional experiences working with people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind
  • Exhibit leadership experiences in the planning, implementation and evaluation of technical assistance systems, including program planning and evaluation, information and media, organizational development, promulgation and development of state policies and practices.

Summary of Major Duties:

Program Administration:

  • The Director is responsible for the operation of the Office and shall establish guidelines and procedures to promote the orderly and efficient operation of the Office on a statewide level.
  • The Director shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out the statutory responsibilities of the Office.
  • The Director is responsible for hiring and directing a qualified, responsible staff to fulfill the statutory and strategic expectations set out for this Office.
  • The Director shall develop, prepare, and monitor a budget and approve and verify all expenditures. Monitoring all business affairs of the Office including purchasing, contracting, financial accountability, and training/compliance with all open records and meeting laws.
  • The Director will be responsible for timely submission of reports and data to the Office of the Governor, the Legislature, Auditors, and other key stakeholders.

Advocacy:

  • The Director shall be responsible for promoting the general welfare for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind across the lifespan. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Providing, advocating and coordinating the adoption of public policies, regulations, and programs.
    • Improving access to communication and to existing services.
    • Increasing public awareness of the needs and issues affecting people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind.
    • Developing a referral service for deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals.
    • Serving as an information clearinghouse on the needs and issues affecting the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities.
    • Working to eliminate the underemployment or unemployment of deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals.
    • Providing a network through which all state and federal programs serving deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind individuals can be channeled.
    • Advocating with the legislature and the Administration for resources and policies on behalf of people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind.

Work Collaboratively:

  • Identify agencies, both public and private, which provide community services; evaluate the extent to which they make services available to deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind people and their families; and cooperate with the agencies in coordinating and extending these services.
  • Develop significant partnerships with disability groups to ensure that issues impacting people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind are well-represented.
  • Pursue partnerships that will enhance grant opportunities for programs and services related to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind.
  • Initiate and maintain relationships with the legislature, state elected officials, and the public concerning the agency’s mission and its accomplishments.
  • Works collaboratively with members of the Advisory Council to promote the interests and well-being of the citizens of Maryland who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind.

Technical Assistance:

  • The Director shall serve as an informational resource to the State and the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities by establishing procedures to collect, analyze, and disseminate pertinent information and technical assistance affecting these populations.
  • Conduct and/or participate in awareness workshops as well as other presentations and seminars.
  • Providing training in ADA and other pertinent laws, regulations and procedures that impact the quality of life for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind.

Other duties as assigned relative to the Governor’s Office and the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind community.