Secretary - Department of Transportation

The Secretary of Transportation provides executive direction for the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), the agency responsible for the State’s highway and transit systems, the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the Port of Baltimore, motor vehicle services, as well as the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).  The departmental activities are funded by a common pool of revenues, Maryland’s Transportation Trust Fund.  The Transportation Trust Fund is separate from the State’s general fund with its revenues dedicated to operating Maryland’s world-class transportation network.  The Department has an annual budget of $4 billion and employs 9,200 authorized positions.  The position is also the Chair of the Board of Directors for the MDTA, which is a self-funded entity responsible for the State’s four bridges, two tunnels and two turnpikes and financing transportation projects across modes.  This appointed position serves as the principal adviser to the Governor in all matters relating to State transportation programs and policies.

• Responsible for the implementation of transportation plans produced by the Department and approved by the Governor with input from various State boards and commissions.  In this regard, enters into contracts that are deemed necessary to meet transportation needs.
• Responsible for determining the long and short term goals of the organization, including establishing plans of action to achieve these goals and communicating these goals and plans to the Legislature, media, organizational personnel and other stakeholders.
• Ensures effective and efficient implementation of strategic plans for the Department.
• Responsible for determining which people and resources are necessary to meet the goals of the organization and determines how they should be organized within the Department’s structure; establishes performance standards for the organization and communicates these standards to organizational personnel.
• Hires, retains, and separates employees as he or she deems necessary in order to efficiently manage and operate the Department.
• Monitors the performance of individuals and groups to ensure that transportation goals are achieved.  This includes monitoring all human and monetary resources as well as providing feedback to the individuals and groups so that the goals are reached in a timely manner.
• Oversees the development and construction of transportation projects as necessary to meet the transportation needs of the state, its communities and economy.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the State transportation system in a way that maximizes the long term value of the resources allocated to this purpose and in an environmentally sensitive manner, equitably throughout the State.
• Represents the interests of the Department before a variety of organizations, United States Congress, Maryland General Assembly, other governmental agencies, small and minority contractors, labor unions, business interests and non-profit entities in the State.
• Responsible for minimizing the time needed to return the State’s transportation network to full service following disasters and weather-related events.
• Prepares a yearly budget and prudently manages organizational resources within those budget guidelines according to State laws, regulations and policy.
• Effectively manages the human resources of the organization according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that conform to current laws and regulations, especially EEO and Title VI programs, to ensure equity in hiring, promotions and diversity.
• Assures the Department and its mission, programs and services are consistently presented in a strong positive image to relevant stakeholders.

 

• Eight years of significant management leadership experience and a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, engineering, finance, accounting, economics or related field; or equivalent relevant experience as determined by the Search Committee.
• Working knowledge of short-term and long-range goals and plans of action that impact a multi-million dollar organization.
• Demonstrated skill in representing the interests of a public or private agency/company before its governing board, government regulators, and private citizens.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws governing the execution and conduct of the programs inherent to the business focus.
• Demonstrated strength in analytical, interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Working ability to understand and communicate fiscal impacts of budget, policies, programs, and legislative issues to all levels of constituents.

• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, or business, or other advanced degree in business, finance, engineering, economics or similar field, or combination of equivalent and relevant years of experience.
• Working knowledge of federal grant management, as well as federal and state funding processes.
• Experience working with public, non-profit, and private sector organizations.
• Demonstrated skill in presenting budgets, policies and programs to higher levels of leadership within the organization, whether public or private.
• Demonstrated skill in creating partnerships and/or collaboration among diverse interests of constituents and policy makers.
• Working knowledge of political structure and transportation issues specific to the State of Maryland.
• Relevant experience in emergency management and homeland security. Hands-on experience with federal transportation programs, policies, and personnel.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the materials submitted. Please apply online using the State of Maryland’s JobAps application system.  Click the "Apply Online" link below to apply.

Please upload a cover letter (including salary requirements) and resume as one document when applying. The instructions for uploading this information is in the online application.  

If you are unable to apply online, you may send your cover letter and resume to: G. Mark Townend, Director of Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston Street, Room 608, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, ATTN: Secretary of Transportation.

Please call 410-767-4917 with related recruitment questions.

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.