Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff serves as a principal administration leader for the State’s Attorney, overseeing and directing the administrative and operational functions of the State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO). This position is responsible for personnel and financial management, interdepartmental coordination, and policy development to ensure the efficient operation of the office. Working under the general direction of the State’s Attorney, this role has broad decision-making authority and serves as a key leader in organizational administration, budgeting, human resources, and office infrastructure.

1. Serves as a principal administration leader for the State’s Attorney, providing analysis and recommendations on office operations, policy decisions, and resource allocation;
2. Directs the office infrastructure efforts of the SAO, including organizational structure, staffing strategy, and process improvements;
3. Develops and implements policies and procedures governing administrative operations, financial management, and personnel matters;
4. Leads decision-making regarding office management, operational efficiency, and interdepartmental coordination;
5. Serves as a liaison between the SAO and county, state, and federal agencies, as well as external stakeholders and community organizations;
6. Oversees all hiring, onboarding, and personnel management processes, including recruitment, applicant screening, interviews, performance evaluations, and promotions;
7. Works closely with the State’s Attorney and Human Resources to manage employee relations, disciplinary actions, ADA accommodations, and personnel policies;
8. Responsible for overseeing and managing the entire grant process, including researching and identifying potential opportunities, writing all comprehensive proposals with narrative content, budgets, and supporting documentation, developing and maintaining tracking systems, and handling all aspects of submission, follow-up, compliance, and reporting activities;
9. Directly supervises administrative employees and interns ensuring alignment with office goals;
10. Approves time sheets and payroll for multiple SAO divisions and ensures compliance with labor policies;
11. Coordinates employee training, professional development, and leadership initiatives to support staff;
12. Manages and approves SAO budgets, including operational expenditures, grants, procurement, and travel reimbursements;
13. Prepares and presents budget submissions to the County Commissioners;
14. Conducts financial analysis, cost assessments, and expenditure tracking to optimize resource allocation;
15. Reviews and approves purchase requests, contracts, and financial reports to ensure accuracy and compliance;
16. Manages office infrastructure, IT systems, and facility operations, coordinating with Building Services and IT for upgrades, maintenance, and security needs;
17. Ensures smooth execution of office functions, including front desk operations, workspace assignments, and technology troubleshooting;
18. Oversees vehicle management, office equipment acquisitions, and operational logistics;
19. Leads initiatives to improve internal communication, workflow efficiency, and administrative effectiveness;
20. Supervises community outreach initiatives and community engagement programs;
21. Oversees public information dissemination;
22. Coordinates high-profile office projects, including IT system upgrades, MOU agreements, and partnerships;
23. Represents the SAO at intergovernmental meetings and County Commissioner sessions;
24. Performs other duties as assigned;

1. Ability to gain advanced knowledge of St. Mary’s County Government policies and procedures;
2. Ability to act as a representative of St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office to the public;
3. Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of office operations and services and of administrative management, and the ability to interpret same to staff and the public;
4. Excellent ability to lead and manage a team;
5. Extensive knowledge of governmental fiscal policies, procedures, and legal mandates including the budget process;
6. Extensive knowledge on modern research and investigative techniques and procedures;
7. Extensive knowledge of the laws, statutes, and ordinances of the State of Maryland and St. Mary’s County;
8. Ability to keep the State’s Attorney and all relevant parties informed of all major issues and programs and to recommend changes as appropriate;
9. Ability to supervise, plan, and coordinate the work of diverse staff in order to accomplish departmental goals and objectives;
10. Ability to review, evaluate, and initiate appropriate action on technical and legal reports, contracts, and documents concerning office and grant matters;
11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, associates, subordinates, representatives from other agencies, and the general public;
12. Knowledge of electronic resources, including the Internet and database information retrieval;
13. Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures related to Personnel Administration;
14. Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software.

1. Bachelor’s degree;
2. Five years or more of related professional experience, or additional education in a specialized area;
3. Experience in policy development, personnel management, and financial oversight is required;
4. Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.