Introduction
The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow.
The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) brings together citizens, community-based organizations, federal, state, county and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to collectively address the needs of Rural Maryland communities. We provide a venue for members of agriculture and natural resource-based industries, health care facilities, educational institutions, economic and community development organizations, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and government agencies to cross traditional boundaries, share information, and address in a more holistic way the special needs and opportunities in Rural Maryland.
GRADE
ASTD10
LOCATION OF POSITION
MDA Headquarters: Annapolis, MD
Main Purpose of Job
The Administrative and Communications Assistant is an administrative level position with the responsibility of reception, filing, preparing invoices for payment, administrative projects, communications including updating the organization's website and performing event planning functions of the Rural Maryland Council. The position reports to the Executive Director as well as provides administrative support to RMC employees, the RMC Executive Board and its committees.
POSITION DUTIES
Duties
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide administrative support to the RMC Executive Director, Executive Board, and committees, including managing communications, maintaining records, preparing invoices, and updating the organization’s website.
- Support partner organizations such as the Rural Maryland Broadband Coordination Board and Rural Maryland Foundation by coordinating meetings, issuing notices, maintaining websites, and preparing meeting minutes.
- Develop and manage organizational communications and materials, including maintaining contact databases, distributing event and meeting information, and designing reports, agendas, and program materials.
- Create and distribute the RMC quarterly newsletter, including drafting content, highlighting programs, and coordinating updates from committees and partners.
- Coordinate and participate in outreach events, including managing event logistics, staffing exhibit tables, collecting contacts, and maintaining the outreach calendar and sponsorships.
- Plan and execute meetings and conferences, including securing venues, coordinating catering, managing registrations, tracking attendees, and maintaining related financial records.
- Draft routine correspondence and respond to public and stakeholder inquiries, including requests for information and Public Information Act (PIA) requests.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Three years performing secretarial or clerical work involving typing duties.
Notes
- Additional secretarial or clerical experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
- Thirty credit hours with a major in secretarial science or office technology from an accredited college may be substituted at the rate of thirty credits for one year of experience for up to two years of the required experience.
- Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Administration classifications or Administrative, Clerical, or Office Services specialty codes in the Administrative Support field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
Desired Or Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
- Experience providing administrative or executive support to senior leadership, boards, or committees.
- Experience planning and coordinating meetings, conferences, or public-facing events, including logistics and stakeholder coordination.
- Experience developing and distributing communications materials, such as newsletters, reports, or outreach content.
- Experience managing websites, contact databases, or digital communication platforms.
- Experience working with multiple stakeholders or partner organizations, particularly within government, nonprofit, or community-based settings.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
Special Requirements
Some supplies are ordered that may need to be lifted that are 50 pounds or more. Displays and materials for exhibits may weigh more than 50 lbs.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not accept information submitted after this date. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions and qualifications of this position.
For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you detail all experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.
BARGAINING UNIT STATUS
B
Benefits
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401 (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).
The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online. All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted.
Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the Human Resources address listed above.
If you are having difficulty with your user account, need to make adjustments to a submitted application or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division
Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Courtney Blackistone at courtney.blackistone1@maryland.gov.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
