Deputy Treasurer for MARYLAND 529

YOU could be the next leader of the State's only authorized tax-sheltered savings plans for college and for disabilities.

Maryland 529is a division of the Maryland State Treasurer’s Office which is responsible for administering three IRC Section 529 savings plans – The Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer Prepaid College Trust (MPCT) which is a defined benefit plan, and the Maryland Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer College Investment Plan (MCIP) which is a defined contribution plan, both of which are designed to provide ways for families to save for future college expenses and reduce reliance on future student loan debt; as well as the Maryland Achieving a Better Life Experience Plan (ABLE) which is a defined contribution plan that helps individuals with disabilities save money and pay for qualified disability expenses without jeopardizing State or federal means-tested benefits such as SSI or Medicaid.  All three plans are managed by third party associates, under the direction of the Deputy Treasurer for Maryland529 and oversight of the Maryland State Treasurer and Chief Deputy Treasurer.

This is an Executive Service position which reports directly to the Chief Deputy Treasurer.  The appointee is responsible for overseeing management of the Maryland 529 plans to ensure they are in compliance with both federal law and IRC regulations, as well as Maryland law that enables the operation of the plans and provides for the unique State tax benefits of the plans.  The division’s mission and vision are to provide Maryland families with flexible options to save in advance for qualified education and disability-related expenses and to provide Marylanders a way to be able to reduce their future reliance on loans.  Responsibilities include:

• Under the direction of the Chief Deputy Treasurer, plans, organizes and directs all operations of the programs.  This oversight requires the Deputy Treasurer to maintain an intimate knowledge of all functions of the MD529 plans and division operations, including the impacts of marketing, contractual relationships, and customer service on plans as well as current and future participants.
• Establishes and maintains overall program goals, standards and controls to accomplish the mission of the division’s programs as defined by the Treasurer, and oversees their achievement.  Establishes short and long-range strategic goals for the plan programs.
• Leads the relationships between the State Treasurer’s Office and the plan program managers, assesses program managers’ performance according to their contracts and established goals, works with upper management and program managers on continuous improvement and resolution of problems and deficiencies
• Assists the Chief Deputy Treasurer on identifying needs and securing a wide range of outsourced services, including program managers, investment managers, financial advisors, actuary expertise, and marketing firms 
• Works closely with the Treasurer’s Office Budget & Accounting and Investments divisions to oversee the financial and accounting transactions and recordkeeping of the plans in order to ensure compliance with the Treasurer’s fiduciary responsibilities and national accounting/financial recordkeeping standards.  Oversees legislative and independent financial audits.
• Ensures that Maryland 529 programs remain current with 529 Plan industry practices and regulations.  Serves as the lead representative for Maryland’s 529 plans in national industry associations such as the College Savings Plans Network (CSPN) and the Able Savings Plans Network (ASPN).
• Recommends plan enhancements and policy improvements to the Chief Deputy Treasurer, implementing as approved.
• Manages personnel and budgetary resources of the division and advises the Chief Deputy Treasurer on organizational structure and staffing needs.  Directly supervises division management staff.  Creates a positive work environment for the division staff.  Maintains a positive reputation for the Maryland 529 plans among the staff and citizens of Maryland, the Maryland General Assembly, and the local, regional and national media.

COMPETENCIES:

• Proven experience in financial data analysis with strong financial management background; experience working with financial, investment and accounting staff to oversee transactions and recordkeeping; experience overseeing financial audits and preparing audit responses.
• Proven experience in public speaking and giving presentations to groups such as government or elected officials, corporate boards, community leaders, sponsors and/or other key stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member, leader and in creating a positive workplace environment and culture.
• Proven ability to work independently, apply and interpret laws, policies and procedures and use of good judgment in evaluating and making decisions.
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks, estimate time frames, meet deadlines, plan and use available resources, and coordinate work assignments with others.
• Proven experience in working for and with a Senior Management Team.
• Proven experience in procurement and contract management.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and maintain a courteous attitude toward the public and employees.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, alternative delivery systems and customer satisfaction evaluation techniques.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s Degree in business or a related field, as well as a minimum of 5-10 years of progressive management experience in a financial or executive leadership position.

In addition, preference will be given to candidates who possess an understanding of and experience in managing IRC Section 529 plans and programs, a background in financial operations and management, and/or an understanding of and experience with contract management overseeing outsourced services/programs.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Candidates will be subject to a background investigation to include credit and criminal history.  Candidates must be willing to work onsite in the Baltimore and Annapolis areas.

WHY WORK FOR THE STATE OF MARYLAND? 

• Job stability and pinnacle experience (we are a State Constitutional Office)
• Ability to make your mark through public service
• Hybrid teleworking schedules
• Paid holidays 12-13 per year
• Generous paid leave package (annual, sick, personal leave)
• State Pension ("defined benefit" plan)
• Tax-deferred supplemental retirement savings plans (401(k) and 457) The State will match employee contributions of deferred supplemental retirement savings up to $600 per fiscal year. 
• Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic prescriptions, and free preventative health services
• Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare
• State Employees Credit Union
• Direct Deposit
• Free parking in the Baltimore area (main office location)

This is an at-will, Executive Service position which serves at the pleasure of the Treasurer.  Candidates will be selected for interview based on a review and rating of education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position.  You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Report all experience and education that is related to this position.  Please submit a current resume to supplement your application.