DIRECTOR, GEOSPATIAL DATA AND ANALYSIS UNIT

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) is seeking a talented, energetic, and motivated professional to join its Geospatial Data & Analysis (GDA) Division, serving as its Director and being responsible for coordinating and implementing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) initiatives related to a wide range of demographic, socioeconomic, land use and infrastructure planning topics. The GDA Director services as the�Department’s GIS lead coordinating operations for MDP’s various units, ensuring consistent and efficient use of GIS applications throughout the Department.

GRADE

22

LOCATION OF POSITION

MD Department of Planning 120 E. Baltimore Street� Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The Director of the Geospatial Data and Analysis (GDA) Unit provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Maryland Department of Planning’s enterprise GIS operations, ensuring the effective integration of geospatial technologies into statewide planning initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Secretary of Planning Services, the Director is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive GIS strategy that aligns with the department’s mission and objectives. This position oversees the implementation, operation, and continual enhancement of the agency’s GIS infrastructure, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and accessibility of spatial data for data-driven decision-making. The Director manages and directs the activities of three specialized subunits: Modeling and Analysis, which focuses on spatial analysis, predictive modeling, and data visualization; Database and Server Administration, which is responsible for the enterprise GIS database, server architecture, and data integrity; and GIS Web Application and Data, which manages GIS applications, web-based mapping platforms, and geospatial data accessibility. Additionally, the Director provides direct supervision to the GDA Deputy Director, Geospatial Web Administrator, Geospatial Web Manager, and Geospatial Data Scientist, ensuring seamless operations and the advancement of GIS capabilities across the department. This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

POSITION DUTIES

Strategic Planning and Implementation The Director is responsible for developing and implementing an enterprise GIS strategy and work plan that supports the department’s mission. This includes overseeing the management and monitoring of GIS programs, ensuring operational efficiency, and adhering to best practices. The role involves establishing policies, procedures, technical documentation, training, and long-term goals for GIS operations. Additionally, the Director evaluates and enhances GIS applications, databases, and system infrastructure to improve performance, security, and accessibility while ensuring compliance with state and federal GIS data standards, security protocols, data governance, and data-sharing policies.� Interdepartmental and Inter-Agency Collaboration� Establishing and maintaining relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private sector and academic partners, to support joint GIS initiatives. The Director collaborates with internal stakeholders to identify GIS needs, prioritize projects, and ensure seamless integration of GIS technologies into department-wide workflows. As the agency’s GIS representative, the Director participates in statewide and regional planning initiatives, policy discussions, and technical advisory committees.� Project Management� Project oversight and data management are key components of the role. The Director manages and monitors GIS projects department wide, ensuring timely completion and adherence to defined goals. This includes overseeing the enterprise GIS database architecture to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and interoperability. Additionally, the Director implements quality assurance and control measures for geospatial data, storage, publication, and mapping products to maintain high standards across all GIS outputs.� Technology Integration and Innovation� Staying current with emerging GIS trends, technologies, and methodologies is essential, and the Director is responsible for recommending and implementing innovative solutions and to improve GIS capabilities. This includes leading the adoption of new GIS tools, software, database architectures, and automation processes to enhance operational efficiency. The Director also coordinates with IT and GIS teams to manage system security, cloud infrastructure, and data governance, ensuring that the department’s GIS framework remains robust and adaptable to evolving technological advancements.� Budget and Resource Management� The Director oversees the unit’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation. This includes managing GIS-related contracts, vendor relationships, and procurement processes to support the department’s geospatial initiatives. Additionally, the Director supervises and provides professional development opportunities for GIS staff, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous skill advancement to maintain a highly capable geospatial workforce.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:� A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university including 30 credit hours in Planning, Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Economics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or Information Technology. Experience:� Five years of experience, including two years of management responsibilities, in the operation of geographic information systems and in geospatial analysis.� Notes:� 1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university accompanied by a Geographic Information Systems Professional Certificate (GISP) from The GIS Certification Institute for the required education.� 2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the specified educational fields for one year of the required experience.� 3. Candidates may substitute the possession of an additional Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the specified educational fields for one additional year of the required experience.� 4. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in the specified educational fields for two years of the required experience.� 5. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Logistics, Architect, Geospatial Intelligence Analyst, or Cryptologic classifications or Logistics, Architect specialty codes in the Architect field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Four years of experience in one or more of the following: • Demonstrated proficiency in writing SQL scripts and experience performing complex spatial queries and analysis. in support of land use and planning needs, using Python, SQL, and JavaScript.� • Experience with GIS analysis and/or land use model applications that require customized spatial queries and programming.� • In-depth knowledge of spatial analysis, cartography, and geospatial data management.� • Certification in GIS-related domains such as Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP).� • Experience with databases and database technologies such as SQLServer, Spatial Database Engine (SDE), and ArcSDE.� • Experience using ArcGIS software and Jupyter Notebook.� • Experience using ArcGIS online in developing applications and dashboards.� • Experience using MS PowerBI and Project. • Experience as a GIS Manager.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that 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 consider information submitted after this date.�Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the�eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The evaluation may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position.�It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.�Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online,�the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to:�Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and�Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201.�Paper application materials must be received in our office�by the�closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the�DBM Recruitment and�Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov�or 410-767-4850,�MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.

Salary : $89,913 - $145,151