Introduction

Maryland Benefits (MD Benefits) is a dynamic, cloud-based platform. This enterprise-wide digital service allows organizations to build, test, host, operate, and integrate mission-driven applications, data, and emerging technologies. MD Benefits offers cloud-based Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) capabilities, a shared data architecture, and product development services, all developed by the State of Maryland to help multiple agencies deliver and manage health, human, and social service benefits and programs. On July 1, 2025, the operation of the MD Benefits shared platform and statewide applications transitioned from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Department of Information Technology (DoIT).

***This is a contractual position, with limited benefits***

***All hires need to be eligible to work in the U.S., either as a U.S. Citizen or those who have a Permanent Resident or green card as the state of Maryland does not have the ability to sponsor employees***

***Applicants are required to submit an up-to-date and accurate resume.***

Main Purpose

We are seeking a highly skilled Subject Matter Expert / Enterprise Agile Lead to drive the adoption and integration of scaled agile principles across programs and projects. The ideal candidate will be methodology-agnostic, with deep experience embedding an agile culture, facilitating continuous improvement, and enabling organizations to deliver digital services effectively. This role requires a balance of Enterprise Coaching experience, technical expertise, leadership, facilitation skills, and stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment, transparency, and successful delivery. The SME / Agile Lead will also play a key role in the integration of key enterprise systems to assist with key operations and financial management processes.

Position Duties

• Enterprise lead for Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) to drive the adoption of scaling patterns, and facilitation of the enterprise wide agile ceremonies.
• Lead and embed an agile culture across teams and programs using techniques from a wide range of agile and lean methodologies.
• Create an open and trust-based environment that fosters collaboration, transparency, and delivery focus.
• Assess team culture, delivery processes, and workflows to identify areas for improvement and facilitate enhancements with the appropriate support.
• Apply tools and techniques including coaching, advising, workshops, and mentoring to drive organizational and team growth.
• Engage stakeholders across all levels of the organization to ensure alignment with business and program objectives.
• Work effectively with cross-functional teams, contractors, state agencies, and partners across the Maryland Benefits program.
• Apply agile best practices to team roles, behaviors, ceremonies, practices, and governance of MD Benefits enterprise.
• Define, monitor, and maintain key metrics and requirements that support delivery and performance.
• Engage agile staff with the skills to coach, mentor, and sustain agile practices independently.
• Provide executive coaching on Strategic program planning, and agile best practices.
• Delivery of Agile training for Scrum roles, SAFe practices, Agile teams, Business Owners, and stakeholders.
• The SME and system owner for VersionOne, the Agile Lifecycle Management (ALM) planning tool, and the primary source of training for use of the tool.
• Provide SAFe and VersionOne training as part of onboarding of all MD Benefits contractors.
• The SME for VersionOne will also play a primary role in the integration of key enterprise systems such as VersionOne, Jira (Servicedesk), Salesforce (CRM), and QuickSite (Reporting) to assist with automation of enterprise operations and financial management processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Prefer Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• SAFe Practice Consultant SPC6 updated and renewed within the last two (2) years.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of Agile Coaching experience embedding agile practices and culture across large teams for State or Federal programs.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and improve delivery processes, culture, and team dynamics.
• Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, mentoring, and coaching.
• Proven expertise in applying agile techniques across team roles, structure, governance, and cross-team coordination.
• Leadership experience with running a Service Desk for administrative support of ALM tool
• Agile frameworks and methodologies (Scrum, SAFe, Kanban, Lean, etc.)
• Agile Coaching, Agile ceremony facilitation (PI Planning, Retrospectives, etc.), and mentoring skills
• Subject Matter Expert in Agile Lifecycle Management (ALM) tools, specifically digital.ai Agility (VersionOne)
• Agile governance best practices, both establishment and continuous improvement

Preferred Experience

• SAFe expertise in establishing and launching new Agile Release Trains, including training, alignment, governance, and team formation.
• Experience in Coaching roles involving human services applications (eligibility-based programs, Child Support services, Child Welfare and Adult services) at the State level.