Policy & Compliance Specialist 2026P-0087
Ascension LLC is seeking a senior-level Policy and Compliance Specialist with deep experience drafting procurement policies, interpreting Maryland COMAR Title 21, and aligning institutional procurement practices with regulatory requirements.
This role is critical to supporting Frederick Community College’s transition from a decentralized procurement structure to a centralized, policy-driven, governance-based model. The Specialist will lead the development of procurement policy frameworks, compliance documentation, regulatory crosswalks, and governance language that formally establishes Procurement as the College’s authoritative function.
The ideal candidate brings:
• Higher education procurement policy experience
• Direct experience interpreting Maryland COMAR
• Demonstrated success supporting compliance audits or regulatory implementation
• Ability to translate legal and regulatory language into clear, usable campus guidance
This position is best suited for a seasoned procurement compliance professional who thrives in structured policy environments and can work independently while collaborating with executive stakeholders.
Position Summary
The Policy and Compliance Specialist will serve as the lead architect for procurement policy modernization and regulatory alignment activities under FCC’s Procurement Transformation Initiative.
This contractor will:
• Draft and formalize a College-wide Procurement Policy
• Develop a comprehensive Procurement Policy Manual
• Create a detailed COMAR crosswalk mapping FCC policy to Maryland Title 21
• Recommend threshold updates and delegation structures
• Modernize procurement Terms and Conditions
• Ensure 508-compliant policy documentation
The Specialist must be highly detail-oriented, analytically rigorous, and capable of interpreting regulatory language without overcomplicating operational implementation.
The role requires strong executive communication skills, the ability to defend policy recommendations, and demonstrated comfort operating in environments with evolving governance structures.
Day-to-Day / Phase-Based Activities
• Review and analyze the 2024–2025 procurement assessment findings
• Interpret Maryland COMAR Title 21 and related state procurement statutes
• Draft College-wide Procurement Policy establishing centralized authority
• Develop a Procurement Policy Manual aligned with COMAR
• Create regulatory crosswalk documentation mapping policy sections to COMAR citations
• Recommend procurement thresholds, approval authorities, and delegation structures
• Modernize Terms & Conditions across procurement categories
• Identify regulatory risk gaps and propose mitigation language
• Collaborate with legal counsel to refine policy language
• Support drafting of internal vs. external policy distinctions
• Participate in stakeholder working sessions
• Revise documentation based on leadership feedback
• Ensure all materials meet Section 508 accessibility requirements
• Prepare executive-ready briefing materials
How to Apply
CLICK HERE TO APPLY & SUBMIT YOUR RESUMEJob Features
| Job Category | Project Management, Strategic Advisory |
| MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS | Bachelor’s degree required (Public Administration, Business, Law, or related field) | Strong written and executive communication skills | Demonstrated experience developing procurement compliance frameworks | Strong written and executive communication skills |
| REQUIRED SKILLS | Minimum 8+ years of experience drafting procurement policies |
| TECHNICAL SKILLS | Direct experience interpreting state, federal, or higher education procurement requirements | Demonstrated experience supporting compliance audits or regulatory implementation | Experience drafting governance language and approval hierarchies | Experience developing COMAR-aligned or state regulatory crosswalks |
| DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS | Direct experience with Maryland COMAR Title 21 (strongly preferred) | Higher education procurement transformation experience | Experience modernizing Terms & Conditions libraries | Professional certifications such as: NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPCM, CFCM | Juris Doctor (JD) or Master’s in Public Administration preferred | Experience supporting centralized procurement transitions |
| SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTS | Ability to pass background screening | Must adhere to FCC data security requirements | Must not upload or store FCC information in external AI tools or cloud systems | Must comply with Maryland Public Information Act sensitivity expectations |