Senior Administrative Analyst (Investigator) - Office of Inspector General

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking. What are we looking for? We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations. What you'll like most about working at

Howard County Government:

We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government. We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged! We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking applicants for two (2) Investigator positions within the newly established Howard County Office of Inspector General. Investigators in the Office of Inspector General perform advanced professional-level administrative and investigative work in support of the mission of the Office of Inspector General (OIG). These two (2) positions are responsible for conducting complex investigations and reviews involving allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct, or noncompliance related to County programs, operations, contracts, and personnel actions. The Investigators work under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General to support the OIG accomplish its mission. Work requires independent judgment, analytical skill, discretion, and the ability to evaluate complex administrative, financial, personnel, procurement, and policy matters under general supervision.

ANTICIPATED STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE

$41.25 - $43.79 $85,796 - $91,089 CLASS

DESCRIPTION

Performs advanced professional level administrative work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes the analysis and coordination of complex administrative matters; researching, reviewing, and analyzing legislative, budget, personnel, purchasing and policy issues; and supervising one or more major functional office programs or activities. This is a Classified (merit) position, where a newly hired employee would be subject to a probationary period of at least six (6) months. A hybrid work model may be available once the probationary period has been completed, depending on operational needs of the Office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Conducts administrative and operational reviews and investigations of County departments, programs, contracts, grants, vendors, and employees to identify potential fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct, or noncompliance. Receives and responds to complaints filed with the Office of Inspector General (OIG), including conducting interviews of complainants to obtain relevant information and documentation. Prepares clear, thorough written and oral summaries of complaints for the Deputy Inspector General to support determinations regarding the suitability and feasibility of opening formal investigations. Evaluates and analyzes complaints, referrals, and allegations to determine investigative scope, applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards. Conducts comprehensive research and analysis of legislative, regulatory, personnel, procurement, budgetary, and policy issues relevant to assigned reviews and investigations. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates financial, operational, and administrative records, including contracts, invoices, payroll data, procurement files, internal controls, and electronic records, to support oversight and accountability objectives Conducts audio-recorded interviews of witnesses, subjects and other relevant parties, ensuring the interviews are conducted professionally, objectively and in compliance with applicable laws; documents statements accurately and evaluates credibility and consistency of information with appropriate discretion. Prepares accurate, well-organized written summaries, and drafts comprehensive reports that clearly document findings, conclusions, and recommendations in a defensible manner. Coordinates investigative and information-gathering activities with OIG management and, as appropriate, with legal counsel, human resources, auditors, and other internal or external oversight entities. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information and ensures investigations are conducted in accordance with established OIG standards, policies and protocols and consistent with County, state and federal laws and regulations. Assists with coordination of OIG investigative programs, case tracking, and office-wide initiatives; may provide functional guidance, mentoring or training support to lower-level staff. Provides information, evidence, and investigative findings related to the potential criminal, civil, or administrative violations to appropriate law enforcement, prosecutorial, or regulatory agencies, as directed. Testifies under oath before grand juries, courts, or other legal proceedings regarding investigative activities, findings, and conclusions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have regular supervisory responsibility but may provide functional direction, guidance, or mentoring to lower-level staff or assist in coordinating investigative activities.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university from a related field. Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in investigations or a related discipline.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Master's degree in public administration, criminal justice, accounting, business administration, law, political science, or a closely related field. Experience conducting investigations, reviews, or compliance examinations involving fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct, or regulatory noncompliance within a governmental, regulatory, or oversight environment. Experience analyzing complex administrative, financial, procurement, personnel, or operational records and developing written findings and recommendations. Experience interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and internal control standards. Experience preparing formal investigative reports, analytical memoranda, or management recommendations for senior leadership or oversight bodies. Experience working in an Office of Inspector General, compliance unit, or similar oversight organization. Experience in law enforcement or a subject area relevant to the work of the Office of the Inspector General. Professional certification related to investigations, or compliance (e.g., AIG, Certified IG Investigator (CIGI), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or comparable credential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional fieldwork, meetings, or interviews. The position involves handling confidential and sensitive information and requires adherence to strict ethical and confidentiality standards. No unusual physical demands are required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and complex written materials. Ability to write clear, concise, and well-supported reports and correspondence. Ability to conduct group meetings and give oral presentations. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with management, staff, external entities, and the public, including various demographics.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to analyze and interpret financial, budgetary, payroll, and procurement data; apply basic statistical or quantitative analysis as needed to identify trends, irregularities, or risks.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect, organize and analyze data, establish facts, draw valid and well-supported conclusions, and exercise sound judgment in complex and sensitive situations. Ability to apply principles of logical or analytical thinking to investigative and administrative issues, including evaluating credibility, weighing evidence, identifying inconsistencies and assessing risk and impact. Skill in communicating and presenting data in a digestible format.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

Valid Maryland Class C Driver's License or equivalent from another state, in good standing. Interested candidates must submit the following materials with their application:

Resume:

Highlighting your education, professional experience, and any relevant certifications.

Transcripts/Certifications:

Unofficial academic transcripts and/or relevant professional certifications. Official copies will be obtained if selected for hire.

References:

Enter at least three (3) professional references in the designated field of the application with phone numbers and email addresses.

Writing Sample:

Please provide writing sample of your own work relating to an investigation, project, or oversight-related work that you personally authored within the past five (5) years. Ensure that any confidential or sensitive information is appropriately redacted. Indicate whether you worked independently or collaboratively with a team.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TO APPLY:

You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted. Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks. At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or

World Education Services:

International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/). Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service , sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.