Deputy Inspector General - 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.

**STARTING SALARY RANGE**
$137,234 - $154,725

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Deputy Inspector General performs advanced professional oversight and investigative work for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and works closely with the Inspector General to ensure the mission of the office is achieved. This position assists in planning, supervising, and conducting investigations, and evaluations related to allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct involving County government operations and entities or individuals receiving County funds and identifying ways to promote efficiency, accountability, compliance, and integrity. The Deputy serves on an investigative team conducting confidential internal reviews and evaluations of potential fraud, waste and abuse in internal County government policies, systems and procedures. Work includes providing leadership and subject matter expertise on complex and sensitive matters, coordinating investigative activities, supporting reporting and interagency efforts, and assisting with administrative and operational functions of the Office. The position requires independent judgment, discretion, and a high level of confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of OIG work.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs advanced and highly responsible professional level work under the direction of the Inspector General. Work includes conducting investigation into fraud, waste, and abuse concerns covering Howard County Government, external entities and individuals receiving County funds or in contractual agreement with any Howard County Government department or agency.

The role of the Deputy is to:

• Work with the Inspector General to deliver high quality investigation services, drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and County policies related to fraud, waste and abuse.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop team members to achieve professional growth and OIG goals.
• Represent the Office of Inspector General in meetings, presentations, and collaborations with County leadership and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Performs statutory mandate to evaluate, investigate, inspect, and monitor the activities and records of the County Government, external entities, and individuals receiving County funds for, but not limited to, contracts, procurements, grants, agreements, and other financial or programmatic arrangements undertaken by or on behalf of the County Government; or any other function, activity, policy, procedure, process, or operation conducted by County Government, external entities, or individuals receiving County funds or benefits as directed by the Inspector General.
• Reviews, evaluates, and responds to complaints and concerns alleging fraud, waste, abuse, illegal acts, or misconduct involving County government employees, programs, resources, and operations, as well as matters related to efficiency, accountability, and integrity.
• Determines whether complaints fall within the jurisdiction of the Office of the Inspector General and refers matters outside of the Office’s authority to appropriate internal or external agencies, or coordinates joint reviews or inquiries with other entities, including the County Auditor, when appropriate.
• Assesses the credibility and validity of information received and establishes an appropriate basis for further review by conducting preliminary discussions with complainants, witnesses, and subject matter experts, and by reviewing relevant records and documentation.
• Oversee and manage all phases of assigned reviews and investigations, including the development of investigative strategies, planning and conducting interviews of subjects and witnesses, requesting and reviewing documents, and analyzing financial, administrative, and operational records.
• Participates directly in interviews, document reviews, and data analysis as necessary or appropriate to ensure reviews and investigations are conducted in a thorough, objective, and timely manner.
• Drafts, reviews, and edits advisory memoranda and investigative reports that clearly document findings, conclusions, and recommendations for issuance to County leadership, oversight bodies, and, when appropriate, the public.
• Assists the Inspector General in preparing the Office’s annual report, including summarizing investigative activities, outcomes, trends, and accomplishments.
• Performs education efforts with County government personnel regarding the Office of the Inspector General, its role, mission and how to report concerns.
• Serves as a liaison with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and other oversight entities to coordinate investigations, share information as appropriate, prevent duplication of effort, and avoid compromising investigative strategies.
• Performs special projects at the direction of the Inspector General and provides administrative and operational support to the Office, including maintaining and updating policies and procedures, budget planning and preparation, participating in recruitment and hiring activities, tracking and summarizing complaint and investigation statistics, and coordinating training and professional development opportunities.
• Protect confidentiality of complainants, whistleblowers or other persons or information protected by law.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a related discipline.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Law, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related discipline (e.g., Accounting, Public Administration, Business, or Law).
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in auditing, investigations, compliance, fraud, waste, and abuse, or related oversight functions.
• At least three (3) years of experience in a supervisory or management role, leading investigative teams.
• Experience working within a public-sector or a governmental organization is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing:
  • Investigative processes
  • Compliance reviews and risk assessments
  • Report writing and presentation to executive leadership or governing bodies
• Strong knowledge of government operations, budget preparation and management.
• Working knowledge of investigative techniques, evidence handling, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• High level of financial and analytical acumen, with the ability to evaluate complex financial and operational data.
• Proven ability to draft clear, concise, and defensible investigative reports.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ability to act on behalf of the Inspector General as needed, including decision-making and external coordination.
• Proficiency in relevant data analysis, and office productivity software.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and develop team members to achieve professional growth and organizational goals.
• Certified Inspector General (CIG)

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to sit.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Traveling to sites, physically traversing the ground, attending meetings onsite or in other offices.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Interested candidates must submit the following materials with their application:

• Cover Letter: Describing your qualifications and interest in the position.

• Resume: Highlighting your education, professional experience, and any relevant certifications.

• Transcripts/Certifications: Unofficial academic transcripts and/or relevant professional certifications.

• References: Enter at least three (3) professional references in the designated field of the application.

• Writing Samples: Please provide one (1) to two (2) examples of 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.