CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Operations Council; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Department of Health's Developmental Disabilities Administration seeks a Chief Operating Officer to provide strategic direction and oversight for statewide program operations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The COO will lead the Community Pathways waiver program, ensure compliance, fiscal sustainability, and alignment with MDH priorities.

The role requires a strong track record in executive leadership, policy development, and cross-agency

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting with 30 credit hours in accounting and related courses, including 3 credit hours in auditing.
• Five years of progressive experience in financial management, accounting, expenditure management or business administration.

Responsibilities

• Directs development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Community Pathways waiver program.
• Leads cross-functional initiatives to improve program performance, streamline business processes, and strengthen accountability.
• Represent the Department in dealings with executive leadership, Governor's Office, and key stakeholders to advance the mission.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Executive communication

Equity focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Job description

Main Purpose of Job

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), this senior leadership position functions as the Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a member of the executive leadership team and provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for statewide program operations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The COO ensures that DDA’s Community Pathways waiver program is person-centered, compliant with federal and State requirements, fiscally sustainable, and aligned with the Administration's strategic priorities.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) directs the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Community Pathways waiver program and Title VII State-funded services. The incumbent leads organizational initiatives that enhance program performance, streamline business processes, and strengthen accountability by working very closely with DDA’s COO. It plans, coordinates, and implements high-priority, cross-cutting policies that advance Maryland’s mission and strategic goals. The position is subject public-facing during the Legislative Session, and fosters a close partnership with other administrations within the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), other state agencies, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, non-profits, providers, and advocates to ensure program effectiveness and responsiveness to community needs.

Under the direction of the Deputy Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), the Chief Operating Officer serves as a senior executive responsible for providing strategic leadership, program oversight, and organizational direction for the Administration. The position advises the Deputy Secretary on complex policy, programmatic, and operational matters; ensures the effective administration of DDA’s Community Pathways waiver program and services; and leads cross-functional initiatives that improve organizational performance, accountability, quality, and customer service. The Chief Operating Officer represents and acts on behalf of the Deputy Secretary, as assigned, to ensure continuity of leadership and decision-making while advancing the mission of the Maryland Department of Health to improve the health, safety, independence, and quality of life of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university or a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with 30 credit hours in accounting and related courses, including 3 credit hours in auditing. Qualified candidates must also possess five years of progressive experience in financial management, accounting, expenditure management or business administration.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for the Chief Operating Officer role is a distinguished senior executive with a proven track record of driving large-scale organizational transformation, leading complex cross-functional teams, and championing operational excellence at a system-wide level. Beyond the technical requirements, the candidate must possess superior executive leadership, strategic communication, and consensus-building skills, with a steadfast commitment to advancing equity, person-centered services, and transformative innovation. Demonstrated experience engaging with top-level executive leadership, the Governor's Office, the Maryland General Assembly, CMS, provider networks, and advocacy coalitions is essential. This individual will be a visionary, data-driven strategist capable of architecting productive partnerships and synthesizing policy, operations, and fiscal stewardship into a cohesive statewide strategy to improve the quality of life for Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SELECTION PROCESS

This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. A resume must be uploaded to the application. Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added.

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies. EOE.