CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ((Program Manager Senior II))

Maryland AG; Baltimore, Northern (MD, KY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

JobAps in Maryland seeks a Chief Operating Officer for the Developmental Disabilities Administration, reporting to the Deputy Secretary. The COO provides strategic leadership, oversight of statewide program operations, and ensures the Community Pathways waiver program is person-centered and compliant.

The role directs implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, and represents the agency with the Governor's Office, CMS, and providers to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of ten years of high-level executive leadership experience within large-scale human services or healthcare environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for statewide program operations.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Community Pathways waiver program and Title VII State-funded services.
• Represent and act on behalf of the Deputy Secretary to ensure continuity of leadership and alignment with Maryland's health mission.

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

GRADE

26

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDH Developmental Disabilities Administration, Baltimore MD

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 position leads organizational initiatives that enhance program performance, streamline business processes, and strengthen accountability by working very closely with DDA’s CPO and Deputy Secretary. 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 or higher from an accredited college or university and a minimum of ten years of high-level executive leadership experience within large-scale human services or healthcare environments.

Extensive expertise in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), Medicaid waiver administration and developmental disabilities policy is essential. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in managing fiscal resources and grants, directing strategic planning initiatives, and fostering organizational growth and performance excellence while ensuring strict adherence to complex federal and State regulatory frameworks.

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.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.